Under the agreement, Lands’ End will contribute all intellectual property and related assets tied to the Lands’ End brand, including existing licensing agreements, into the new entity.
WHP Global will pay $300m in cash for a 50% controlling ownership stake, with the joint venture to be owned 50/50 by both parties following completion.
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Lands’ End said the transaction will allow it to fully repay its outstanding term loan, around $234m as of 26 January 2026, with remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.
The company retains full operational control of its direct-to-consumer and B2B businesses, while the joint venture will manage global licensing strategy and brand expansion.
WHP Global’s platform, which spans more than 80 countries and a portfolio generating over $8bn in retail sales, is expected to support category expansion, partner selection and long-term royalty growth for the Lands’ End brand. Existing products, customer relationships, channels and brand presentation will remain unchanged, the companies said.
As part of the structure, a Lands’ End subsidiary will enter into a long-term licence agreement with the joint venture, allowing it to continue using the brand’s intellectual property in exchange for royalty payments, including guaranteed minimum royalties starting at $50m in the first year.
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By GlobalDataIn certain WHP Global monetisation events, such as a public listing or majority sale, Lands’ End may have the right and in some cases the obligation to exchange its joint venture interest for equity in WHP Global at the same valuation multiple.
Separately, WHP Global plans to launch a tender offer for up to $100m of Lands’ End shares at $45 per share, subject to proration and completion of the IP transaction. Following the offer, WHP Global is expected to hold up to 7% of Lands’ End’s outstanding common stock.
Yehuda Shmidman, founder, chairman & CEO of WHP Global, said, “We see a significant opportunity to expand the reach of the Lands’ End brand both in the US and globally by leveraging WHP Global’s platform – which today spans 80+ countries, 225+ license partners, and, post-close, a portfolio generating more than $8 billion in global retail sales. We look forward to partnering with the Lands’ End team to unlock the brand’s next chapter of growth.”
