New brand management platform WHP Global has announced its first acquisition with the purchase of global fashion brand Anne Klein from Premier Brands Group.

Having announced its launch yesterday (17 July), WHP Global is led by Yehuda Shmidma who currently serves as vice chairman for the parent company of Toys’R’Us.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The firm is backed by a US$200m equity commitment from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management and has been founded to acquire and manage multiple global consumer brands leveraging a shared platform to unlock competitive advantages at scale and fuel growth for each distinctive brand in its portfolio. It plans to deploy up to $1bn in capital over the next five years.

Its first acquisition is global fashion brand Anne Klein, which currently generates more than $700m in global retail sales with product distributed by partners including Steve Madden for footwear and handbags and Kasper Group for sportswear.

WHP said with Anne Klein now under its wing it would sharpen its focus on driving growth with key retailers in the US, including Macy’s, as well as identifying new categories and expanding globally. WHP plans to invest significantly in marketing, social media and digital commerce to drive increased brand engagement.

See Also:

“With its extensive heritage and strong sales base, Anne Klein is the perfect brand to kick off the WHP portfolio. We believe there is ample opportunity for even further growth and look forward to supporting this iconic brand’s next chapter,” added Ted Crockin, vice president at Oaktree and member of the WHP Board of Directors.

Ralph Schipani, CEO of Premier Brands Group, added: “The Anne Klein brand is in good hands, and we are excited to continue our involvement as a long-term licensee for multiple categories including sportswear and jewellery. The divestiture aligns with our focus of being a leading wholesaler of women’s apparel, jeanswear, and accessories to major US and international retailers.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.