Partnership with Authentic Brands Group Accelerates Global Growth
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gainline Capital Partners’ portfolio company Galaxy Universal, a leading global footwear company, acquires Reebok’s global product creation, sourcing, and footwear operations in the U.S. As part of the US operations, Galaxy will lead Reebok’s US footwear wholesale, retail and e-commerce channels, further solidifying its position as a global leader in athletic footwear. Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) remains the owner of Reebok’s global IP.
In addition, Galaxy will oversee Reebok’s operations across Europe and the UK, through a new joint venture with the Batra Group, GB Brands Europe Limited, further accelerating the brand’s growth trajectory.
Eddie Esses, CEO of Galaxy, stated, “I’m thrilled to add Reebok, one of the top athletic brands in the world, to our brand portfolio. As Reebok’s US and global footwear operator, our focus will be to unleash Reebok’s full potential and ensure we design and produce the best athletic shoes for customers worldwide. We look forward to building on Reebok’s great heritage and writing the next exciting chapter of this iconic brand.”
Allan Weinstein, Managing Partner of Gainline, added, “This transaction represents an incredible long-term growth opportunity for Galaxy. The rich heritage of the Reebok brand combined with Galaxy’s expertise in athletic footwear and innovation are a winning combination. We are excited to continue to partner with the Galaxy team as they expand their global footprint.”
About Galaxy
Galaxy Universal is a leading, vertically integrated, global footwear organization and brand management platform focused on athletic, wellness, work, and outdoor categories. Along with its unique ability in speed to market, sourcing, design, development, and manufacturing, Galaxy has robust wholesale distribution in over 80 countries and 60,000 retail points of sale. Its owned brands include And1, Avia, Gaiam, Hi-Tec, and Magnum, while the company is a licensee of the Reebok, Shaq, Quiksilver, Billabong, Lands’ End, and Justice brands.
For more information, visit www.galaxycorp.com
About Gainline
Gainline Capital Partners is a private equity firm that invests in profitable, U.S.-based middle market companies. The firm focuses on being the first institutional capital and specializes in partnering with management teams to help execute their vision, drive sustainable growth and create long term value. www.gainlinecapital.com
About Authentic
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a unified platform that integrates M&A, licensing, brand strategy and digital innovation to unlock the power of its global portfolio. It connects iconic sports, lifestyle, entertainment and media brands with best-in-class partners to optimize long-term value in the marketplace. Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual retail sales. These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 13,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 400,000 points of sale worldwide. Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker. Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.
For more information, visit authentic.com.
Follow Authentic on LinkedIn, Instagram and WeChat.
About Batra Group
Batra Group, founded in 1949, is a global organisation specialising in brand licensing, design, sourcing, and distribution. Serving the EMEA region for licensed brands while providing sourcing and supply solutions worldwide, the company remains 100% family-owned. Batra Group manages a diverse portfolio of more than 25 brands, collaborates with over 400 partners, and reaches more than 5,000 retail doors. Its brand portfolio includes renowned names such as Fila, Juicy Couture, Russell Athletic, Hunter Boots, Hi-Tec, Hoodrich, Pony, and Sergio Tacchini.
For more information, visit www.batragroup.com
SOURCE Gainline Capital Partners
