Authentic Brands Group has partnered with One Jeanswear Group to operate Lee across the US and Canada after its planned acquisition of the brand closes in the second half of 2026.
OJG will oversee sourcing, product development and wholesale distribution while retaining Lee’s headquarters and key operations in North Carolina to support long-term brand growth and market expansion.
As part of the partnership, OJG will take on the Lee U.S. and Canada operating business and work closely with Authentic to continue serving consumers and retail partners across the region. Lee’s operations will remain headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina. OJG also plans to maintain operations at the brand’s Mocksville, North Carolina facility and continue leveraging the expertise of the existing team to support the business.
“Having previously led Lee, I know firsthand the strength of this brand, the passion of its team and the loyalty of its consumers,” said Chris Waldeck, Chief Executive Officer of One Jeanswear Group. “Our priority is to build on the brand’s rich heritage, support the talented team in Greensboro and Mocksville, and create a foundation for long-term growth.”
Morris Tbeile, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Brands Group Holdings, said “We look forward to investing in the business and working alongside Authentic to expand Lee’s presence and impact across the market. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow our brand portfolio with Authentic.”
“Lee is one of the most recognizable names in denim, with an unmatched heritage and tremendous opportunity for future growth,” said Jarrod Weber, Global President, Sports and Lifestyle at Authentic. “One Jeanswear Group has been a trusted partner of Authentic for many years, and we have seen firsthand their ability to execute at the highest level. They bring deep category expertise, strong retail relationships and a proven track record of growing iconic brands. Just as importantly, they share our commitment to preserving Lee’s legacy in Greensboro while investing in the brand’s future. We are pleased to partner with Chris and the OJG team as we unlock new opportunities for Lee across the U.S. and Canada.”
Lee has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, innovation and authentic style. Through this partnership, Authentic and OJG will focus on strengthening the brand’s market position, expanding product opportunities and delivering continued value to consumers and retail partners.
The partnership reflects Authentic’s broader strategy to align with best-in-class operators across key markets and categories. Authentic continues to advance discussions with additional regional partners to support Lee’s growth around the world.
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)
