Brian Atwood and Steve Madden (NASDAQ:SHOO) today announced that they have acquired the Brian Atwood® intellectual property and related assets in transactions involving Bluestar Alliance LLC, which facilitated the sale, and The Jones Group, Inc. (NYSE: JNY), which previously owned the assets. The portfolio includes the Brian Atwood® designer and the B Brian Atwood® contemporary brands. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“I’ve always had a clear vision for the Brian Atwood brand and the women who wear it. I look forward to the next phase of my business with support and expertise of Steve to drive strategic growth and category expansion to continue to create experiences that women love.”
Atwood has full operational and creative control in the design, production and distribution of the Milan, Italy based Brian Atwood designer collection and will continue as an owner and Chief Creative Officer at the Brian Atwood intellectual property.
The partnership leverages Steve Madden’s global brand building expertise, strategic vision and relationships to collaborate with Atwood on the design, production, marketing and distribution of B Brian Atwood® footwear and handbags.
Brian Atwood, Chief Creative Officer, said, “I’ve always had a clear vision for the Brian Atwood brand and the women who wear it. I look forward to the next phase of my business with support and expertise of Steve to drive strategic growth and category expansion to continue to create experiences that women love.”
Steve Madden, Founder of Steve Madden, said, “Brian Atwood is one of the world’s great designers. I’m such a big fan of his. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with him.”
The Brian Atwood® designer collection, launched in 2001, is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Net-a-Porter and high-end boutiques. B Brian Atwood® footwear, launched in Fall 2011, is sold in better department stores and specialty retailers. B Brian Atwood® handbags, launched in Fall 2013, are sold in better department stores.
The brand will transition from The Jones Group Inc. for Spring 2015 deliveries.
The Sage Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to Brian Atwood.