NEW YORK -- Marquee Brands, the premier global brand accelerator, announced the acquisition of Stance, the innovative lifestyle and performance sock brand. Founded in 2009 in San Clemente, California, Stance joins Marquee Brands’ renowned portfolio, home to some of the world’s most notable brands, including Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, Sur La Table, BCBG, Ben Sherman, Body Glove and Dakine. The addition of Stance brings total retail sales across Marquee’s portfolio to $4.5 Billion USD.
Marquee also announces a new partnership with United Legwear and Apparel Co. (ULAC), which becomes the brand’s core global licensee, managing operations across all territories apart from China. With products sold in 42 countries through more than 1,100 U.S. wholesale accounts, e-commerce, international distributors and mono-branded retail stores, ULAC will oversee Stance’s core product segments of socks and underwear across Men’s, Women’s and Children’s. In this role, ULAC will lead product design, development, retail and ecommerce operations and distribution.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stance into the portfolio as an established cultural touchpoint known for bold design, creativity and collaborations with athletes, musicians and artists,” said Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands. “We are incredibly excited to build on that momentum in partnership with United Legwear, an industry and category leader. Together we see an opportunity to build global scale, accelerate category expansion and advance our shared strategy of investing in high-equity brands with enduring consumer relevance.”
Recognized for redefining the sock category, Stance has built a loyal following through its premium quality, material innovation and exceptional design. Now part of Marquee Brands, the acquisition establishes the company’s foothold in the everyday essentials space and extends its reach across the lifestyle category. Stance’s collection lineup includes longstanding partnerships with the NBA, MLB, Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Warner Bros. Discovery, and prior collaborations with leading artists, athletes and cultural figures, including Billie Eilish, Dwyane Wade and the Estate of Basquiat. Established in fabric technology and development, Stance is well-positioned to broaden its product range, starting with activewear, athleisure and footwear.
“ULAC partners on brands that share our drive to innovate and inspire,” said Isaac E. Ash, CEO & President of United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC). “Stance is a perfect fit - a pioneering brand that transformed everyday essentials into expressions of style, and has built an impressive following through bold design, cultural storytelling and a community of athletes and artists. ULAC is excited to partner with Marquee Brands and continue that legacy.”
Marquee Brands, backed by longstanding financial sponsor Neuberger Berman, continues to scale its platform by investing in globally recognized brands with consumer relevance and applying a proven business model that drives operational excellence, key category expansion and long-term value creation across markets.
RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig acted as legal advisor to Marquee Brands. Solomon Partners served as financial advisor and Jones Day acted as legal advisor to Stance.
