Marquee Brands, a leading global brand accelerator and the proprietor of 17 internationally recognised labels, has announced the acquisition of Laura Ashley®. Known for its quintessentially romantic English aesthetic, Laura Ashley is a celebrated name in home décor, fashion, and lifestyle. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Marquee Brands as it enhances its global footprint while reinforcing its position in the lifestyle industry.
Founded in 1953, Laura Ashley has become synonymous with timeless designs, featuring delicate florals, vintage-inspired patterns, and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. With its enduring appeal across multiple product categories, the brand now joins Marquee Brands’ prestigious portfolio, increasing its collective retail value to over $4 billion.
Establishing a European Headquarters
As part of the acquisition, Marquee Brands retains Laura Ashley’s UK-based team and establishes its first European headquarters in London. This expansion aligns with the company’s growth strategy, positioning it to cater to a broader international audience. The brand already boasts distribution in over 80 countries, with products available through leading wholesalers, digital marketplaces, and more than 150 branded retail locations worldwide.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition:
“Laura Ashley’s robust licensing model and strong network of high-quality partners make it an ideal addition to Marquee Brands. We’re eager to tap into the deep affection for this iconic brand, expanding its reach through innovative platforms and collaborations. With the UK team’s expertise and Laura Ashley’s rich legacy, we’re well-equipped to transform it into a full-scale lifestyle brand.”
Continuing Laura Ashley’s Legacy
Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts who acquired Laura Ashley in 2020, have played a pivotal role in revitalising the brand. Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers, commented:
“Over the last four years, we’ve built a scalable licensing model and a robust global e-commerce presence for Laura Ashley. Under Carolyn D’Angelo’s leadership, the brand flourished, and we’re confident Marquee Brands will continue to build on this success.”
The integration of Laura Ashley into Marquee Brands’ portfolio underscores its ability to scale and innovate legacy brands. Operating across more than 200 lifestyle categories, Laura Ashley leverages an extensive network of over 100 licensed partners and thousands of retail points of sale. Marquee Brands plans to expand the brand further into key regions, including North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA.
Strengthening Leadership for Future Growth
This acquisition caps off a transformative year for Marquee Brands. To support its rapid growth and organic revenue goals, the company has reinforced its leadership team with notable appointments, including Rachel Terrace as Chief Commercial and Growth Officer, John Hayes as Chief Financial Officer, Joseph Zarro as Chief Business Development Officer, and Natasha Fishman as Chief Marketing Officer. These industry leaders are instrumental in driving Marquee Brands’ trajectory toward sustained growth and operational excellence.
Looking Ahead
With this acquisition, Marquee Brands is well-positioned to build on Laura Ashley’s legacy while optimising its business model for a modern, global audience. The addition of Laura Ashley not only enhances Marquee Brands’ portfolio but also strengthens its capacity to deliver innovative lifestyle solutions across diverse markets.
