Authentic Brands buys Hunter’s intellectual property

The company purchased the intellectual property of the British shoe brand Hunter Boot Limited.

Authentic Brands Group, which owns 50 brands, including Eddie Bauer, Frye, Reebok, and Nautica, said it had purchased the intellectual property of British shoe brand Hunter Boot Limited.

Authentic Brands Group also agreed with Britain’s Batra Group, which will become Hunter’s primary licensee in the U.K. and continental Europe. The company will design and develop shoes, apparel, and accessories and manage the brand’s online sales and wholesale distribution.

Within the U.S., Authentic Brands’ partner will be Marc Fisher Footwear, which will design and be responsible for wholesale and online channel sales.

Earlier in the spring of 2023, it was revealed that Authentic Brands had owned Vince’s intellectual property. The company struck a deal with Vince Holding Corp. and Boardriders, the parent company of Billabong and Quiksilver.

Recently, Authentic Brands has been diversifying its portfolio outside the U.S. market. In particular, the company is investing in expanding Hunter sales in Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. The company’s new brand development partners will be named shortly.

Hunter Boot, also known as Hunter, is a British heritage brand primarily known for its iconic rubber Wellington boots, commonly called “wellies.” The company has a rich history dating back to 1856, when it was established as the North British Rubber Company.

Originally, Hunter Boot specialized in producing durable rubber products such as industrial and agricultural items. However, in the mid-20th century, the brand gained popularity for its waterproof boots, which became a staple among outdoor enthusiasts, and later, fashion-conscious individuals.