Global brand development platform Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has announced that it has finalised the acquisition of athleticwear brand Champion. 

Under Authentic’s stewardship, Champion’s influence will continue to be a mainstay in athletic culture through a network of best-in-class operating partners worldwide. In particular, Champion’s long-term USA collegiate apparel business will be carried forward under a new license granted to GearCo, which will be managed and operated by Ames Watson with Fanatics as an investor.

Ames Watson plans to maintain the operational infrastructure that has made Champion’s sports apparel division comprised of Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel and Champion Teamwear one of the industry's most successful licensed apparel companies over the past decade.

AMG Companies, a long-standing and trusted partner of Authentic, will manage Champion’s core business in the USA and Canada through its affiliates. These affiliates include High Life for activewear, Basic Resources for underwear and sleepwear, USA Legwear for legwear and Fit for Life for fitness accessories. Additional partners in these regions include BBC for footwear and Gildan for printwear. Each partner plays a key role in the next phase of Champion’s journey.

In Central and South America, Falic Group will lead as Champion’s primary partner for apparel and accessories, while IB Group will continue its omnichannel strategy to solidify the brand’s position in the Mexican market.

For more information, visit authentic.com.