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Kontoor Brands sells Lee jeans to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1 billion

market-auction · 2026-05-21

Kontoor Brands has agreed to sell its Lee jeans brand to Authentic Brands Group in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. The transaction includes an initial payment of $750 million and an additional $250 million earnout contingent on Lee's future performance under Authentic's ownership. The sale marks a significant shift in the denim market, consolidating brand ownership under Authentic's portfolio.

Key facts

  • Kontoor Brands sells Lee jeans to Authentic Brands Group
  • Deal valued up to $1 billion
  • Initial payment of $750 million
  • Earnout of $250 million tied to future performance
  • Transaction involves brand ownership transfer

Entities

Institutions

  • Kontoor Brands
  • Authentic Brands Group

Sources