Laura Ashley Acquired by Marquee Brands in Strategic Expansion Move

The US-based owner of Ben Sherman plans to revitalize the iconic British brand with new products, collaborations, and a European headquarters in London.

Marquee Brands, a US firm managing 17 brands including Ben Sherman and Martha Stewart, has acquired Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition aims to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy by expanding into new product categories and collaborations while retaining its UK-based team.
Laura Ashley, founded in 1953, became known for its floral fashions and home furnishings but struggled financially before collapsing during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
The brand currently operates through licensing deals, including a partnership with Next in the UK, and maintains a presence in over 80 countries via online marketplaces and retail locations.
This deal will establish Marquee Brands' first European headquarters in London, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.