Authentic Brands circles Lee Jeans as Kontoor weighs sale of slumping denim label
Kontoor Brands is exploring a divestiture of Lee Jeans after Q1 2026 revenue fell 10% YoY to $153m. Authentic Brands Group has re-emerged as a potential buyer, consistent with its playbook of acquiring distressed heritage denim labels and licensing them globally.
Kontoor Brands is exploring a sale of Lee Jeans, with Authentic Brands Group re-emerging as a potential buyer. Lee's Q1 2026 revenue fell 10% YoY to $153m, extending Authentic's pattern of acquiring distressed heritage denim labels.