NEW YORK – Marquee Brands, a global brand management company, has acquired Stance, the lifestyle and performance sock brand, the companies announced on Tuesday. The deal marks Marquee’s strategic entry into the everyday essentials market.
As part of the acquisition, Marquee also announced a new partnership with United Legwear and Apparel Co. (ULAC), which will become the core global licensee for the Stance brand, managing operations in all territories except China. ULAC will oversee product design, development, and distribution for Stance’s socks and underwear.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Stance, founded in 2009 in San Clemente, California, is known for its bold designs and for transforming socks from a basic accessory into a fashion statement. The brand has cultivated a loyal following through collaborations with major sports leagues like the NBA and MLB, entertainment giants like Disney, and cultural figures including musician Billie Eilish.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, stated that Stance is “an established cultural touchpoint” and highlighted the partnership with ULAC as key to building “global scale and accelerate category expansion.”
The acquisition boosts the total retail sales across Marquee’s brand portfolio, which includes Martha Stewart, BCBG, and Body Glove, to $4.5 billion.
Isaac E. Ash, CEO & President of ULAC, called Stance “a perfect fit” for his company, citing the brand’s pioneering role in the market.
RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor to Marquee Brands, while Solomon Partners advised Stance.