Levi’s Sells Dockers to Authentic

Levi Strauss & Co. (San Francisco) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Dockers unit to Authentic Brands Group (New York) for an initial transaction value of $311 million. The deal also includes a possible $80 million earnout opportunity in future years based on the performance of the Dockers business under Authentic’s ownership. Levi’s launched Dockers in 1986, and the latter brand played a central role in the “business-casual” look of recent decades.

“The Dockers transaction further aligns our portfolio with our strategic priorities, focusing on our direct-to-consumer (DTC) first approach, growing our international presence and investing in opportunities across women’s and denim lifestyle,” said Michelle Gass, President and CEO of LS&Co. “After a robust process, we are confident that we maximized the value of the business and that Authentic is the right organization to usher in the next chapter of growth for the Dockers brand, … which continues to be the authority on khaki.”

Said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic, which operates nearly 40 brands, including Eddie Bauer, Juicy Couture and Reebok: “Dockers is a natural fit for the Authentic model. It’s a brand with deep roots, high awareness and a solid foundation in licensing — all things we look for when acquiring new brands. Dockers played a key role in shaping casual workwear as we know it today, and we see significant potential to build on that legacy and grow the brand across a variety of categories.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or around July 31, for the Dockers intellectual property and operations in the United States and Canada, and on or around Jan. 31, 2026, for the remaining Dockers operations.