New York— Sur La Table, Martha Stewart, and over a dozen other lifestyle brands are part of the portfolio that Laura Ashley is joining.
Gordon Brothers, which bought the brand, archives, and associated intellectual property from bankruptcy in 2020, sold the legacy home and fashion business to Marquee Brands. Marquee declared that the inclusion of Laura Ashley raises the retail value of its global portfolio to over $4 billion, despite the fact that the specifics of the deal were not made public.
With the launch of its first European offices in London, the strategic acquisition broadens Marquee Brands’ worldwide reach while retaining Laura Ashley’s UK-based workforce. Through top wholesalers, online marketplaces, and more than 150 branded retail locations worldwide, Laura Ashley items are supplied in more than 80 countries.
Marquee recently strengthened its executive team to support its expansion. It appointed Natahsa Fishman as chief marketing officer and elevated Rachel Terrace to chief commercial and growth officer last month. They will collaborate with CFO John Hayes and chief business development officer Joseph Zarro, who joined the company in the spring of 2024.
Marquee CEO Heath Golden said the company intends to grow Laura Ashley through new partnerships and platforms. In North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA, and other important markets, the brand specialist intends to propel new business.
“With the current UK team in place, we are prepared to capitalize on Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a comprehensive lifestyle brand that offers distinctive collaborations, innovates new products and categories, and engages multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide,” he stated.
