WHP Global

What WHP Global does

WHP Global is a New York-based brand management firm founded in 2019 by Yehuda Shmidman together with Oaktree Capital Management. The company acquires, owns, and operates a portfolio of 15+ consumer brands across premium fashion (Vera Wang, rag & bone, G-Star RAW), contemporary apparel (Express, Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Joe's Jeans, Bonobos), sportswear (LOTTO), intimates (Warners), and hardgoods (Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us), plus joint venture interests in Lands' End and a pending acquisition of Marc Jacobs. Its core operating model is asset-light: WHP owns the brand IP and licenses manufacturing, distribution, and retail execution to a global network of 200+ operating partners across 80+ countries. The portfolio generates over $8.5 billion in annual retail sales and is projected to exceed $9.5 billion once the Marc Jacobs transaction closes.

Revenue is earned primarily through licensing royalties paid by partners on wholesale and retail sales of branded products, supplemented by distributions from joint venture interests based on ownership stakes. The company augments its licensing platform with proprietary infrastructure including WHP+ (a DTC e-commerce platform), WHP SOLUTIONS (an Asia-based sourcing agency), and an internal AI Innovation Lab supporting brand strategy and marketing across the portfolio. Capital structure is private, with growth equity from Ares Management ($375M, March 2023, at a $1.6B valuation), Oaktree Capital as co-founder, and additional institutional backing from Solus Alternative Asset Management and BlackRock. Notable transactions over 2023-2026 include Toys "R" Us (2021), G-Star RAW (2023), Vera Wang (January 2025), Lands' End JV (April 2026), and the pending Marc Jacobs JV with G-III Apparel Group (May 2026, $850M deal value).

Name

WHP Global

Legal name

WHP Global

Website

https://whp-global.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

WHP Global is a New York-based brand management firm founded in 2019 that acquires, owns, and licenses a portfolio of 15+ consumer brands to 200+ operating partners across 80+ countries, generating $8.5 billion in annual retail sales through an asset-light licensing model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Licensing Royalties: WHP Global generates revenue through licensing agreements with operating partners who manufacture and sell products under WHP-owned brands. The company earns royalty payments based on sales generated by licensees.
2. Joint Venture Distributions: For joint ventures like Lands' End, WHP Global receives distributions based on its ownership stake from royalties collected and excess cash generated above minimum balances.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

WHP Global is a brand management firm that acquires consumer brands and drives their global growth through licensing to a network of 200+ operating partners, while providing brand strategy, licensing management, and expansion support. Revenue is generated through royalty payments from licensees (operating partners who manufacture and sell products under WHP-owned brands) and joint-venture distributions. Its portfolio of 15+ brands spans fashion, sports, intimates, and hardgoods categories across 80+ countries.

Product overview

WHP Global is a brand management platform founded in 2019 that acquires, owns, and grows consumer brands across fashion, sports, and hardgoods. Its portfolio of 15+ brands generates over $8.5 billion in annual retail sales across 80+ countries. The company operates through licensing partnerships with more than 200 leading operators, a proprietary DTC e-commerce platform called WHP+, a sourcing agency called WHP SOLUTIONS based in Asia, and an internal AI Innovation Lab. The brand portfolio spans Fashion Premium (Vera Wang, rag & bone), Fashion Core (G-STAR RAW, Express, Joe's Jeans, Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud), DTC (Bonobos), Hardgoods (Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us), Sports (LOTTO, Warners), and joint venture/interests (Lands' End, Marc Jacobs pending close). Each brand maintains its own creative identity and operates through licensed manufacturing and distribution partners while WHP Global provides brand strategy, licensing management, and global expansion support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• rag & bone American fashion brand founded in New York in 2002, offering effortless quality clothing and denim for men and women through flagship stores worldwide, global boutiques, department stores, and e-commerce.
• Vera Wang Iconic fashion and bridal brand founded in 1990, spanning bridal, ready-to-wear, fragrances, accessories, and home; generates over $700 million in annual retail sales across 17 global Haute Bridal salons and 15+ licensing partners.
• G-STAR RAW Dutch denim and fashion brand founded in Amsterdam in 1989, combining innovation, sustainability, and creativity to deliver pioneering denim styles.
• Express Modern multichannel fashion and accessories brand founded in 1980, offering trend-driven style, quality, and value across more than 400 stores.
• Joe's Jeans Premium denim brand founded in 2001, using a fit-first approach with the latest technology to offer jeans and apparel available at premium department stores and specialty boutiques globally.
• Anne Klein Iconic American women's fashion brand combining contemporary elegance and modern style with versatile pieces, sold in nearly 100 countries.
• Joseph Abboud Men's fashion brand blending global inspiration with classic American style, offering custom-tailored and Made-in-USA clothing available in 1,400+ North American stores and 90+ locations in Japan.
• Bonobos American fashion brand founded in 2007 that pioneered the DTC movement, offering a full wardrobe of stylish, functional men's clothing online and at 60 Guideshop locations.
• LOTTO Italian sports brand established in 1973, offering performance-driven footwear, apparel, and accessories featuring the double-diamond logo, with deep roots in soccer and tennis and distribution in over 100 countries.
• Warners Trusted intimate apparel brand with over a century of heritage, offering bras, underwear, and apparel widely available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kohl's, and Amazon.
• Toys "R" Us Global toy retailer with more than USD $2 billion in annual retail sales through 1,500+ stores and e-commerce businesses across 35 countries.
• Babies "R" Us Trusted authority on parenthood serving millions of families with baby products, advice, registries, and savings through 100+ stores and digital sites in more than 25 countries.
• Lands' End (Joint Venture) Classic American lifestyle brand and leading digital retailer delivering solution-based apparel, outerwear, swim, home, and uniform products across consumer, business, and school channels; WHP Global holds a 50% controlling interest in the joint venture.
• Isaac Mizrahi New York Iconic American fashion brand launched in 1987 by designer Isaac Mizrahi, known for timeless cosmopolitan style with colorful designs and four CFDA awards.
• Marc Jacobs (Pending Acquisition) Influential luxury fashion brand founded in 1984 with a strong global presence across handbags, small leather goods, ready-to-wear, footwear, eyewear, and fragrance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Brand portfolio generates over $8.5 billion in annual retail sales
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• H&McoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 May 2026Collaboration to launch LOTTO-inspired menswear collection drawing on LOTTO's archives with contemporary fashion. Collection includes jerseys, polos, shorts, tailored blazers, and lifestyle pieces available at select H&M stores and online.
• LVMHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026LVMH sold the Marc Jacobs brand to WHP Global and G-III Apparel Group joint venture for $850 million. LVMH held the majority stake since 1997 and served as a long-term steward of the brand before this divestment.
• G-III Apparel GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 202650/50 joint venture with G-III Apparel Group to acquire and operate Marc Jacobs brand. G-III acquired and operates the global DTC and wholesale businesses while WHP Global oversees licensing operations. G-III invested approximately $500 million.
• David's BridalcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 7 April 2026Launched Vera Wang Bride collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week. The Fall 2026 Collection debuted exclusively at DavidsBridal.com with nationwide store availability beginning June 30, 2026.
• Lands' EndcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026WHP Global acquired 50% controlling interest in Lands' End joint venture for $300 million. Lands' End contributed IP and related assets to the JV. WHP leads global licensing strategy and brand expansion while Lands' End maintains operational control of DTC and B2B businesses.
• FabriqueminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 March 2026Co-branded ready-to-wear collaboration with Vera Wang launching March 18. The 37-piece collection focuses on soft tailoring and fluid silhouettes, available exclusively through Fabrique's platform for sales in the U.S. and China.
• LEWHP, LLC (Subsidiary)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 February 2026WHP Global subsidiary that completed tender offer for Lands' End shares at $45 per share, acquiring approximately 7% of outstanding common stock.
• Guess? Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Joint owners of rag & bone announced four-year exclusive licensee partnership with Marcolin to design, produce, and distribute rag & bone eyewear. Extends Guess's 30-year relationship with Marcolin to include rag & bone brand.
• MarcolinminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 February 2026Four-year exclusive licensee partnership to design, produce, and distribute rag & bone premium sunglasses and eyeglasses. The new eyewear collection will be available at rag & bone boutiques, rag-bone.com, and select eyewear stores.
• Agilitas SportscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 6 January 2026Agilitas Sports acquired 40-year license for LOTTO from WHP Global for India and Australia markets, with plans to extend to South Africa. Founded by former Puma executives, Agilitas will design, manufacture, market, and distribute LOTTO products.
• Pure Cotton Global GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 16 December 2025Licensing partnership to design, manufacture, and distribute LOTTO lifestyle apparel line in the U.S. and Canada. The debut capsule launched in December 2025 with broader retail expansion planned for 2026.
• Batra GroupcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 26 June 2025Partnership to launch Vera Wang advanced contemporary ready-to-wear collection in the UK and Europe for Fall 2026. This is Vera Wang's first major licensing deal under WHP Global ownership for geographic expansion.
• Kirkland & Ellis LLPminorOthersLegal advisor to WHP Global for the Lands' End joint venture transaction.
• Perella Weinberg PartnersminorOthersServed as financial advisor to Lands' End for the joint venture transaction with WHP Global.
• Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzminorOthersLegal advisor to Lands' End for the joint venture transaction with WHP Global.
• The LEGO GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerToys R Us partnership to bring back Bricktober celebration with exclusive LEGO giraffe mini build events at participating U.S. stores. The program includes weekly online build challenges and sweepstakes.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Authentic Brands Group: Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is the largest U.S. brand management platform, acquiring and licensing iconic consumer brands (Reebok, Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale) through a network of operating partners. Same asset-light licensing model and category breadth as WHP Global.
• Xcel Brands: Xcel Brands is a brand management and licensing company that acquires and licenses consumer brands (e.g., Isaac Mizrahi, Halston, Liz Claiborne, Judith Ripka), generating revenue through royalties. Closely comparable business model to WHP Global's apparel/soft goods focus.
• Centric Brands: Centric Brands is an apparel, accessories and lifestyle brand platform that designs, licenses, and distributes branded products across categories including kids, women's, men's, and beauty. Comparable to WHP's licensing-led model within fashion and soft goods.
• Marquee Brands: Marquee Brands owns and manages a portfolio of consumer brands (e.g., Ben Sherman, Body Glove, Dakine, Jessica Simpson) and grows them through licensing and direct-to-retail partnerships. Directly analogous brand-management platform to WHP Global.
• Iconix Brand Group: Iconix Brand Group historically owned and licensed a portfolio of consumer brands (e.g., Ed Hardy, London Fog, Joe's Jeans) through a licensing-driven model. Closely mirrors WHP's portfolio acquisition and royalty monetization approach despite its recent restructuring.
• Sequential Brands Group: Sequential Brands Group was a brand management company that aggregated and licensed consumer brands via an asset-light royalty model (Martha Stewart, Heelys, Joe's Jeans), and is a predecessor peer referenced via CEO Shmidman's background. Highly analogous historical model to WHP's.

Broad incumbents

• PVH Corp. PVH owns and operates globally recognized lifestyle brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger across apparel, accessories and home, with a strong licensing arm. A broader incumbent whose brand-ownership-plus-licensing playbook overlaps with WHP's heritage-brand platform.
• Tapestry, Inc. Tapestry is a multi-brand house operating Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman—building shareholder value by acquiring and growing aspirational/lifestyle brands. Comparable as a broader incumbent acquiring and operating consumer brands at scale.
• Capri Holdings: Capri Holdings owns Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo, managing an acquisitive multi-brand luxury and lifestyle portfolio with global licensing. Provides a relevant benchmark for WHP's premium fashion plays such as Vera Wang and the pending Marc Jacobs acquisition.
• G-III Apparel Group: G-III Apparel designs, sources and markets branded apparel under owned, licensed and private-label brands (Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfeld). Now a 50/50 JV partner with WHP on Marc Jacobs—directly comparable as a broad apparel/licensing incumbent and emerging co-investor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/whpglobal
• Facebookfacebook.com/WHPGlobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/whp-global
• Instagraminstagram.com/whp__global

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A6 records

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WHP Global