Liz Claiborne to Sell Liz Brand and More
Liz Claiborne Inc. is shedding several brands, including its namesake label, Monet and Kensie. J.C. Penney Co. is buying the Liz Claiborne brand. The department-store retailer has exclusively carried the label since last year.The deal includes the domestic and international trademark rights for the Liz Claiborne, Claiborne, Liz, Liz & Co., Concepts by Claiborne, LC, Elisabeth, LizGolf, LizSport, Liz Claiborne New York and Lizwear brands. The retailer is also buying the trademark rights for the Monet brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Liz Claiborne Inc. will retain the international rights for Monet.
Bluestar Alliance, owner of English Laundry and Hot Kiss, is picking up the Kensie, Kensiegirl and Mac & Jac labels.
Liz Claiborne Inc. also completed its sale of the Dana Buchman brand to Kohl’s.
New York–based Donna Karan International will reclaim the license for DKNY Jeans and DKNY Active from Liz Claiborne Inc. in the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning in January.
Last month, Liz Claiborne Inc. agreed to sell its global Mexx business to Los Angeles–based Gores Group for $85 million. The deal is still on track to close in the fourth quarter.
When all the transactions are completed, Liz Claiborne Inc. will focus on three brands: Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand and Kate Spade.
