Laura Ashley acquired by global brand powerhouse

Laura Ashley is joining a portfolio that includes Martha Stewart, Sur La Table and more than a dozen other lifestyle brands.

NEW YORK – Laura Ashley is joining a portfolio that includes Martha Stewart, Sur La Table and more than a dozen other lifestyle brands.

Marquee Brands has acquired the legacy home and fashion brand from Gordon Brothers, which acquired the brand, archives and related intellectual property from insolvency in 2020. Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Marquee announced that the addition of Laura Ashley increases the retail value of its global portfolio to more than $4 billion.

The strategic acquisition retains Laura Ashley’s UK-based team and expands Marquee Brands’ global footprint with the opening of its first European headquarters in London. Laura Ashley products are distributed in more than 80 countries through leading wholesalers, digital marketplaces and more 150 branded retail locations globally.

To support its growth, Marquee recently bolstered its executive team. Last month, it promoted Rachel Terrace to chief commercial and growth officer and hired Natasha Fishman as chief marketing officer. They will work alongside Joseph Zarro, chief business development officer, and CFO John Hayes, both of whom joined the company in spring 2024.

According to company CEO Heath Golden, Marquee plans to expand Laura Ashley across new platforms and partnerships. The brand specialist plans to drive new businesses across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, EMEA and other key regions.

“With the existing UK team in place, we are primed and ready to leverage Laura Ashley’s seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full lifestyle brand innovating new products and categories, offering unique collaborations and engaging multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide,” he said.