Brand management company, Iconix International, has announced its plans to acquire the celebrity favorite streetwear brand, HOODRICH, in partnership with founder, Jay Williams, who will retain an ownership interest.
In conjunction with this acquisition, Iconix will work in close partnership with Batra Group, which will assume business operations, and JD Sports as a key global retail partner.
Williams launched HOODRICH in 2014 in Birmingham, U.K., selling his first thirty T-shirts from the boot of his car. The brand’s tagline, “From Nothing to Something,” references both Williams’ and the brand’s humble beginnings. HOODRICH rapidly took off, working with retailers such as Foot Asylum and JD Sports. In 2022, it was approached by Netflix to work with “Top Boy” on an exclusive collection celebrating Season 2 of the gritty British show.
Iconix’s strength in category extension and global expansion, along with its experience in international brand management, makes it well-positioned to leverage its network of licensees to take HOODRICH into new markets and product categories. Headquarters will remain in Birmingham and Watford.
“We are excited about the incredible opportunity to grow HOODRICH with this outstanding group of best-in-class partners,” says Bob Galvin, chief executive officer, Iconix International. “The brand is extremely well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for lifestyle streetwear with an authentic brand story. We are committed to bringing this high-quality brand to an even bigger global audience and to expand on Jay’s commendable journey so that HOODRICH continues to be not just something, but something great.”
“I’m really excited about the future of HOODRICH and can’t wait to grow the brand internationally,” says Williams. “I think this is the perfect partnership for HOODRICH and I’m looking forward to working alongside Iconix and Batra, who will be a major support system for the global growth of the brand.”
