Centric Brands has completed a management-led buyout in which CEO Jason Rabin acquired a majority ownership stake alongside a new investor group. The transaction establishes a new ownership structure for the global lifestyle brand company, with participation from Axar Capital Management, M-Cor Capital, MSP Sports Capital, and Centric Brands Group President Jarrod Kahn.
Rabin will remain CEO and continue leading the business with the existing management team.
The transaction follows a period of expansion across Centric’s brand portfolio, sourcing infrastructure, and global operations.
Centric Brands manages more than 100 licensed and owned brands across apparel, accessories, beauty, and related lifestyle categories.
Its portfolio includes Calvin Klein, Coach, Dockers, Faherty, Favorite Daughter, Gap, Joe’s Jeans, Michael Kors, Off-White, Quiksilver, Tommy Hilfiger, UGG, and Under Armour.
It also works with entertainment brands including Disney, Marvel, Paramount, and Universal.
The company operates a global network supporting product design, sourcing, production, distribution, retail operations, and licensing relationships.
Centric employs more than 2,600 people across 26 offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Its Asian operations include 18 offices in eight countries.
The company has invested more than $25 million in its global sourcing capabilities.
It has also developed distribution facilities totaling approximately 2.7 million square feet across California and New Jersey.
These investments are intended to improve production efficiency, logistics coordination, and service for retail and licensing partners.
Centric is also introducing Centric IQ, an internal AI platform, across its international teams.
The technology is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen operational processes and improve the use of information across its business.
Under the new ownership structure, Centric intends to continue expanding into additional brands, products, and categories.
The company’s operating strategy is organized around three principal platforms.
Centric Powered provides services covering brand development, design, manufacturing, distribution, operational support, and brand protection.
The platform is designed to help brand owners access Centric’s infrastructure without having to build equivalent operations independently.
Centric Ventures focuses on partnerships with founders seeking resources to expand their businesses.
These arrangements allow brand founders to concentrate on creative direction and product vision while Centric provides financial and operational infrastructure.
Centric Collective acquires and manages brand intellectual property with the objective of building long-term value.
Together, the platforms allow Centric to participate in brand licensing, operational partnerships, and direct ownership.
The new investor group brings experience across credit investments, financial structuring, and sports-related businesses.
MSP Sports Capital specializes in investments involving sports teams, leagues, and related companies.
Its participation may support opportunities associated with Centric’s sports and lifestyle brand activities.
Axar Capital Management focuses on opportunistic credit and special situations involving middle-market businesses.
M-Cor Capital is also joining the new ownership group.
Rabin has served as CEO and a director of Centric Brands since its founding in October 2018.
He will retain responsibility for the company’s strategy and international expansion.
Kahn has served as Group President of Accessories since 2018 and brings more than three decades of industry experience.
The transaction also marks the departure of Marc Schneider as Chairperson of Centric’s Board.
Jefferies served as exclusive financial advisor to management, while Pryor Cashman provided legal counsel.
Separate legal advisors represented Axar Capital, M-Cor Capital, MSP Sports Capital, and the seller group.
The management-led acquisition positions Centric to continue expanding its portfolio while maintaining leadership continuity.
With Rabin holding a majority stake, the company plans to pursue additional growth across brands, product categories, and international markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“I’m excited to work with a new investor group to lead the company into its next phase. We’ll continue expanding our brand portfolio, deepening our global operational capabilities, and delivering for our retail and licensing partners.”
Jason Rabin, CEO Of Centric Brands
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Jason as we drive towards his long-term global vision. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of Centric Brands.”
Jarrod Kahn, Group President Of Centric Brands
“We look for exceptional leadership teams with the infrastructure to win over the long term, and Centric has both. Jason and the Centric team have built a platform with the scale, strategy, and operating discipline to keep growing across brands, categories, and markets. We are proud to join them as partners, particularly as the company continues to grow on the sports side.”
Jeff Moorad, CEO Of MSP Sports Capital
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work alongside Jason, Jarrod, and the entire Centric team over the last five years. The way they engage with their retail partners, licensors, suppliers, and employees is truly best-in-class in this industry. I wish them continued success as they begin this next chapter.”
Marc Schneider, Outgoing Chairperson Of The Board Of Centric Brands
