By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Authentic Brands Group and Saks Global are expanding their partnership with a new joint business venture called Authentic Luxury Group (ALG).
The new joint venture will leverage the combined capabilities of Authentic’s licensing expertise and Saks Global’s e-commerce and retail presence to further expand Authentic’s portfolio of luxury brands.
This includes growing Authentic-owned brands like Barneys New York, Judith Leiber Couture, Hervé Léger and Vince with new licensing agreements and distribution initiatives across industry categories such as lifestyle, fashion, retail, digital, hospitality, real estate, art and travel. 
“The creation of ALG represents years of successful collaboration under our initial licensing agreement with Saks for Barneys New York,” said Authentic CEO, Jamie Salter. “Building on our complementary strengths, ALG will further cultivate our brands by creating a multifaceted environment that reaches a broader audience through a wide range of offerings and experiences,” added Salter. “Our shared commitment to excellence and strategic vision positions us at the forefront of modern luxury.”
Barneys New York is the first brand positioned for accelerated growth under the ALG platform.
The brand’s expansion will include an enhanced presence at Saks Fifth Avenue, an expanded retail footprint, a dedicated Barneys New York e-commerce platform and the launch of newly branded real estate similar to the Barneys New York residences which opened in Tulum, Mexico earlier this year.
Authentic Luxury Group’s real estate endeavors will include exclusive partnerships with developers for branded luxury residences, condominiums and hotels located in popular travel destinations around the world.
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“With ALG, we are able to further our efforts to serve the full continuum of luxury consumers,” said Saks Global executive chairman, Richard Baker. “We always strive to use our platform to give both established and emerging brands greater opportunities to extend their reach in luxury fashion, and this new platform will do just that,” added Baker. “We are proud to further enhance our partnership with Authentic and leverage our collective capabilities to unlock access to new audiences and reimagine the luxury experience.”
The formation of its new Saks Global division was announced by the Hudson’s Bay Company, following its pending acquisition of the Neiman Marcus Group.
The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions. Following the closing of this agreement, Authentic will make a minority investment in Saks Global.
The formation of ALG is subject to the finalization of definitive documentation.
Authentic Brands Group is a global company and IP platform that specializes in brand development, licensing, marketing, entertainment and more.
It’s extensive portfolio of lifestyle, entertainment and media brands are currently sold at retail in 150 countries across the globe.