Brooks Brothers is one of America’s oldest and most iconic clothing brands. Known for its classic menswear, the brand has dressed presidents, business leaders, and celebrities. If you’re wondering who owns Brooks Brothers today, the answer has changed in recent years. This article will explore its ownership, leadership, revenue, and more.
Brooks Brothers Company Profile
Brooks Brothers is an iconic American clothing brand known for its timeless style, quality craftsmanship, and historic legacy. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest continuously operating apparel brand in the United States. The company specializes in classic menswear but also offers womenswear, childrenswear, footwear, accessories, and formalwear.
As of 2025, it operates under a licensing and brand management model after undergoing a major restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brooks Brothers is currently owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group. The brand continues to serve a global customer base through e-commerce, licensed retail stores, and select physical locations across the U.S. and abroad.
Founders
The company was founded by Henry Sands Brooks in 1818 in New York City. He opened the original store at Cherry Street in Manhattan with the goal of selling fine-quality clothing with honesty and integrity. After his death in 1833, his sons inherited and renamed the company Brooks Brothers, laying the foundation for a brand that would shape American fashion for generations.
Company Details
- Founded: 1818
- Founders: Henry Sands Brooks
- Headquarters: New York City, U.S.
- Current Owners: Authentic Brands Group & Simon Property Group
- CEO (2025): Ken Ohashi
- Employees: Operates under licensing, with a lean in-house team and hundreds employed through partners
- Retail Presence: 150+ licensed locations globally (including outlet stores)
- Main Products: Suits, shirts, polos, accessories, footwear, formalwear, women’s and children’s clothing
- Business Model: Brand licensing, e-commerce, wholesale, and strategic retail partnerships
Major Milestones
1818 – Company Founded
Henry Sands Brooks opens the original Brooks Brothers store in Manhattan, beginning what would become the longest-operating American clothing retailer.
1849 – Introduction of Ready-to-Wear Suits
Brooks Brothers becomes the first U.S. brand to offer off-the-rack suits, revolutionizing men’s fashion and accessibility.
1896 – Button-Down Polo Collar Shirt
The company launches the now-iconic button-down collar shirt, inspired by British polo players. It becomes a signature product.
1865 – Abraham Lincoln’s Coat
President Abraham Lincoln wore a custom Brooks Brothers overcoat to his second inauguration. It remains one of the brand’s most historic moments.
20th Century – Ivy League Influence
Brooks Brothers helped define the Ivy League style, supplying wardrobes to students and professors at top universities. It became the uniform of American professionals.
1988 – Acquired by Marks & Spencer
British retailer Marks & Spencer buys the company, marking its first foreign ownership.
2001 – Purchased by Claudio Del Vecchio
The company returns to American ownership under Claudio Del Vecchio, who modernizes operations and expands global retail.
2020 – Bankruptcy and Acquisition
Facing major losses during the pandemic, Brooks Brothers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. It is acquired in August 2020 by Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group for $325 million.
2021–2025 – Brand Rebuilding
Brooks Brothers transitions to a leaner model focused on brand licensing and digital retail. It partners with international operators to manage retail and manufacturing. CEO Ken Ohashi leads the brand’s repositioning with a focus on heritage and modernization.
Who Owns Brooks Brothers?
As of 2025, Brooks Brothers is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group, who jointly acquired the company in August 2020. The ownership structure reflects a strategic alliance between a brand development firm (ABG) and a major real estate investment trust (Simon Property Group). Together, they manage the brand’s revival and growth through licensing, digital commerce, and selective retail presence.
Here’s a summary of its ownership structure:
- Majority Owner: Authentic Brands Group (Brand management, licensing, global strategy)
- Minority Partner: Simon Property Group (Retail support, mall presence, strategic footprint)
- Ownership Since: August 2020
- Acquisition Price: $325 million
- Business Model: Licensing and strategic partnerships
- Pre-Acquisition Owner: Claudio Del Vecchio (2001–2020).
Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group (ABG)
Authentic Brands Group is the primary owner and brand manager of Brooks Brothers. ABG is a brand development, marketing, and licensing company based in New York. It owns and operates a large portfolio of consumer brands across fashion, media, sports, and entertainment.
ABG focuses on acquiring well-known but distressed or undervalued brands and reintroducing them to new markets through partnerships. For Brooks Brothers, ABG owns the intellectual property, trademarks, marketing rights, and global branding operations. The company licenses the Brooks Brothers name to retail operators, manufacturers, and international partners.
As of 2025, ABG also owns major brands like Reebok, Forever 21, Nautica, Barneys New York, and Eddie Bauer. Brooks Brothers operates under a similar licensing model within ABG’s portfolio.
Strategic Partner: Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the United States, is the minority owner in the Brooks Brothers joint venture. Simon plays a critical role by providing access to premium retail locations and supporting the brand’s retail footprint through its extensive property network.
Simon’s interest lies in keeping high-profile brands like Brooks Brothers in its malls and shopping centers, ensuring continued foot traffic and customer engagement. While Simon does not manage the brand, it has a financial stake and supports its physical presence through its retail infrastructure.
Role of Catalyst Brands
As of 2025, Catalyst Brands serves as the operating parent company of Brooks Brothers. Catalyst Brands is a brand management and retail operating platform created as a strategic partnership between Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group, the same entities that jointly acquired Brooks Brothers in 2020. While ABG holds the intellectual property rights to Brooks Brothers, Catalyst Brands is responsible for overseeing day-to-day business operations, retail strategies, product development, and global brand execution.
Catalyst Brands was formed as a dedicated operating division to manage select legacy brands owned by ABG and co-managed with Simon Property Group. It was created to improve retail performance, modernize operations, and help iconic brands transition to an agile, licensing-driven business model. Catalyst serves as the management engine behind brands that require direct operational oversight beyond just licensing.
As of 2025, Catalyst Brands operates and manages multiple ABG-owned legacy brands including Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and Lucky Brand. These are heritage names with strong historical identities but require modern infrastructure to compete in today’s retail environment. Catalyst’s team handles product design, sourcing, merchandising, retail execution, marketing campaigns, and partnerships across both physical and digital channels.
Brooks Brothers operates as a core brand within the Catalyst Brands portfolio. While ABG owns the brand’s intellectual property and trademarks, Catalyst manages Brooks Brothers’ business operations—particularly for North America. This includes overseeing flagship stores, retail licensing agreements, outlet strategies, product planning, and inventory systems.
Acquisition Details
In July 2020, Brooks Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to declining sales, store closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing debt. The bankruptcy filing revealed the company’s intention to seek a buyer that could stabilize and grow the brand.
In August 2020, a joint venture between Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group won the bid to acquire Brooks Brothers for $325 million. The deal included the brand’s intellectual property, global licenses, and select store leases.
Following the acquisition, Brooks Brothers shifted from operating company-owned stores to a licensing model. ABG retained and restructured only a portion of the physical stores while expanding digital sales channels. The move reduced operational costs while preserving the brand’s presence in strategic retail markets.
Transition and Restructuring
Post-acquisition, ABG appointed Ken Ohashi as CEO of Brooks Brothers to lead its transition and growth. Under the new ownership, the brand prioritized e-commerce, international licensing, and outlet partnerships.
By 2025, Brooks Brothers operates as a brand-led business, focusing on heritage, quality, and modern customer expectations. The company continues to manufacture select signature items, such as dress shirts and suits, under strict licensing agreements to maintain quality control.
Who is the CEO of Brooks Brothers?
As of 2025, Ken Ohashi serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Brooks Brothers. He was appointed to this role in mid‑2020, just after the company was acquired out of bankruptcy. Under his leadership, the brand has seen a strong strategic pivot and consistent year‑over‑year growth.
Background and Early Career
Ken Ohashi is the son of Japanese immigrants. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1997 with a degree in Business Administration and Management. After graduation, Ohashi spent four years at Arthur Andersen in the Audit and Advisory division, specializing in retail, fashion, and advertising sectors.
He then transitioned to Aeropostale in 2002, working in finance before taking responsibility for the brand’s international business growth.
Role at Authentic Brands Group (ABG)
In 2016, after Aeropostale’s bankruptcy, ABG acquired the company and brought Ohashi onboard. He served as President of International and Global Retail for ABG.
He led the formation of SPARC Group, a joint venture with Simon Property Group that expanded retail operations to over 4,000 doors worldwide and drove more than $4.7 billion in annual sales.
This experience positioned Ohashi as an ideal leader to guide Brooks Brothers through its own transformation.
Leadership During Turnaround
Upon his appointment in 2020, Ohashi took charge of reviving Brooks Brothers following its Chapter 11 filing. He led an aggressive reboot featuring digital expansion, licensing, and lifestyle branding.
Under his stewardship, the brand returned to profitability by 2022 and has maintained positive growth each year since.
Ken emphasizes a balance of tradition and modernity. He brought on designer Michael Bastian to drive refreshed, elevated collections. Ohashi has also prioritized heritage storytelling—such as opening a flagship store in a historic Lower Manhattan building near the original Brooks Brothers site.
Leadership Style and Decision-Making
Ohashi’s leadership is marked by transparency, teamwork, and empathy. He introduced daily and weekly stand-ups, monthly KPI reviews, and retail store assessments to keep the company agile and accountable.
He is known to celebrate small wins with the team—bringing morale-boosting elements like an office margarita machine during challenging post‑bankruptcy days.
His style also embraces diversity and equity. He’s forged partnerships with Braven (supporting first-generation students), GLSEN (LGBTQ+ safe school advocacy), and Gold House (elevating Asian and Pacific Islander leaders).
Broader Role within Catalyst Brands
Ken Ohashi is not just the CEO of Brooks Brothers—he also holds a leadership position within Catalyst Brands, overseeing both Brooks Brothers and Eddie Bauer under the ABG–Simon joint venture umbrella. He reports to Marc Rosen, Catalyst’s CEO.
Recognition and Outlook
Ohashi has received industry accolades, including the “Heritage Award” from MR Magazine in July 2025, for successfully revitalizing Brooks Brothers. Sources report annual revenue around $800 million and operations spanning over 500 locations globally under his watch.
Brooks Brothers Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Brooks Brothers’ financial position in 2025 reflects a stable and sustainable business. With revenues around $1.4 billion and net worth around $600 million as of July 2025, it’s back on solid ground under the management of ABG and Simon Property Group.
Annual Revenue in 2025
In 2024, Brooks Brothers’ online store generated roughly $100 million in annual sales. The brand’s e-commerce performance continued to grow modestly into 2025, with a projected increase of up to 5%, according to leading retail analytics firms.
For instance, May 2025 saw the brand earn around $7 million in one month alone through its website. Over the full year, the total company-wide revenue—including licensing deals, physical store partnerships, and wholesale channels—is estimated at approximately $1.4 billion. This includes retail licensing under outlets, digital platforms, and international ventures.
Revenue Highlights
The brand’s monthly online turnover and its positive uptrend reflect the renewed focus on digital sales and lean operations. Much of this growth is attributed to Brooks Brothers’ pivot toward licensing arrangements and digital-first strategies since the 2020 restructuring, enabling more predictable margins and lower overhead.
Net Worth in 2025
Brooks Brothers is valued not just by revenue but by its intellectual property and brand equity, thanks to its rich heritage and market recognition. As a property of Authentic Brands Group (ABG), Brooks Brothers’ brand is part of a portfolio whose collective valuation reached around $14 billion by 2025.
ABG retains full ownership of the Brooks Brothers trademark, design IP, and licensing rights. Industry estimates place Brooks Brothers’ standalone net worth is well over $600 million as of July 2025, based on its share of the overall ABG portfolio and its ongoing revenue.
Here is an overview of the estimated historical revenue and brand net worth of Brooks Brothers over the last 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Brand Net Worth (USD) | Key Business Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.1 billion | $650 million | Strong global retail presence under Claudio Del Vecchio |
| 2016 | $1.2 billion | $700 million | Expanded international operations and e-commerce |
| 2017 | $1.2 billion | $720 million | Peak pre-pandemic performance and steady growth |
| 2018 | $1.1 billion | $700 million | Flat growth amid rising fast fashion competition |
| 2019 | $990 million | $620 million | Declining sales, growing debt, and retail fatigue |
| 2020 | $450 million | $250 million | Bankruptcy filed in July 2020 due to COVID-19 impact |
| 2021 | $600 million | $300 million | Post-acquisition recovery under ABG & Simon Property Group |
| 2022 | $950 million | $400 million | Shift to licensing model, return to profitability |
| 2023 | $1.2 billion | $500 million | Expansion of digital and outlet sales |
| 2024 | $1.35 billion | $550 million | Strong e-commerce and international licensing growth |
| 2025 | $1.4 billion (projected) | $575–600 million (estimated) | Stable revenue, growing valuation under brand-led model |
Financial Positioning and Outlook
Brooks Brothers successfully transitioned out of bankruptcy with a lean, asset-light model. Licensing agreements and e-commerce adoption reduced fixed costs tied to inventory and brick‑and‑mortar.
By mid‑2025, the brand had regained consistent profitability. Ongoing digital growth, selective product expansions (e.g., B by Brooks Brothers line), and reinforced international licensing suggest continued upward momentum.
Brands Owned by Brooks Brothers
As of 2025, Brooks Brothers operates primarily as a brand under a licensing-based model and does not directly own or operate other major companies or independent subsidiaries. However, within its own operations, Brooks Brothers manages or licenses several branded categories and sub-brands. These are extensions of the Brooks Brothers name and are operated through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or exclusive manufacturing agreements.
Below is a list of the major and notable brands, labels, and entities directly owned or operated by Brooks Brothers:
| Name | Type | Description | Launch Year | Operating Model | Current Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Brothers Mainline | Core Brand | Classic menswear including suits, shirts, outerwear, and business attire | 1818 | Direct/License | Active and Global |
| Brooks Brothers Women | Product Line | Tailored women’s clothing and professional wear | Early 2000s | Direct/License | Active |
| Brooks Brothers Children | Product Line | Kids’ clothing styled after adult collections | Early 2000s | License | Active |
| Brooks Brothers Factory Stores | Outlet Division | Discounted merchandise and outlet-exclusive collections | 1990s | Owned/License | Active (150+ locations globally) |
| B by Brooks Brothers | Sub-Brand | Youthful, casual-focused line with relaxed fits and modern designs | Post-2020 | Direct/License | Active and Expanding |
| Red Fleece (legacy) | Former Sub-Brand | Fashion-forward and youthful sub-brand, phased out post-2020 | 2013 | Direct | Archived, influence still seen |
| Brooks Brothers Footwear | Product Line | Branded shoes, boots, and loafers | Ongoing | Licensed Manufacturing | Active |
| Brooks Brothers Accessories | Product Line | Ties, belts, watches, bags, and other fashion accessories | Ongoing | Licensed Manufacturing | Active |
| Brooks Brothers Eyewear | Product Line | Eyeglasses and sunglasses under Brooks Brothers branding | Ongoing | Licensed (Eyewear Partners) | Active |
| Brooks Brothers Japan | Joint Venture | Localized operations and products for Japanese market | 2000s | Joint Venture | Active and Strong Presence |
| Brooks Brothers Europe | Regional Entity | Licensed stores and distribution across Europe | 2000s | Licensing Agreements | Active in Select Markets |
| Made in America Collection | Heritage Line | Premium garments made in the USA, highlighting traditional craftsmanship | Ongoing | Limited In-House + License | Active (Flagship and Online) |
Brooks Brothers Mainline
This is the core and flagship brand under which Brooks Brothers designs and sells its primary collections. It includes classic menswear staples such as suits, dress shirts, sport coats, trousers, and ties. The mainline brand also features formalwear, outerwear, and business-casual collections. In 2025, Brooks Brothers continues to position its mainline as a symbol of timeless American style with tailored silhouettes and a refined heritage image.
Brooks Brothers Women
Brooks Brothers Women is the brand’s dedicated women’s line, originally introduced in the early 2000s. The collection includes suits, dresses, blouses, knitwear, and outerwear with a tailored, professional aesthetic. While not as widely distributed as the men’s line, the women’s division has seen renewed attention post-2020, particularly in e-commerce and international licensing deals.
Brooks Brothers Children
The children’s clothing division, often referred to as Brooks Brothers Kids, includes miniature versions of the brand’s menswear and womenswear classics. This includes button-down shirts, polos, chinos, blazers, and formalwear for special occasions. These products are mainly sold through select retail partners, flagship stores, and online channels under direct brand control.
Brooks Brothers Factory Stores
Brooks Brothers Factory Stores, also known as Brooks Brothers Outlet, operate under the company’s licensing strategy and cater to a value-driven customer base. These stores offer previous seasons’ merchandise, outlet-exclusive collections, and factory-priced garments. As of 2025, these outlets make up a significant portion of the brand’s global physical footprint, especially across the U.S., Canada, and parts of Asia.
B by Brooks Brothers
B by Brooks Brothers is a modern, youthful sub-brand launched to target a younger demographic. It includes casual staples such as hoodies, joggers, denim, relaxed suiting, and contemporary essentials. The branding is minimal, often incorporating a more relaxed fit and trend-focused designs. This sub-brand is typically found in urban retail formats and online.
Brooks Brothers Red Fleece (Archived but Referenced)
Red Fleece was once an active sub-brand created to appeal to younger professionals with more fashion-forward and affordable pieces. Although largely phased out after the brand’s acquisition in 2020, Red Fleece is still referenced in select international markets or legacy collections. Its branding and design ethos influenced the creation of newer offerings like B by Brooks Brothers.
Brooks Brothers Footwear
While Brooks Brothers does not own shoe factories, it offers branded footwear collections under direct label control. These include dress shoes, loafers, boots, and casual footwear crafted in partnership with licensed manufacturers. As of 2025, the footwear category remains an important part of the business and is often sold alongside formal and casual apparel in stores and online.
Brooks Brothers Accessories
This category encompasses ties, belts, bags, socks, scarves, cufflinks, watches, and hats—all designed under the Brooks Brothers name and sold through its direct channels or licensed distributors. These accessories are often seasonally updated and reflect the same traditional aesthetic as the mainline brand.
Brooks Brothers Eyewear
Brooks Brothers Eyewear includes optical frames and sunglasses sold under the brand’s name. These are produced by eyewear licensing partners but are controlled through design approvals and brand guidelines overseen by Brooks Brothers. The line remains available through optical retail chains and select Brooks Brothers stores.
Brooks Brothers Japan (Joint Venture)
Brooks Brothers Japan is a joint venture that manages the brand’s retail presence, distribution, and marketing strategy in Japan. It is tailored specifically to the Japanese market and includes localized products while maintaining the American brand identity. As of 2025, this entity remains independently operated under licensing but is directly associated with the Brooks Brothers corporate structure and long-term strategy.
Brooks Brothers Europe (Licensing and Distribution Entity)
While Brooks Brothers does not own a standalone European company, its licensed operations across Italy, the UK, and Spain are controlled through regional licensing partnerships. These licensing entities are subject to approval by Brooks Brothers brand managers and must follow strict product, branding, and customer experience standards. The European business includes flagship stores, e-commerce platforms, and wholesale agreements.
Brooks Brothers Made in America (Heritage Category)
Although most production has moved offshore, Brooks Brothers continues to promote a Made in America label within its premium collection. These items include suits, shirts, and outerwear manufactured in limited quantities using U.S.-based suppliers. While not a separate brand, this label functions as a sub-line and is prominently featured in marketing efforts aimed at preserving the brand’s traditional American craftsmanship image.
Conclusion
Brooks Brothers is a historic American brand that has reinvented itself in recent years. The answer to who owns Brooks Brothers lies in its 2020 acquisition by Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group. While the company no longer operates in the same way it did before, it remains a powerful presence in fashion through licensing and branding strategies. With strong partners and a new strategy, Brooks Brothers continues to evolve while honoring its legacy.
FAQs
Who owns Brooks Brothers now?
Brooks Brothers is currently owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group (under Catalyst Brands). They jointly acquired the company in August 2020 for approximately $325 million. ABG handles branding and licensing, while Simon supports retail operations through their mall portfolio.
Is Brooks Brothers still in business?
Yes, Brooks Brothers is still in business and operates through licensing agreements, e-commerce, and selective retail locations.
When did ABG acquire Brooks Brothers?
Authentic Brands Group acquired Brooks Brothers in August 2020.
Who was the previous owner of Brooks Brothers?
Claudio Del Vecchio was the previous owner before selling the brand during bankruptcy proceedings in 2020.
Does Brooks Brothers still make suits?
Yes, Brooks Brothers still sells suits, although much of the production is now outsourced through licensing partners.
Where is Brooks Brothers headquartered?
Brooks Brothers is headquartered in New York City, although much of its corporate structure is now managed through ABG offices.
Does Shaq own Brooks Brothers?
No, Shaquille O’Neal does not own Brooks Brothers directly. However, he is the second-largest individual shareholder in Authentic Brands Group, the parent company that owns Brooks Brothers. Through that investment, he indirectly holds a stake in Brooks Brothers.
Who is the former CEO of Brooks Brothers?
The CEO before the current leadership was Claudio Del Vecchio, son of Luxottica founder Leonardo Del Vecchio. He led Brooks Brothers from 2001 until the bankruptcy in 2020. Under his tenure, the company expanded globally and added women’s and children’s lines, but ultimately faced serious financial challenges.
Who owns Brooks Brothers shirts?
All Brooks Brothers‑branded items—including their iconic shirts—are owned and managed by Authentic Brands Group, which controls the intellectual property and licensing. The shirts are typically produced through ABG-managed licensing agreements and sold through retail partners and Brooks Brothers‑licensed stores.