Nautica is a well-known American apparel brand recognized for its classic nautical-themed designs. Over the years, it has changed hands and evolved significantly. If you’re wondering who owns Nautica now, this article provides a detailed overview of the brand, its ownership, financials, and leadership.
Nautica Company Profile
Nautica is an American lifestyle and fashion brand best known for its nautical-inspired clothing, especially outerwear, polo shirts, and activewear. It was founded in 1983 in New York City by David Chu, a Taiwanese-American fashion designer. The brand name “Nautica” is derived from the Latin word nauticus, meaning “ship,” which reflects its maritime theme.
Nautica started with just six outerwear pieces and quickly gained popularity for its premium-quality materials and crisp, clean coastal aesthetic. By the 1990s, it became a staple in department stores and was widely worn across the U.S., especially among men’s fashion consumers who liked a sporty yet polished look.
In 1984, State-O-Main, a publicly traded company, acquired Nautica. Under State-O-Main, Nautica continued to grow. The company eventually changed its name to Nautica Enterprises, Inc. to reflect its core brand identity.
A major turning point came in 2003, when VF Corporation acquired Nautica Enterprises for approximately $585 million. VF was the parent company of other major apparel brands like The North Face, Vans, and Timberland. Under VF, Nautica expanded internationally and diversified its product range into women’s wear, children’s clothing, accessories, and home goods.
However, as consumer trends shifted and athleisure brands grew more dominant, Nautica lost market share in the late 2010s. In March 2018, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) purchased Nautica from VF Corporation as part of its strategy to revive classic American brands.
As of 2025, Nautica remains under the ownership of Authentic Brands Group. It operates on a licensing model, where ABG owns the brand and licenses it to manufacturing and retail partners around the world. This structure allows Nautica to focus on brand value, marketing, and collaborations, while global partners handle sales and distribution.
Nautica products are now available in over 65 countries, both in-store and online. It maintains a strong presence in lifestyle clothing and accessories, often releasing limited-edition collaborations and capsule collections.
Major Milestones
- 1983: Nautica founded by David Chu in New York City.
- 1984: Acquired by State-O-Main; renamed Nautica Enterprises, Inc.
- 1994: Company goes public on NASDAQ.
- 2003: Acquired by VF Corporation for $585 million.
- 2018: Sold to Authentic Brands Group; begins operating under a brand licensing model.
- 2021–2024: Relaunched in several markets with updated designs and influencer-driven marketing.
- 2025: Operates in over 65 countries; partnered with multiple global licensees; focusing on sustainability and digital-first retail growth.
Nautica today remains an iconic name in American fashion, known for its classic look, lifestyle branding, and wide consumer appeal. Under ABG’s direction, the brand continues to evolve with changing trends while honoring its maritime heritage.
Who Owns Nautica?
Nautica is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a privately held brand management and licensing company based in New York. ABG specializes in acquiring and reviving legacy brands in fashion, media, entertainment, and lifestyle.
As of 2025, Nautica is one of ABG’s key activewear and casualwear brands, operating under a global licensing model.
Nautica is not a standalone company anymore. It is a fully owned brand within ABG’s diverse portfolio. While it does not have independent corporate governance or a board, its direction is determined by ABG’s executive leadership.
Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group was founded in 2010 by Jamie Salter, who remains the company’s CEO and largest stakeholder. ABG owns more than 50 brands including Reebok, Forever 21, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, and Sports Illustrated.
The company’s strategy is centered around acquiring well-known but underperforming brands and transforming them into profitable, asset-light licensing businesses. Instead of operating retail stores or manufacturing units itself, ABG licenses its brands like Nautica to regional partners who manage production, distribution, and retail.
This model allows ABG to scale globally while maximizing brand equity and minimizing operational risks.
Nautica Acquisition by ABG
Nautica was acquired by Authentic Brands Group in March 2018 from VF Corporation. At the time of the sale, Nautica had been experiencing declining sales and visibility, especially in a market increasingly dominated by athleisure and direct-to-consumer brands.
VF Corporation had owned Nautica since 2003, having acquired it for approximately $585 million. During its time under VF, Nautica was expanded internationally and diversified its product lines.
By 2018, VF decided to refocus its efforts on more performance-driven brands like The North Face, Vans, and Timberland. The divestiture of Nautica was part of this strategic shift.
ABG’s acquisition allowed Nautica to be repositioned and revitalized. ABG streamlined operations, closed underperforming retail outlets, and signed new global licensing agreements with companies to relaunch the brand in key markets such as the U.S., Canada, China, India, and Latin America.
Role of Catalyst Brands
Catalyst Brands plays a key operational role in managing Nautica. It was formed in 2024 through the merger of SPARC Group and JCPenney, creating a powerful retail and brand operating company. While ABG retains ownership of Nautica, Catalyst Brands functions as the exclusive operating partner for Nautica and several other ABG-owned brands.
Catalyst Brands is responsible for:
- Day-to-day retail operations
- Product development and merchandising
- Marketing execution
- Global and domestic store strategy
- Digital commerce and customer engagement
Catalyst Brands operates Nautica stores, manages its online presence, and works closely with manufacturing partners across regions. This structure allows Nautica to focus on brand storytelling and growth while leaving operational execution to Catalyst’s expert teams.
In essence, ABG owns Nautica’s brand, trademarks, and global rights, while Catalyst Brands serves as the strategic and operational engine driving Nautica’s business forward. This partnership model has proven efficient for expanding reach and revitalizing heritage brands like Nautica in a highly competitive global market.
Licensing and Global Operations
Under ABG, Nautica no longer directly manages its own production or store networks. Instead, the brand is licensed to global and regional partners who operate Nautica retail stores, design seasonal collections, and manage marketing campaigns.
Some of the known licensees for Nautica include:
- Centric Brands (U.S. and Canada)
- Arvind Fashions (India)
- Jihua Group (China)
This licensing model has allowed Nautica to stay profitable despite a crowded fashion market and to scale across geographies without owning physical retail infrastructure.
Relevant Ownership and Control Details
Authentic Brands Group, the parent of Nautica, is privately held. As of 2025, the company’s largest stakeholders include:
- Jamie Salter, Founder and CEO
- General Atlantic, private equity investor
- BlackRock, global investment firm
- Leonard Green & Partners, private equity investor
These stakeholders hold financial and advisory influence over ABG’s direction, but Jamie Salter retains executive decision-making control. Any strategic plans for Nautica—such as partnerships, rebranding, or licensing—are handled by ABG’s brand management team in coordination with licensees.
ABG continues to position Nautica as a heritage lifestyle brand with a focus on premium casualwear, sustainability, and global relevance.
Who is the CEO of Nautica?
Nautica’s Brand CEO, Natalie Levy, is part of Catalyst Brands and reports to Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands. This integrated leadership ensures alignment between brand vision and commercial execution.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Role | Name | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| CEO, Catalyst Brands | Marc Rosen | Overall leadership of JCPenney and SPARC portfolio (includes Nautica) |
| Brand CEO, Nautica | Natalie Levy | Leads Nautica strategy, reporting to Rosen |
| COO, Catalyst Brands | Kevin Harper | Oversees operations across brands |
| Brand CEOs, Other Brands | Michelle Wlazlo, Ken Ohashi | Lead JCPenney; Brooks Brothers & Eddie Bauer, respectively |
Brand CEO for Nautica: Natalie Levy
Nautica is led by Natalie Levy, who serves as Brand Chief Executive Officer for Nautica, Aéropostale, and Lucky Brand within Catalyst Brands. She oversees Nautica’s brand vision, product development, merchandising, and marketing efforts. Levy reports directly to Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands.
Natalie Levy is the Brand Chief Executive Officer of Nautica, Aéropostale, and Lucky Brand, operating under Catalyst Brands, a leading American retail and brand management platform formed in 2024. She is responsible for overseeing the complete brand strategy, product direction, customer engagement, and growth roadmap for these lifestyle fashion labels.
Levy brings decades of retail and merchandising experience to her leadership role, driving brand reinvention, innovation, and sustainable growth in a dynamic retail environment.
Reporting Authority: Marc Rosen
Marc Rosen is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Brands, the parent entity of Nautica under ABG’s licensing structure. He leads the merged business of JCPenney and SPARC Group brands. Crane directs overall strategy, operations, and financial performance across the portfolio. Levy and other brand heads report to him.
How the Leadership is Structured
- Brand CEOs (like Natalie Levy) focus on individual brand performance, product strategy, and merchandising across markets.
- They collaborate with Catalyst’s shared services, including supply chain, digital, and marketing teams.
- Levy is accountable to Rosen, who ensures cohesive strategy and financial accountability across all brands.
Natalie Levy’s Professional Background and Experience
Natalie Levy has over 30 years of leadership experience in retail, with a strong background in merchandising, brand building, and operational transformation. Her past executive roles include:
- President, The Children’s Place – where she led merchandising and helped reposition the brand in a highly competitive children’s fashion space.
- EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer, Ann Taylor – she played a key role in elevating product strategy and fashion positioning.
- SVP roles at Lord & Taylor and Macy’s – where she gained experience in department store retail and trend forecasting.
This wide-ranging experience gives Levy a unique ability to adapt legacy brands like Nautica to modern retail challenges and evolving consumer behavior.
Role as Brand CEO at Catalyst Brands
In her current position as Brand CEO, Natalie Levy leads the strategic and creative direction of Nautica, Aéropostale, and Lucky Brand within Catalyst Brands, the operational platform that manages ABG-owned fashion labels. She reports directly to Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands.
Her core responsibilities include:
- Product development and seasonal design direction
- Omnichannel merchandising strategy
- Consumer and market insights
- Marketing and digital branding execution
- Retail growth across global markets
Levy works closely with internal teams, external licensees, and Catalyst’s shared resources to ensure brand consistency while tailoring offerings to regional markets.
Leadership Style and Vision
Natalie Levy is known for her consumer-first approach, with a strong focus on trend relevance, pricing strategy, and sustainability. She is highly data-driven but combines this with a deep sense of brand storytelling and identity. Her leadership emphasizes:
- Agility in product development
- Cross-functional collaboration across Catalyst’s brand teams
- Emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and forward-looking campaigns
- Retail transformation through digital-first, direct-to-consumer innovation
For Nautica, she is instrumental in refreshing its brand identity—modernizing its iconic nautical heritage for a younger, more diverse global audience.
Impact on Nautica’s Growth
Under Natalie Levy’s leadership, Nautica has:
- Repositioned its collections with a more contemporary, sustainable focus
- Launched region-specific collaborations and capsule drops
- Expanded e-commerce and digital retail capabilities
- Reinforced its presence in North America, India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia through strategic retail partners
Her deep understanding of both legacy retail and fast-changing fashion trends makes her the ideal leader to guide Nautica in a highly competitive landscape.
Education and Personal Background
Levy holds degrees in Economics and Retail Management, which have supported her balanced, strategic view of fashion business leadership. She is known for mentoring rising leaders in retail and is involved in several industry mentorship programs and diversity initiatives.
Her track record, cross-brand leadership, and strategic retail expertise continue to position Nautica and its sister brands for long-term growth and global expansion.
Nautica Annual Revenue and Net Worth
Nautica generated roughly $375 million in total revenue in 2024, with total contributions to Catalyst’s $9 billion portfolio revenue. Its estimated brand valuation for 2025 ranges around $500 million, supported by royalty earnings and global licensing.
Nautica Annual Revenue
Nautica’s revenue includes both direct channel (like nautica.com) and licensed wholesale and retail sales. In fiscal year 2024, the total revenue is estimated to be around $375 million, with approximately $76 million in online sales—a modest growth of 0%–5% compared to 2023, with monthly e-commerce sales around $6 million as of June 2025.
In 2025, Catalyst Brands reported $9 billion in combined revenue across its six banners—including Nautica.
While Nautica is one among several brands in that mix, it contributes an estimated $375+ million annually to that figure.
Under the Catalyst Brands portfolio, Nautica benefits from shared retail infrastructure and economies of scale, yet the brand’s financial performance remains separate under its licensing agreements. Revenue is generated through royalties from manufacturing and retail partners, online direct-to-consumer sales, and omnichannel wholesale distribution.
Brand Valuation and Net Worth
It is estimated that Nautica’s net worth is around $500 million as of July 2025. These estimates reflect Nautica’s healthy digital performance, legacy reputation, and continued licensing expansion.
Nautica represents a meaningful portion of ABG’s lifestyle and activewear segments and commands material royalty streams from licensees like Centric Brands, Arvind, Jihua, and G‑III.
Here is a historical revenue and estimated net worth of Nautica over the last 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Annual Revenue | Estimated Brand Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $475 million | $700 million | Owned by VF Corporation; solid U.S. retail presence |
| 2016 | $455 million | $650 million | Start of gradual decline due to rising athleisure competition |
| 2017 | $420 million | $600 million | VF begins repositioning Nautica for potential divestiture |
| 2018 | $375 million | $550 million | Sold to Authentic Brands Group in March 2018 |
| 2019 | $340 million | $500 million | Transition to ABG licensing model; U.S. retail downsizing |
| 2020 | $280 million | $450 million | COVID-19 pandemic impact; global retail disruption |
| 2021 | $310 million | $460 million | Recovery through e-commerce and licensing ramp-up |
| 2022 | $330 million | $470 million | Digital relaunches and global expansion under ABG |
| 2023 | $350 million | $480 million | Strengthening DTC and regional partnerships |
| 2024 | $365 million | $490 million | Catalyst Brands begins operational control post-SPARC merger |
| 2025 | $375 million | $500 million | Stable revenue via licensing; solid digital + global reach |
Brands Owned by Nautica
Here is a list of the major brands and subbrands owned by Nautica as of 2025:
| Division/Entity | Description | Product Focus | Operating Model | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautica Men’s | Core division of Nautica | Men’s casualwear, outerwear, swimwear | Direct sales & licensing | U.S., India, Latin America, China |
| Nautica Women’s | Women’s apparel and lifestyle products | Dresses, tops, swimwear, loungewear | Direct & licensed | U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia |
| Nautica Kids | Children’s clothing line | Polos, tees, shorts, footwear | Licensed distribution | U.S., LATAM, Middle East |
| Nautica Home | Home textiles and furnishings | Bedding, towels, curtains | Licensed to home goods retailers | U.S., Canada, Europe |
| Nautica Accessories | Fashion and utility accessories | Bags, belts, socks, wallets | Licensed fashion accessory partners | Global |
| Nautica Footwear | Footwear collection | Sneakers, slides, boat shoes | DTC & third-party licensees | North America, Asia |
| Nautica Fragrance | Signature fragrances for men | Cologne, body sprays | Licensed to fragrance houses | Global, especially U.S. and Europe |
| Nautica Watches | Nautical-themed timepieces | Analog and digital watches | Licensing with global watch manufacturers | Airport retail, Middle East, EU |
| Nautica Digital | E-commerce and digital retail | All Nautica categories online | Owned and managed under Catalyst Brands | U.S., Canada, select global DTC |
| Nautica Factory Outlets | Discount retail stores | Past-season and off-price inventory | Operated by Catalyst or regional partners | U.S., Mexico, UAE, India |
| Nautica Intl Operations | Regional business structures | Market-specific apparel and retail | Licensed retail operators | India, Brazil, China, UAE |
| Nautica Corporate (Brand HQ) | Central leadership & brand strategy | Branding, product dev, licensing | Managed by Catalyst Brands | U.S.-based HQ, global strategy team |
Nautica Men’s
This is the core division of the Nautica brand, offering men’s casualwear, outerwear, sportswear, swimwear, and accessories. It continues to be the brand’s highest-performing segment globally. In 2025, Nautica Men’s products are sold through nautica.com, Nautica-branded retail outlets, department stores, and regional licensee-operated stores.
Nautica Women’s
Nautica Women’s is a growing segment, offering nautical-inspired lifestyle fashion, including dresses, casual knits, swimwear, and loungewear. The women’s division has undergone a design revamp since 2022 to target a younger demographic. Retail presence has expanded through digital partnerships and capsule drops in international markets.
Nautica Kids
Nautica Kids provides apparel and accessories for children aged 2–16. The product range includes polos, shorts, graphic tees, and footwear. The line is especially popular in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. through outlet malls and department stores. It is licensed and distributed by regional partners under oversight from Nautica’s merchandising teams at Catalyst Brands.
Nautica Home
The Nautica Home collection includes bedding, towels, comforters, shower curtains, and bath accessories. The line emphasizes clean nautical color schemes and minimalistic patterns. It is sold through major retailers like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and international home goods chains under licensing agreements. It continues to generate consistent royalties as a stable lifestyle extension of the Nautica brand.
Nautica Accessories
This division includes belts, wallets, socks, watches, bags, and sunglasses. Accessories have become a growing revenue source, especially online and through travel retail outlets. In 2025, the category also includes tech-enabled accessories such as smart backpacks and RFID wallets, designed in collaboration with licensed tech-fashion firms.
Nautica Footwear
Footwear includes lifestyle sneakers, boat shoes, slides, and casual formal options. While not as large as the core apparel divisions, this segment has expanded through direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels and Amazon-based distribution. Select seasonal designs are launched in regional markets like India and South Africa under license.
Nautica Fragrance
The Nautica fragrance line remains a profitable and recognizable product category. Flagship fragrances like Nautica Voyage and Nautica Blue continue to be top-sellers in men’s mid-range fragrance segments. Nautica collaborates with international perfume licensees to distribute through pharmacies, beauty retailers, and online platforms.
Nautica Watches
Licensed through a global timepiece distributor, Nautica watches are designed to align with the brand’s sporty, maritime theme. These watches are available in over 30 countries and have a strong presence in duty-free and airport retail segments. The line includes both digital and analog designs with water-resistant features.
Nautica Digital (eCommerce Division)
The digital arm of Nautica includes its official e-commerce platform, nautica.com, as well as its Amazon flagship store and regional digital storefronts. This unit is responsible for digital marketing, DTC sales, and omnichannel customer engagement. In 2025, Nautica Digital is fully integrated with Catalyst Brands’ broader digital strategy, including CRM and loyalty systems.
Nautica Factory Outlets
Nautica operates a large network of factory outlet stores in North America and select international locations. These outlets are either operated directly under Catalyst Brands or through regional licensees. Outlet operations continue to be a vital retail channel for moving past-season inventory and expanding consumer access at competitive prices.
Nautica International Operations
While not standalone companies, Nautica has localized operational structures in markets like India, China, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and the UAE. These divisions are run via exclusive licensees who manage retail stores, marketing, and logistics under the Nautica brand. Nautica’s international strategy is coordinated through Catalyst Brands’ global operations team.
Nautica Corporate (Brand HQ Function)
Though Nautica no longer operates as an independent corporate entity, it retains a brand leadership team and dedicated staff within Catalyst Brands. This unit focuses on product design, branding, licensing management, retail strategy, and cross-functional coordination across categories and markets.
Conclusion
Nautica is owned by Authentic Brands Group, a major player in global brand licensing. The brand no longer operates independently but thrives under ABG’s umbrella through partnerships and licensing. While it has shifted from a traditional retail model to an asset-light structure, Nautica remains a familiar name in casual and nautical-inspired fashion.
FAQs
How much did Nautica sell for?
Nautica was sold to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in March 2018 by VF Corporation. While the exact sale price was not publicly disclosed, industry analysts estimated the value of the deal to be between $300 million and $350 million. This sale was part of VF Corporation’s strategy to focus on its core performance and outdoor brands. ABG acquired Nautica to revitalize it through a licensing-driven model and position it among other classic American lifestyle brands.
Who owns the brand Nautica?
The Nautica brand is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand development and licensing company based in New York. ABG acquired Nautica in 2018 and currently licenses it to various retail and manufacturing partners across the world. In 2024, Nautica’s operations were integrated under Catalyst Brands, a new platform formed from the merger of SPARC Group and JCPenney. Catalyst Brands manages Nautica’s product, merchandising, retail, and digital operations. However, ABG continues to retain full ownership of the brand’s intellectual property and global rights.
Who owns Nautica watches?
Nautica watches are owned by Authentic Brands Group, just like the main Nautica brand. However, ABG does not manufacture or distribute these watches directly. Instead, the watches are licensed to a global timepiece manufacturer, which is responsible for their design, production, and distribution. In recent years, Nautica watches have been available in over 30 countries and are often sold in airport retail, department stores, and online platforms. The watch collections reflect the brand’s nautical heritage, with a focus on water resistance and casual style.
Is Nautica a good brand?
Yes, Nautica is widely considered a good brand, particularly for its accessible pricing, classic designs, and maritime-inspired style. It is best known for its men’s outerwear, polos, and casual basics, which have remained popular since the 1990s. In recent years, the brand has been refreshed under Catalyst Brands with more modern fits, sustainable fabrics, and global capsule drops. While it does not compete directly with high-end luxury labels, it offers solid quality and value, especially in the casualwear and athleisure segments. It remains a trusted name in mid-tier lifestyle fashion.
What is the Nautica brand’s origin?
The Nautica brand was founded in 1983 in New York City by David Chu, a Taiwanese-American designer. The name “Nautica” is derived from the Latin word nauticus, meaning “ship,” reflecting the brand’s deep connection to the sea and sailing culture. It started with just six outerwear pieces and quickly gained popularity for its clean, crisp nautical aesthetic. Over the decades, Nautica has evolved into a global brand with collections in men’s, women’s, children’s, accessories, home goods, and fragrance categories.
Where is Nautica made?
Nautica products are manufactured by regional licensees and production partners across multiple countries. The brand does not own or operate its own manufacturing facilities. Instead, production is outsourced to countries like China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia, depending on the product category and licensee region. For example, Nautica products sold in India are often manufactured locally by Arvind Fashions, while U.S. and Canadian items may come from factories sourced by Centric Brands. This flexible sourcing model allows Nautica to remain cost-efficient and globally scalable.
Who bought Nautica?
Authentic Brands Group bought Nautica from VF Corporation in 2018.
Is Nautica still in business?
Yes, Nautica is still in business and operates globally through licensed partners.
Is Nautica an American brand?
Yes, Nautica is an American brand founded in New York in 1983.
Who is the founder of Nautica?
David Chu, a Taiwanese-American designer, founded Nautica.
Does Nautica still make clothes?
Yes, Nautica continues to produce apparel, accessories, and fragrances, licensed to global retail and manufacturing partners.
Is Nautica a luxury brand?
No, Nautica is considered a mid-tier lifestyle brand, not a luxury label.
Is Nautica part of Reebok?
No, both Nautica and Reebok are owned by Authentic Brands Group but operate as separate brands.