Caprice Australia in licensing deal for Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, after US Boardriders bankruptcy
A stable of iconic Australian-born surf brands is back under local management after the bankruptcy of their former parent company in the US.
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A stable of iconic Australian-born surf brands is back under local management after the bankruptcy of their former parent company in the US.
US-based Liberated Brands, which took over operations of brands including DC Shoes, RVCA, Roxy, Billabong, Quiksilver, Element and VonZipper in 2023, filed for bankruptcy in February.
A rapid retail expansion and a subsequent dive in consumer demand was blamed for Liberated’s demise, which saw 120 stores close in the US and Canada.
US licensor Authentic Brands this week said it had struck a deal with fabric and licensed clothing group Caprice Australia to keep 200 branded stores, websites and their staff operating.
The deal includes Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element, VonZipper, Spyder and Volcom.
Caprice already held Australian branded product licences for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Mattel, Universal, Moose Lego and more.
A new division, BR South Pacific (BRSP), has been created within Caprice to house the surf brands.
BRSP CEO Paul Cannon said customers would see a renewed focus on sustainability and authenticity with plans to reinvigorate product lines and expand into new markets.
“We are incredibly proud to bring these businesses back to an Australian-owned brand operator,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working with the talented Australian teams that will continue to operate the business moving forward.
“These brands have a profound impact on shaping surf culture worldwide, and we are committed to honouring that legacy while evolving to inspire and connect with next generation.”
David Brooks of Authentic Brands said the partnership with Caprice was the best path forward for the brands.
“Their understanding of the market, combined with the experience of the existing management team, puts us in a strong position to grow these brands,” he said.
“Quiksilver and Billabong were born in Australia, and this region remains central to their identity.”
Billabong was founded in Burleigh Heads in 1973, while Quiksilver has its roots in Victoria’s surf capital Torquay.
Originally published as Caprice Australia in licensing deal for Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, after US Boardriders bankruptcy
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