Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand development, marketing and entertainment company, announced the purchase of a majority interest in the Neil Lane Brand, the fine jewelry and accessories purveyor, founded by jewelry designer to the stars, Neil Lane.
The acquisition of Neil Lane gives ABG a leading position in the fine jewelry space and further strengthens its portfolio, which boasts prominent luxury and fashion brands including Judith Leiber, Juicy Couture, Frye, and Hickey Freeman.
“We are honored to welcome Neil Lane to the ABG family,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO of ABG. “Neil’s influence in jewelry, bridal, and entertainment provides a solid foundation from which to grow Neil Lane into a full lifestyle brand.”
“I’m excited to have my brand as part of ABG’s esteemed portfolio,” said Mr. Lane. “ABG’s capabilities in building value are unparalleled and I’m confident that together we will take my brand to the next level.”
Tapping into the brand’s unique position in the couture space, ABG will work closely with Mr. Lane on building out key categories that reflect the contemporary elegance of his designs. While jewelry will continue to be a cornerstone of the brand, ABG will expand Neil Lane into lifestyle offerings such as home, travel, and fashion. ABG will also broaden its relationship with Signet Jewelers and focus on growing the brand’s global presence via key social media and digital platforms.
Neil Lane is an entrepreneur, innovator, and designer with a long history in Hollywood. He formed relationships with emerging starlets early in his career and quickly rose to fame alongside them, becoming the go-to jewelry designer for celebrities’ red-carpet appearances and their nuptials. With a keen eye for design and business acumen, Mr. Lane helped shape the face of American bridal. He signed on with The Bachelor more than a decade ago and has since become a household name, partnering with Signet Jewelers to offer exclusive, vintage-inspired jewelry and diamond ring collections at Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared The Galleria of Jewelry.
Today, Neil Lane jewelry can be found in over 3,500 retail doors across key territories around the world. Mr. Lane will continue to own and operate his iconic couture jewelry boutique in West Hollywood, CA.
Greif & Co., an independent, Los Angeles based investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions for entrepreneurially owned companies, represented Neil Lane Enterprises in this transaction.