Infinity Lifestyle Brands and Hilco Brands announced they acquired the iconic fashion brand Le Tigre from Kenneth Cole Productions in a private asset sale.

As joint venture partners, Infinity and Hilco Inc. have purchased all IP assets (trademarks, goodwill, domain names) and license agreements of Le Tigre branded apparel in a private sale which closed in August of this year. The brand was owned and operated by Kenneth Cole Productions which purchased the venerable label in 2007 and had successfully developed several licensing and distribution agreements with Bon Ton Stores, Inc. since that time.

Ike S. Franco, CEO of the Infinity Group said "Acquiring the Le Tigre brand is a fantastic addition to our current brand portfolio. The Le Tigre name is such a recognized and memorable label which we believe has significant growth potential and licensing opportunities globally."

Jeffrey B. Hecktman, Chairman and CEO of Hilco Global said "The Le Tigre label has both intrinsic and potential brand value which is clearly underleveraged within the lifestyle apparel segment of the marketplace." Both Hilco Brands and Infinity Lifestyle Brands are recognized brand turnaround specialists, together having restructured and revitalized many underleveraged consumer brands and retail companies including Polaroid, Altec Lansing, Miss America, The Sharper Image, Linens 'n Things, and more.

Hecktman said "The unique team of retail brand experts that we've put together has a very deep understanding of the consumer retail marketplace and a successful track record of repositioning apparel brands and work in fashion merchandising and manufacturing businesses." Mr. Franco indicated that as partners, the Infinity and Hilco team will seek to reinvigorate the iconic label and create a global presence, building new revenue streams through strategic initiatives such as brand licensing, launching new designs, expanding store within a store distribution and increased brand marketing.

The Le Tigre brand successfully became one of the most recognized apparel icons for several decades, with a range of designs which all carried the "leaping tiger" logo.  The brand was popularized by celebrities like Wilt Chamberlain, LL Cool J and others.  The brand was originally launched in New York in 1977 and then re-emerged in 2003, after being out of production through the 1990s. 

Currently, several department stores maintain a license to distribute the brand and will continue to market it throughout the United States.  The brand also has partnered with leading companies in Mexico and South America for the launch of new stand-alone stores and brand licensing in their respective countries.