Kevin Hart To Scale Brand Through Strategic Partnership With Authentic Brands Group

Kevin Hart has entered into a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group, with an eye toward scaling his brand across new verticals and markets.

Under the agreement, Hart and Authentic will co-own and manage the Kevin Hart brand, with Hart becoming a shareholder in Authentic.

“This partnership is about acceleration, growth and diversification,” Hart said this morning. “I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level. Becoming a shareholder allows me to co-own some of the most recognizable IP of all time while building my own brand legacy. I want the Hart name to live on for generations to come and be something that my grandkids and their grandkids will be able to be proud of.”

Commented Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic, “Kevin is one of the most dynamic entertainers and entrepreneurs of our time. His creative vision, business instincts and cultural impact are unmatched. Kevin sees what we see: the power of brand ownership and the opportunity to build a global, long-term business. His investment in Authentic also reflects our mutual confidence and shared vision for that growth.”

Authentic President of Entertainment and International Corey Salter added, “Our strategy has always been to partner with visionary leaders who are building brands with long-term global relevance. Kevin represents the future of entertainment-driven IP, and together we will expand his brand across new categories and geographies, strengthening the entire Authentic network.”

Hart is a globally recognized comedian, actor, producer and entrepreneur with 292 million followers worldwide across social platforms. His portfolio includes, but is not limited to, ventures such as Hartbeat Productions, Gran Coramino, and Fabletics. He’s earned both Emmy and Grammy nominations and has seen his films gross more than $4.23 billion globally.

Authentic’s portfolio spans more than 50 brands, reaches nearly one billion social media followers, and generates $32 billion in annual retail sales worldwide. Their roster also includes Reebok, Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, Aéropostale, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Dockers, Ted Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Quiksilver, Spyder, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Prince, Sperry and Hunter.