Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) has announced a long-term strategic partnership with International Apparel Corporation (IAC) to spearhead the expansion of its newly acquired Dockers brand across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

This collaboration follows Authentic’s $311 million acquisition of the khaki authority from Levi Strauss & Co in 2025, a move designed to revitalize the brand for a new generation. By leveraging IAC’s two-decade history with the brand and its deep-rooted regional expertise, the partnership aims to penetrate under-served lifestyle markets in Ecuador and the Andean region.

The strategy focuses on high-volume distribution of men’s and women’s lifestyle apparel, specifically targeting the professional-casual segment that remains a staple in Latin American wardrobes despite shifting global trends.

Supply chain synergy and the evolution of modern workwear

The agreement mandates IAC to oversee manufacturing and localized distribution, integrating its robust retail relationships with Authentic’s asset-light, brand-building model. This shift is critical as Dockers transitions from a subsidiary of a denim giant to a standalone brand within a diverse portfolio that includes Reebok and Champion. Corey Salter, President-Entertainment and International, Authentic Brands Group, highlighted, the venture is intended to preserve the brand’s unique identity while optimizing operations to meet regional demand.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time as global apparel firms navigate a 15 per cent increase in logistics costs, requiring regional partners like IAC to ensure pricing remains competitive. By decentralizing operations through localized platforms, Authentic seeks to drive EBITDA-positive growth through internal accruals and predictable cash flows in high-potential Tier-II markets.

Dockers is the global authority on khaki apparel, founded in 1986. Following its acquisition by Authentic Brands Group for up to $391 million, the brand is targeting aggressive expansion in LATAM and EMEA. Authentic oversees $38 billion in annual retail sales across 150 countries, focusing on heritage brands with high global recognition.