Rockport
Authentic Brands Group · United States
Rockport is an American walking and comfort shoe brand founded in 1971 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Authentic Brands Group acquired it in August 2023 and is its current owner.
| Founded | 1971, Marlborough, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Founders | Saul L. Katz and Bruce R. Katz |
| Owner | Authentic Brands Group (since August 2023) |
| First product | Country Walker (1973) |
| Segment | Footwear |
| Related brands | Aravon, Dunham, Cobb Hill |
| Website | rockport.com |
What is Rockport?
Rockport makes walking and comfort shoes, designed as alternatives to athletic shoes and styled more like traditional footwear. Its first product was the Country Walker in 1973, followed by the RocSport. The Rockport Group also includes Aravon, Dunham and the Rockport Cobb Hill Collection.
History
Rockport was formed in 1971 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, by Saul L. Katz and his son Bruce R. Katz, from Highland Import.
Ownership changes
The ownership history since 2015 is eventful, according to Wikipedia.
- August 2015: Berkshire Partners and New Balance Holding acquired Rockport from the Adidas Group and combined it with Drydock Footwear to form The Rockport Group.
- December 2017: Crescent Capital Group, a major creditor, acquired ownership from Berkshire Partners.
- May 2018: Rockport filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; in July 2018 Charlesbank Capital Partners bought the company out of bankruptcy.
- June 2023: Rockport filed for Chapter 11 again; in August 2023 Authentic Brands Group acquired the brand and is the current owner.
Business model and distribution
The company had 60 brick-and-mortar stores, all closed on 23 July 2018 after the bankruptcy purchase. The source does not describe current distribution channels, though it lists rockport.com as the website. As a brand owned by Authentic Brands Group, product is typically handled through licensing and retail partners, but this is not confirmed in the source.
Why it matters
Rockport is a prominent example of a heritage comfort shoe brand that moved through several private-equity and brand-management owners within a decade.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Rockport?
Authentic Brands Group acquired Rockport in August 2023, after the company filed for Chapter 11 in June 2023, and is the current owner according to Wikipedia.
Where is Rockport from?
Rockport is an American brand founded in 1971 in Marlborough, Massachusetts.