AU Brandz Co., a Seoul-based fashion startup led by Chief Executive Kim Ji-hoon, recently acquired Rockfish Weatherwear’s parent company to evolve from a licensee to the legal owner of the British fashion brand.

In an announcement released on Tuesday, the Korean company inked a deal for a 100% stake in U.K.-based Zennar Ltd. by investing 8.4 billion won ($6.3 million) in the deal. The British leather goods maker was the licensor for Rockfish Weatherwear and is known for its rain boots and winter shoes since it was founded in 2004.

AU Brandz said on Tuesday that the deal will help secure the global trademark rights for Zennar and Rockfish Weatherwear. Kim Tae Kyun, a director at the Korean fashion brand who has more than two decades of experience in the global fashion business, will oversee operations in the Americas and Europe as chief executive.

As it focuses on strengthening its domestic market presence, AU Brandz is planning an initial public offering (IPO) for the first half of 2025, building on its robust business results.

“The company will leverage its success stories to begin doing business in other Asian markets, such as Japan and Taiwan,” Kim said in an interview with the Maeil Business Newspaper.

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