Marquee Brands Acquires Roots in Lucrative Canadian Deal
By Editor • August 20, 2026 • 2 min read
In a strategic move, Marquee Brands has finalized its acquisition of Roots, the iconic Canadian retailer known for its deep cultural connections and athletic apparel. The deal, announced late Thursday, sees Marquee purchasing Roots for 4.10 Canadian dollars per share, marking a generous 36 percent premium over the stock's closing price on March 2.
Marquee, a New York-based brand management firm, is partnering with JM&A Design and Development Inc. to oversee the transaction. Led by seasoned Canadian retailers Joseph Mimran and Frank Rocchetti, JM&A will guide the brand's operations, ensuring that Roots remains rooted in its Canadian heritage while exploring new growth opportunities.
Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "Taking on Roots is an incredible honor… we see significant global opportunity to extend Roots into new categories, markets, and consumer segments." JM&A will manage not only the design and manufacturing aspects of Roots but also its extensive retail presence, which includes over 100 stores and a robust e-commerce platform across Canada and the U.S.
As the acquisition moves forward, a special shareholders meeting will take place to secure approval, with a significant portion of the voting interest already committed to supporting the deal. Mimran emphasized the brand’s importance to Canadian identity, expressing a vision to enhance product offerings and customer experiences while maintaining the essence of Roots.
President of Roots, Meghan Roach, hailed the acquisition as a testament to the brand's momentum, noting its strong Canadian identity that resonates globally. She highlighted the merger of Marquee's global expertise with JM&A's operational leadership as a crucial step for the brand's future.
Golden noted Roots' strong omnichannel presence and emphasized its potential for growth, particularly in new categories such as footwear and outdoor products. With its storied history dating back to 1973 and a legacy of outfitting Canadian Olympic teams, the brand is poised for an exciting new chapter under Marquee's stewardship.
This acquisition comes on the heels of Marquee's recent activities in the luxury market, including the purchase of Roberto Cavalli and Stance, showcasing the firm’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of beloved brands.
Source: wwd.com
