Authentic Brands Acquires TapouT, Silver Star

Responding to the popularity of mixed martial arts, Authentic Brands Group has picked up two new properties: TapouT and Silver Star Casting Company.

TapouT is a lifestyle brand for adults and kids that encapsulates MMA apparel and gear. The brand represents several sport fighters, including Rashad Evans and Rich Franklin and is also linked to a TV reality series and radio show.

Silver Casting, founded in 1993, is the official sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship at the mid- to upper-tier level of distribution. The company also has a sub-brand, Iron Star, that caters to the mid and mass tiers.

“We strategically chose these acquisitions as our first big move because we’re getting into the right business at the right time,” said Jamie Salter, Authentic Brands Group’s chairman and CEO. “We’re looking forward to working with the best brands and the best athletes in the world as we transition these two companies into global lifestyle brands with our retail and licensing partners.”