NEW YORK – Accessory Network Group LLC (“ANG”), a privately held, diversified prestige handbag and accessories company, announced today that it signed a contract to acquire the rights to the Kooba brand. Kooba, founded in 1998, is a premium designer, marketer and wholesaler of branded women’s luxury accessories that bridges the gap between contemporary and designer price points.
“We are very excited about adding this iconic luxury handbag brand to our growing handbag business,” said Abe Chehebar, CEO of Accessory Network Group. “Kooba is a recognized leader in fashion handbags sold in major high-end department and specialty stores throughout the world,” he continued. “We look forward to working closely with Abbe Held, creative director of Kooba, in continuing to expand Kooba in both retail as well as international distribution.”
Kooba is famous for creating a collection of accessories for the independent woman that appreciates unique styling, distinguishing textures, and great attention to detail. The brand was started by a mother-daughter duo that saw a void in the market for luxurious handbags with distinct edginess and contemporary aesthetic, a collection of timeless pieces that are coveted by women around the world. The brand added shoes with a similar look to their classic hobos and totes in Spring 2010. They will continue to design, manufacture and distribute their full lifestyle offering of handbags, small leather goods, shoes, and accessories to select department and specialty stores worldwide as well as Kooba.com. The company’s most recent collection will debut during Market Week, January 31-February 4.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Accessory Network Group,” says Abbe Held, the co-founder and creative director of Kooba. “Joining forces with ANG will give us the opportunity to expand into new markets and categories, creating the full essence of the Kooba brand.”
The Kooba collection is currently available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s, and other fine retailers and specialty stores throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe. The collection is also available on select e-commerce sites and Kooba.com.
The Sage Group served as exclusive financial advisor to Kooba.