The acquisition brings together SANCTUARY’s nearly three decades of brand equity with WSG’s global platform to expand the brand across new markets, categories and consumers

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WSG Brands announced the acquisition of SANCTUARY, the Los Angeles-based contemporary women’s lifestyle brand known for its modern, versatile approach to dressing, marking the beginning of a new chapter of growth for the nearly 30-year-old brand.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1997 by husband-and-wife team Ken and Debra Polanco, SANCTUARY has built a distinct position within the contemporary women’s market, with an established wholesale business, growing direct-to-consumer presence and longstanding relationships with leading retail partners. Known for its strong pant and utility heritage and effortless approach to everyday dressing, SANCTUARY has cultivated a loyal, multi-generational consumer base.

The acquisition adds SANCTUARY to WSG’s growing portfolio of global consumer brands and is designed to build upon the foundation SANCTUARY has established over nearly three decades. Central to the strategy is preserving the brand’s DNA, product point of view and relationship with its existing consumer while providing the resources and infrastructure to unlock its next phase of growth.

“Over nearly 30 years, SANCTUARY has grown from an idea into a brand and community that means so much to us. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built: our team, our longstanding retail partnerships, and most importantly, the women who have made SANCTUARY part of their lives,” said Debra and Ken Polanco, Co-Founders of SANCTUARY. “This partnership gives SANCTUARY the opportunity to build on that foundation with greater resources, global reach, and new avenues for growth, while staying true to the point of view and product philosophy that have defined the brand from the beginning. We’re excited to remain actively involved as SANCTUARY enters this next chapter and to see the brand reach more women around the world.”

Ken and Debra Polanco will remain actively involved in the operating business, providing continuity across SANCTUARY’s creative direction, product vision, positioning and connection with its community. SANCTUARY will continue to operate as a distinct brand, with its existing creative and product leadership remaining closely involved as the business enters its next phase.

A key focus of WSG’s growth strategy will be expanding SANCTUARY’s international footprint, particularly in markets where the brand remains relatively underpenetrated. Priority regions include the UK, Europe, GCC/Middle East and Asia, with growth expected to be pursued through a combination of strategic licensing, distribution, retail, digital commerce and local market partnerships tailored to each territory.

WSG also sees significant opportunity to evolve SANCTUARY from a primarily apparel-driven business into a broader global lifestyle brand. Future category expansion will cover men’s, kids’ and home, focusing on areas that naturally complement SANCTUARY’s existing business, aesthetic and consumer while creating new ways for customers to engage with the brand across their lifestyles.

“SANCTUARY has built an incredibly strong brand over nearly three decades, with a clear point of view, deep consumer loyalty, and enduring relevance in the contemporary women’s market,” said Jack Cheika, CEO of WSG Brands. “Our goal is not to change what has made SANCTUARY successful, but to build upon it. We see tremendous opportunity to bring the brand to new consumers around the world, thoughtfully expand into new categories, and provide the resources and global capabilities to support its next stage of growth.”

Li & Fung will serve as the anchor licensee of SANCTUARY’s existing business in women’s ready-to-wear.

“Over the years, Sanctuary has built an exceptional brand with a loyal customer following, a strong team, and a reputation for creating great product. We have long admired what Sanctuary has accomplished, and we see meaningful opportunities to build on that foundation together. We are thrilled that this next chapter begins as part of Li & Fung.

What excites me most about this partnership is not simply adding another brand to our portfolio. It is the opportunity to bring together talented people with complementary strengths and shared ambitions. Sanctuary brings a strong commercial platform, established sales relationships, a long-standing customer base, and deep expertise in brand building and product creation. Li & Fung brings global sourcing, supply chain capabilities, operational scale, and decades of experience helping businesses grow. Together, these complementary strengths position us to expand our brand portfolio, deepen customer relevance, and create new growth opportunities.” – Jason Kra, President of L&F Markets USA

MMG Advisors, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to SANCTUARY on this transaction.

ABOUT SANCTUARY
SANCTUARY is a Los Angeles-based contemporary women’s lifestyle brand known for exceptional fit, thoughtful design and an effortless approach to modern dressing. Founded in 1997 by husband-and-wife team Ken and Debra Polanco, the brand, originally recognized as master pant makers, evolved into a versatile wardrobe destination spanning ready-to-wear, petites, curve, swim, footwear and accessories. Today, SANCTUARY creates pieces designed to remain relevant season after season, guided by a vintage-inspired sensibility with an unwavering commitment to quality and timeless design.

ABOUT WSG BRANDS
WSG Brands is a global brand management firm focused on acquiring, managing and growing iconic consumer brands. Through strategic brand management, licensing, distribution, partnerships and international expansion, WSG Brands works to unlock long-term growth while preserving the identity and cultural relevance that make each brand distinctive.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wsg-acquires-sanctuary-positioning-the-contemporary-womens-brand-for-global-growth-302917570.html

SOURCE WSG Brands