Authentic Brands Group has appointed Shanghai Hui Zhong as the new core operating partner for Nautica and Spyder across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, as it seeks to accelerate the brands’ growth in the region. 

Under the partnership, Shanghai Hui Zhong will handle local operations, including supply chain management, wholesale distribution and the operation and expansion of the brands’ offline retail store network. The company will also leverage its local market expertise and established distribution channels to support the brands’ growth in the region.

Authentic said the partnership combines its global brand development platform with Hui Zhong’s local capabilities to further strengthen Nautica’s and Spyder’s presence in the Chinese market.

“This partnership demonstrates Authentic’s ongoing commitment to working alongside best-in-class partners to expand the scale and influence of its global brands in China market,” Authentic Brands Group said in a statement.  

“Through global brand management and localised operations, Authentic and Huizhong will work together to unlock new growth opportunities for Nautica and Spyder in China.” 

Tristate Holdings had managed Nautica and Spyder in China under licensing agreements with Authentic Brands Group since 2018. In 2021, the Nautica licence was extended through December 2032 following amendments to the licensing agreements.

According to Tristate’s 2025 annual report, Nautica’s revenue declined 12 per cent year over year while Spyder’s fell 24 per cent as weaker consumer spending weighed on China’s retail market. The company responded by optimising its store network, ending 2025 with 70 directly managed Nautica stores, 44 partner stores and 42 Spyder stores across China.

Separately, Tristate disclosed in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing last week that Authentic had issued notices to terminate the Nautica and Spyder licence agreements. The filing said the notices are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

Authentic’s announcement of the Shanghai Hui Zhong partnership did not address the status of its licensing arrangements with Tristate.

Earlier this year, Authentic also named NewRee Sports as Reebok’s core operating partner for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau as part of changes to the brand’s operating structure in the region.