Designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories, Designer Brands, has announced the acquisition of footwear brand Keds from Wolverine Worldwide. Keds is an iconic brand for women, men and kids alike, with a legacy of being versatile, comfortable and fashionable. From a place in the wardrobes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to a central role in the 1980s classic movie, Dirty Dancing, Keds has been at the centre of cultural conversation for decades.

The announced transaction includes all Keds' products, including Pro-Keds, as well as the brand's large e-commerce business. This expands Designer Brands' Owned Brands' reach into casual and athleisure footwear in the direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, supplementing the recent additions of Le Tigre and Topo Athletic. This acquisition also marks Designer Brands' first Owned Brand wholesale business within the kids' footwear segment.