October’s Very Own is entering a new phase of its growth, with Authentic Brands Group acquiring a 51% controlling interest in the Toronto-born label’s intellectual property.
The agreement brings one of streetwear’s most recognisable names into Authentic’s extensive global brand portfolio, while keeping co-founder Drake closely involved in the business. Following the transaction, the rapper and entrepreneur will maintain a 44% stake in OVO, preserving his position as the brand’s largest individual shareholder.
The remaining 5% will be held by Vince Holding Corp., which has also been appointed OVO’s global apparel and retail licensee. The company will take responsibility for much of the infrastructure required to expand the label internationally, including manufacturing, merchandising, logistics and retail operations.
Founded by Drake alongside Oliver El-Khatib and Noah “40” Shebib, OVO has developed from a Toronto creative collective into an international fashion and lifestyle brand. Its current retail network spans 12 standalone stores across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The new partnership is expected to significantly increase that footprint. Vince Holding Corp. is targeting three additional OVO stores in the US next year, followed by a move into major wholesale retailers from 2027. The strategy marks a push beyond OVO’s existing direct-to-consumer presence and towards a broader international distribution network.
Authentic Brands Group’s involvement also places OVO within a business model built around expanding established cultural names through licensing, retail and international partnerships. For OVO, the arrangement could provide the infrastructure needed to scale while allowing its Toronto-based creative operation to remain intact.
