New York, NY — Comedian, actor, producer and entrepreneur Kevin Hart has announced a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic),

Under the agreement, Hart and Authentic will co-own and manage the Kevin Hart brand, scaling it across new verticals and markets through Authentic’s brand platform.

Hart also becomes a shareholder in Authentic, whose brand portfolio spans more than 50 brands, reaches nearly one billion social media followers and generates $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide.

“This partnership is about acceleration, growth and diversification. I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level,” Hart said. “Becoming a shareholder allows me to co-own some of the most recognizable IP of all time while building my own brand legacy. I want the Hart name to live on for generations to come and be something that my grandkids and their grandkids will be able to be proud of.”

Hart is a global entertainer and business mogul. His expansive career includes blockbuster films, global tours, streaming platforms, consumer products, fitness partnerships and more, supported by an audience of 292 million social media followers worldwide. Hart’s portfolio includes, but is not limited to, successful ventures such as Hartbeat Productions, Gran Coramino, Fabletics and other category-defining businesses that reflect his creative and commercial range.

“Kevin is one of the most dynamic entertainers and entrepreneurs of our time,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “His creative vision, business instincts and cultural impact are unmatched. Kevin sees what we see: the power of brand ownership and the opportunity to build a global, long-term business. His investment in Authentic also reflects our mutual confidence and shared vision for that growth.”

Corey Salter, President of Entertainment and International at Authentic, added, “Our strategy has always been to partner with visionary leaders who are building brands with long-term global relevance. Kevin represents the future of entertainment-driven IP, and together we will expand his brand across new categories and geographies, strengthening the entire Authentic network.”

The partnership marks another meaningful milestone for Authentic as it continues to build one of the world’s most powerful IP ecosystems, fueled by content, culture and a globally connected partner network. Hart joins a roster of globally influential partners across sports, culture and entertainment, including David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal. Together, Authentic and Hart will expand the eponymous Kevin Hart brand across consumer products, state-of-the-art digital platforms, collaborations and live experiences.