Licensing is among the options Gildan is weighing for its proposed purchase of American Apparel brand, says a Gildan spokesman. Gildan emerged the winner in the bidding for bankrupt retailer American Apparel’s IP assets, but only after increasing its auction bid to $88 million from $66 million. The deal is expected to close in February and plans will be further detailed when the company releases earnings on Feb. 23, says the spokesman. Gildan was forced to increase its offer after Next Level Apparel entered the bidding with a $70 million offer.

In addition to the core American Apparel brand, Gildan will own the Classic Girl, Standard American, Classic Baby and Sustainable Edition marks in a portfolio that has 120 registrations worldwide, according to bankruptcy court documents.  “Licensing is one of the things that we are considering and we have had interest from a number of companies,” says the Gildan spokesman. “This will get us to consumers besides those that are buying Gildan socks and underwear at Walmart or Gold Toe socks at Macy’s.”