Gildan Activewear

What does Gildan Activewear own?
Gildan Activewear owns brands including Gildan (core activewear), American Apparel (fashion-forward activewear), Comfort Colors (premium activewear), Alstyle (imprint activewear), Gold Toe (premium socks), and Peds, Secret, Silks (hosiery). Following the HanesBrands acquisition in December 2025, Gildan also owns Hanes (underwear and innerwear), Champion (under license), Bali (intimates), Playtex (intimates), and Maidenform (intimates). The HanesBrands Australian Business is classified as held for sale.

Is Gildan publicly traded?
Yes, Gildan trades on both the New York Stock Exchange (GIL) and Toronto Stock Exchange (GIL). The company is widely held by institutional and retail investors with no single controlling shareholder. Gildan went public on the TSX in 1998 and listed on the NYSE in 2001.

What is Gildan's annual revenue?
For fiscal year 2025 (ended December 28, 2025), Gildan reported record net sales from continuing operations of $3,619 million, up 10.7% from $3,271 million in FY2024. This includes HanesBrands' contribution of $217 million from December 1-28, 2025. Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.51, up 17% from $3.00 in FY2024. For 2026, Gildan guides revenue of $6.0-$6.2 billion and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.20-$4.40.

Who is the CEO of Gildan?
Glenn J. Chamandy serves as President and CEO. Chamandy co-founded Gildan in 1984 and returned as CEO after a leadership transition in 2024. Under his leadership, Gildan completed the transformative HanesBrands acquisition in December 2025 and delivered record FY2025 results.

Did Gildan acquire HanesBrands?
Yes, Gildan completed the acquisition of HanesBrands Inc. on December 1, 2025, creating a global basic apparel leader. The acquisition doubled Gildan's scale, combining iconic brands with its world-class, low-cost, vertically integrated manufacturing platform. Integration is progressing ahead of plan, with targeted run-rate cost synergies of approximately $250 million by end of 2028. The HanesBrands Australian Business has been classified as held for sale.

Does Gildan own American Apparel?
Yes, Gildan acquired the American Apparel brand and intellectual property in 2017 for approximately $88 million, adding a fashion-forward brand to its portfolio.

Where are Gildan's factories located?
Gildan operates manufacturing facilities primarily in Honduras (the largest production hub), Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Bangladesh. The company is also building a second textile facility (Phase 2) at its Bangladesh complex, with initial production targeted for the latter part of 2027. Gildan's vertically integrated model controls production from yarn spinning to finished garments.

Gildan Activewear was founded in 1984 by Glenn Chamandy and Gregory Chamandy in Montreal, Quebec. The company initially focused on manufacturing basic cotton t-shirts and gradually expanded its product line. Gildan went public in 1998, listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and later listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2001.

The company's growth strategy centered on vertical integration, acquiring control of the entire production process from raw materials to finished goods. Gildan established manufacturing facilities in Central America and the Caribbean, taking advantage of favorable trade agreements and lower labor costs.

In 2017, Gildan acquired the American Apparel brand and intellectual property for approximately $88 million, adding a fashion-forward brand to its portfolio.

In 2024, Gildan faced leadership challenges when co-founder Glenn Chamandy was dismissed as CEO amid disagreements with major shareholders. Chamandy subsequently returned as CEO following shareholder pressure.

On August 13, 2025, Gildan announced the acquisition of HanesBrands Inc., which closed on December 1, 2025. This transformative acquisition brought complementary business models and iconic brands together, creating a global basic apparel leader with a more diversified channel mix and expanded consumer reach.

In early 2026, Gildan closed two HanesBrands textile manufacturing facilities, shifting production volumes to Gildan's lower-cost vertically integrated network. The company also announced plans to build a second textile facility (Phase 2) at its Bangladesh complex, with initial production targeted for the latter part of 2027.

On February 25, 2026, Deepak Khandelwal was appointed as independent director, bringing the Board of Directors to nine members. Chuck Ward was named EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing Retail and Wholesale channel strategy.

Leadership transition (2024): Gildan faced a highly publicized leadership battle in 2024 when co-founder Glenn Chamandy was dismissed as CEO amid disagreements with major shareholders over strategic direction. Chamandy subsequently returned as CEO following shareholder pressure, creating a period of uncertainty.

HanesBrands acquisition debt: The HanesBrands acquisition pushed Gildan's net debt to $4.42 billion. The company issued $1.2 billion in U.S. senior unsecured notes as part of the financing, increasing financial leverage.

Manufacturing facility closures: In early 2026, Gildan closed two HanesBrands textile manufacturing facilities, shifting production to its lower-cost network. Such closures can face scrutiny regarding worker displacement and community impact.

Manufacturing concentration risk: Gildan's manufacturing concentration in Central America (particularly Honduras) and Bangladesh exposes the company to political, economic, and supply chain risks.

HanesBrands Australia divestiture: Gildan has classified the HanesBrands Australian Business as held for sale and initiated a formal sale process, reflecting strategic rationalization of the acquired portfolio.