Sun Capital Partners, Inc. (“Sun Capital”), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies, announced the sale by its affiliate of its investment in Gerber Childrenswear LLC , a leading marketer of infant and children’s apparel and related products, to Providence Apparel Inc. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Gerber Childrenswear offers infant and children’s apparel and related products under its flagship licensed brand, Gerber, and the Onesies brand, which are primarily distributed throughout North America through mass market and national retail chains. The Company also markets infant and children’s apparel under licensed brands including Jockey for Kids, Lamaze, and the NFL in the national, department, and specialty store channels.
Prior to acquisition, Gerber Childrenswear operated as a division of Kellwood Company (“Kellwood”), a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a growing collection of premier fashion brands across a broad range of consumer lifestyles.
Upon the acquisition of Kellwood by an affiliate of Sun Capital, Gerber Childrenswear was acquired from Kellwood to operate as a standalone entity in order to implement operating efficiencies, pursue channel and brand licensing expansion opportunities, and focus on the growth of its core infant and children’s apparel business.
“We are extremely proud of our effort, working closely with management, to establish Gerber Childrenswear as a successful independent business, including building out the systems and infrastructure necessary for success,” said Marc Leder, Co-CEO at Sun Capital.
“Under our ownership, the Company has greatly improved its sourcing and distribution network, broadened its apparel product range and portfolio of brand licenses, and expanded the company’s retail reach and customer base both in the U.S. and internationally. This progress has Gerber Childrenswear well-positioned for continued future growth and success.”
Sun Capital has strong experience in the apparel sector through current affiliated portfolio companies including The Limited, an iconic fashion retailer of high-quality, private-label apparel; Hanna Andersson, a leading multi-channel retailer of lifestyle branded apparel for children and families; Vince, a men’s and women’s apparel brand operating more than 20 stores; and Scotch & Soda, an apparel brand with more than 94 stores worldwide and more than 7,000 other sales points.
