Sun Capital Partners has sold Gerber Childrenswear, a marketer of infant and children’s apparel, to Providence Apparel. Gerber Childrenswear was acquired by Sun in February 2008 when it acquired Kellwood Company.
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. The company is based in New York (www.GerberChildrenswear.com).
“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 US and internationally. This progress has Gerber Childrenswear well-positioned for continued future growth and success.”
Sun Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital has invested in and managed more than 325 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $45 billion since the firm’s inception in 1995. The firm has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York as well as affiliates with offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Shenzhen (www.SunCapPart.com).
Sun Capital has extensive experience in the apparel sector. Current portfolio companies in the sector include The Limited, a fashion retailer of private-label apparel; Hanna Andersson, a 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.
The buyer of Gerber Childrenswear, Providence Apparel, is a designer and marketer of T-shirts and related apparel. The company is based in National City, CA (www.providenceapparel.com).
© 2013 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 10-18-13