Versa Capital Management has acquired Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), a retailer of outdoor apparel and equipment. Mark Walsh, a Versa Principal and Chairman of Bob’s Stores, a northeastern apparel retailer and a portfolio company of Versa, will serve as Chairman of the Board of EMS.
“We are pleased to welcome EMS into our organization and to further expand Versa’s retail interests,” said Gregory Segall, CEO of Versa Capital. “EMS brings a 45-year history of marketing products for serious outdoor enthusiasts and is a natural fit for our existing expertise in both the retail and outdoor sectors. With a new capital structure and the other resources that Versa can offer, EMS will have many new opportunities to develop its branded products and better serve its customers.”
Eastern Mountain Sports is an operator of 69 retail stores in the Northeast US that sell brand name and private label outdoor apparel and equipment. The company also sells its products online through its website (www.ems.com). The company was founded in 1967 and is based in Peterborough, NH.
Versa Capital Management invests in special situations involving middle market companies with revenues in the $100 million to $1 billion range or assets of $25 million to $500 million. The firm has $1.2 billion of capital under management and is based in Philadelphia, PA (www.versa.com).
Versa’s portfolio includes Bob’s Stores, a northeastern apparel retailer that was recognized in 2011 as Connecticut’s Retailer of the Year; Avenue Stores, a chain of trend-right, multi-channel stores offering affordable fashion for real size women; and Black Angus Steakhouses, a chain of family-oriented steak restaurants in the western states.
Duff & Phelps acted as exclusive financial advisor to EMS.
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 11-27-12