US-based footwear and apparel manufacturer Wolverine Worldwide has acquired British fitness and lifestyle brand Sweaty Betty for around $410m.
As part of the transaction, Wolverine Worldwide bought all shares of Sweaty Betty’s owner, Lady of Leisure InvestCo, from L Catterton and other shareholders.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The all-cash deal was completed on 2 August and is expected to be accretive to Wolverine Worldwide’s earnings in its first year.
Wolverine Worldwide funded the acquisition using cash and its revolving line of credit.
Based in London, Sweaty Betty offers a wide range of products, including tops, bottoms, swimwear, outerwear and accessories.
The company operates a network of shops across the UK and Asia, as well as an online retail service.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataIt also sells its products at Selfridges, Harrods and in shop-in-shops in more than 99 Nordstrom outlets across North America.
Wolverine Worldwide chairman and CEO Blake W Krueger said: “The acquisition of Sweaty Betty complements our strategic shift over the last several years from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-obsessed, digital-focused growth company.
“It also gives us a leadership position in the growing women’s activewear category.”
Sweaty Betty CEO Julia Straus will continue to lead the brand, reporting to Wolverine Worldwide president Brendan Hoffman.
Ms Straus said: “From the moment I met the team at Wolverine Worldwide, I knew they were the right partner to support us in the next chapter of Sweaty Betty.
“Their portfolio of purpose-driven heritage brands, knowledge and expertise in building performance brands, robust international distribution and supply chain expertise provides a strong platform to expand Sweaty Betty and further our mission to ‘empower more women through fitness all over the world’.”
Rothschild and Co acted as financial advisor to Wolverine for the transaction, while Baker McKenzie and Honigman served as the company’s legal advisors.
Last August, Retail Insight Network reported that Sweaty Betty was considering selling itself amid the coronavirus pandemic.
