SanMar Corp. reached an agreement to acquire Bella+Canvas, a supplier of fashion-forward blank t-shirts and other apparel based in Los Angeles.
Terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1992, Bella+Canvas has become known in the industry for its fashion-driven blanks, including t-shirts and hoodies. Bella+Canvas’ dye-and-cut operations are in Los Angeles. It also has two distribution facilities in Nevada and Maryland.
SanMar, headquartered in Issaquah, WA, is reportedly the largest wholesale supplier of promotional apparel, bags and caps in the United States.
“As the fashion leader in the industry, Bella+Canvas has earned the trust and respect it holds today,” said SanMar President and CEO Jeremy Lott. “Our commitment is simple: Give Bella+Canvas the focused ownership and resources it needs to keep doing what it does best and to deliver even more of what the market expects from this exceptional brand.”
According to the announcement, Bella+Canvas will be “maintaining the creative autonomy and clear point of view that have always defined the brand.” Distribution operations will not be changed for the time being.
EVP Megan Spire will retain her role at Bella+Canvas and “lead the brand into its next chapter.”
Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge, who co-founded Bella+Canvas as a garage screen printer in 1992, will depart. Harris and DeGeorge also own the Alo Yoga brand, which operates separately from the core Bella+Canvas blanks business and is not included in the deal.
Norm Hullinger, who has been president at Bella+Canvas, no longer holds that role but will remain co-president of Alo Yoga.
“As we looked for the right next chapter,” said Harris, “it was critical to find an owner that would champion the brand’s DNA and build on what has made it a leader; delivering the highest‑quality fashion blanks with manufacturing integrity and an unwavering ethos of being different. SanMar believes deeply in this brand and is uniquely positioned to support its growth through inventory depth, service and operational excellence. The Bella+Canvas legacy lives on, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Added DeGeorge: “It was paramount to my partner and me that Bella+Canvas joins a privately held, family‑owned company rather than private equity. We know SanMar will be exceptional stewards of the brand and of the Bella+Canvas team who continue to shape it today.”
Spire added, “Bella+Canvas has always operated with a simple conviction: The people who print, decorate and sell our products deserve the best blank apparel in the world. That belief is not changing. With focused ownership and additional investment behind the brand, we will be able to bring more newness, more innovation and an even stronger commitment to the partners who make Bella+Canvas what it is while staying true to who we’ve always been. I have never been more excited to lead this brand.”
Image courtesy Bella+Canvas
