Private equity holding company Ames Watson announced a leading Class B funding round investment in Margaux, a women’s footwear brand. Margaux is the latest in a series of investments and acquisitions for Ames’ portfolio of properties, including Lids, Fanatics, Lids College, and South Moon Under.
Harvard alumnae Sarah Pierson and Alexa Buckley launched New York City-based Margaux in 2015 with a wear-everywhere shoe in an inclusive size range. The brand has since expanded to offer a collection of handmade heels, sandals, loafers, and sneakers manufactured at family-owned factories in Spain and Portugal.
“Margaux has disrupted the women’s footwear space, and we see tremendous growth opportunities across the industry,” said Lawrence Berger, co-founder, partner, Ames Watson. “In identifying growth investment opportunities at Ames Watson, we’re always looking for special brands with exceptional teams of entrepreneurs, and we’ve found that in Sarah Pierson and Alexa Buckley.”
“At Ames Watson, we can invest in flexible ways—control or minority investments, mature or growth businesses— to grow our portfolio,” said Tom Ripley, co-founder, partner, Ames Watson. “The Margaux investment is our sixth minority investment in the last year, with more to come in the near future.”
“We have a growing community of shoppers and are excited to find a true partner in Ames Watson,” added Buckley and Pierson. “Ames Watson’s brand-building expertise and proven track record in scaling retail and e-commerce businesses will be key to Margaux’s continued growth and success.”
This investment follows Ames Watson’s recent announcement that it raised $250 million in a new round of funding for add-on acquisitions and investments for Lids and separate stand-alone control and passive investments. Additional Ames Watson minority investments include Mitchell & Ness, Watchbox and Zygo.
Photo courtesy Margaux
