Fortified Equity has acquired Avid Sportswear and appointed Pete Angle as CEO to expand the brand’s presence in outdoor and fashion markets. The company stated that Angle has been serving as interim president of the Florida-based performance outdoor lifestyle brand for the past two years, “guiding the brand through a period of transition, growth and positioning it for its next stage of expansion.”
“Avid was built on a passion for life from coast to camp, and that authenticity is what makes the brand so special,” offered Angle. “Our vision is to elevate Avid as both a performance leader and a lifestyle statement, delivering innovative gear that excels in the outdoors while connecting with a broader audience that shares our love for adventure. With the support of Fortified Equity, we’re ready to take Avid into its next great chapter.”
Prior to his role at Avid, Angle was, most recently, president of Covey Partners, a consulting and investment firm specializing in “transforming visionary ideas into thriving, scalable businesses.” Before that, he served as president and CMO at Marolina Outdoor, the parent company of the Huk and Nomad brands. Angle also served as SVP of marketing at Plano Synergy, a nearly seven-year stint after marketing roles at Mossberg and Under Armour.
“Founded with a passion for life from coast to camp, Avid has earned a reputation for designing premium apparel that blends performance, comfort, and an authentic outdoor style. With the support of Fortified Equity, the brand is poised to broaden its reach through new product launches, expanded retail partnerships, and a robust marketing presence,” the company said in a media release.
“Avid sits at the unique intersection of performance and lifestyle, bringing authenticity from the outdoors into a brand that resonates far beyond the water or woods. We believe Avid has only begun to scratch the surface of its potential, and with Pete’s leadership, the brand is positioned to grow into a household name for those who live and love the outdoor lifestyle,” said Ashley Martin, a founding partner at Fortified.
“What drew us to Avid is the strength of its community and the authenticity behind the brand,” added Fortified Co-Founder Allen Mescher. “This is more than apparel; it’s a way of life for people who value time outdoors with friends and family. We see tremendous opportunity to honor that foundation while helping Avid scale its reach and impact globally.”
Fortified Equity is a family office investment firm specializing in small to mid-sized opportunities, providing tailored exit solutions to founders and owners.
Image courtesy Avid Sportswear
