Marquee Brands LLC acquired the Body Glove brand and related intellectual property assets from Body Glove International.
Established in Redondo Beach, CA in 1953, by twin brothers Bob and Bill Meistrell, Body Glove is an outdoor sports brands operating across global markets with a wide array of lifestyle product categories.
Michael DeVirgilio, president of Marquee Brands, said, “There is tremendous growth ahead for Body Glove to develop new product categories that cater to a consumer that embraces life, the outdoors and an active lifestyle.”
The Meistrell family will retain a minority interest in the Body Glove brand and remain partners in the future growth of the brand. In addition to its New York headquarters and London design office, Marquee Brands will also be opening a west coast office to support the Body Glove brand management and marketing teams.
“Body Glove presents us with both the opportunity to, and responsibility for, Marquee to be stewards for the future of this American treasure. Whether it’s the California vibe or the excitement of outdoor sports, Body Glove has never been beholden to styles and trends and remains an evergreen brand with its best years ahead,” stated Cory M. Baker, chief operating officer of Marquee Brands.
Body Glove is the third investment for Marquee Brands, following its acquisition of Italian luxury brand Bruno Magli and British fashion brand Ben Sherman.
“Body Glove is our first acquisition in the Active and Outdoor sector which will continue to be a focus area for Marquee moving forward.” said Zachary Sigel, of Neuberger Berman and director of Marquee Brands.
Marquee Brands was advised by Jane Goldstein and Jacob Silberberg of Ropes & Gray LLP, as well as Kindal Kreamer, associate general counsel, and Christian Neira, general counsel, of Neuberger Berman Private Equity.
Marquee Brands is a brand acquisition, licensing and development company. It is sponsored by Neuberger Berman Private Equity, a business of Neuberger Berman.
Photo courtesy Body Glove
