Hampshire Group, Limited entered into a three-year license agreement with Gramicci, the California-based maker of hiking and climbing-inspired apparel owned by Hampshire Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Buxbaum.


 

The three-year agreement provides Hampshire with licensing rights to design, develop and produce Gramicci brand men’s and women’s apparel, which is sold in outdoor and other specialty retailers, as well as through www.gramicci.com.

 

 

“Gramicci is an excellent new addition to Hampshire's portfolio,” commented David Price, Hampshire’s Chief Operating Officer. “The brand is well known among outdoor enthusiasts and advances our strategy of diversifying our product offering, distribution channels and customer base. We expect both gross and operating margins generated by the Gramicci business to exceed the brand’s historical levels as its profitability benefits from operating leverage on Hampshire’s infrastructure and sourcing expertise.”

 

Benjamin Yogel, Hampshire Group’s Lead Director, said the board of directors of Hampshire is aware of the potential conflict of interest presented by Paul Buxbaum’s ownership of Gramicci and has taken several measures to protect the interests of Hampshire’s shareholders.


 

“First, the license was reviewed and negotiated by a committee of independent Hampshire directors,” said Yogel. “Secondly, the company has the right to terminate the agreement at any time without penalty after providing notice of 120 days. Additionally, Paul Buxbaum will be recused from all non-operating decisions relating to Gramicci. Finally, the royalty rate associated with the license has been structured to be paid based on Gramicci’s profit contribution, which we expect to grow and add to the value of the company.”

 

Hampshire, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hampshire Brands, Inc. and Rio Garment S.A., is a provider of fashion apparel across a broad range of product categories, channels of distribution and price points. The company specializes in designing and marketing men’s sportswear to department stores, chain stores and mass market retailers under licensed brands, our own proprietary brands and the private labels of our customers. The company operates a Honduras-based apparel manufacturer, designing, sourcing and manufacturing knit tops for men, women and children.