Implus announced the acquisition of Harbinger, a leading manufacturer of fitness accessories. Harbinger’s lineup includes an assortment of gloves, belts, straps, strength training aids, and functional fitness items.
Terms were not disclosed.
Harbinger was founded in 1988 by David McCrane, who was working in the skateboard industry and saw the need for a wrist-stabilizing glove that would provide skaters with protection and wrist support, and not interfere with their skating. Its first product became the WristWrap. After a conversation with eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney, McCrane recognized that WristWrap technology could be applied to weight training gloves. Harbinger has since developed a wide range of products for power weightlifting, strength training, home exercise and core training. It dominates the workout gloves and wraps as well as weight belts categories.
Harbinger will operate as part of Implus’ portfolio of fitness brands, which includes the Perfect Fitness line of exercise accessories and the TriggerPoint line of wellness and recovery products.
“Implus is committed to products that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Seth Richards, Implus CEO. “Acquiring Harbinger puts Implus in a position to target a broader market within the fitness category in order to grow our customer base and help establish us as one of the leaders in the health and fitness markets.”
Said David McCrane, Harbinger founder and president. “We've grown from our original WristWrap weightlifting glove to a nationally-known brand with more than 75 fitness products sold at major sporting goods and specialty fitness retailers. Joining Implus gives Harbinger the resources to continue to expand in both product and distribution.”
Implus is majority owned by Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based investment firm. Harbinger represents the second brand addition to the Implus portfolio since Berkshire’s investment in Implus in April. Balega, the sock specialist, was acquired in May.
