Implus LLC, an athletic, fitness, and outdoor accessories brand has acquired FuelBelt Inc.
Financial details of the deal were undisclosed.
Founded in 1997 by seven-time Ironman World Champion participant, Vinu Malik, FuelBelt is a pioneer in multi-bottle hydration belts, low profile handheld bottles and running accessories. FuelBelt will join the Specialty Category of Implus, alongside Balega, TriggerPoint, and Sof Sole.
“We are excited about the future for FuelBelt. The Implus roster of Specialty brands is extremely impressive and we are proud to have FuelBelt join such an expansive company that is continuing to grow its product offerings and be part of a team with cutting edge development and vast resources,” said Vinu Malik, founder of FuelBelt.
FuelBelt recently introduced its Helium Collection (the lightest the brand has designed) that includes hydration belts with two to four bottle options. Other products from the Helium line include super-stretch waistpacks and the popular handheld bottles.
“FuelBelt continues to add depth to the Specialty Category at Implus while increasing our offerings for our retail partners,” said Tanya Pictor, vice president of the Specialty Category at Implus. “We are pleased to welcome such an established brand to the Implus umbrella that allows us to continue to lead the way in this endurance sport market.”
Headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, Implus LLC has evolved to become a provider of footwear, outdoor and fitness accessories to its retail partners. The Implus family of brands includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Perfect, TriggerPoint, ICETrekkers, FuelBelt and Balega.
Implus is majority owned by Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based investment firm. Berkshire Partners has invested in more than 100 middle market companies since 1986 through eight private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments of over $11 billion. FuelBelt represents the third brand addition to the Implus portfolio since Berkshire’s investment in Implus in April 2015.
