In a recent acquisition, Rock Creek Athletics has acquired the varsity award jacket business assets from Daden Group, including the DeLong brand.
Rock Creek Athletics is a subsidiary of Neff Motivation, Inc., a single source provider of custom award programs and apparel. Daden was established in 2005 by former adidas Team, Inc. executives. A.D.I. was originally founded as Valley Apparel Company in 1999 and was renamed after being acquired by adidas in 2004.
The marriage makes sense, as Rock Creek and Daden Group both reside in Grinnell, IA. According to a company statement, the assets from the acquisition will be integrated with Rock Creek's production capabilities in Grinnell, and the company will continue to market and sell products primarily through the existing independent sales channels. Along with capital assets, several Daden senior managers will join Rock Creek, bringing with them their experience and talents in the sports apparel segment.
Under ownership of Daden, the DeLong brand, a leading provider of athletic uniforms, headwear and award jackets ceased operations in April 2009. Later that year, in October 2009, Daden Group reached an agreement to purchase certain assets from Delong Sportswear, as well as provide assurance that production would ensue within 30-60 days.
Along with the purchase of assets, Daden Group also agreed to lease DeLong's corporate office and materials distribution center in Grinnell, IA.
