Rock Creek Athletics, based in Grinnell, Iowa, has acquired the varsity award jacket business assets from Daden Group, also based in Grinnell, Iowa, including the DeLong brand.
The assets 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, according to a statement. Several Daden senior managers will join Rock Creek bringing with them their experience and talents in the sports apparel segment.
Rock Creek Athletics is a subsidiary of Neff Motivation, Inc., a single source provider of custom award programs and apparel.
DeLong, a leading provider of athletic uniforms, headwear and award
jackets ceased operations in April 2009. But In October 2009, Daden Group reached an agreement to purchase certain assets from Delong Sportswear. Daden Group also agreed to lease DeLong's corporate office and materials distribution center in Grinnell, Iowa.
At the time, Daden vowed to begin operations in Grinnell within 30-60 days. Daden was formed in 2005 by the former president and VP of adidas Team, Inc. which Daden executives co-founded in 1999 as Valley Apparel Company.
