North Castle Partners Promotes Three as Founder Moves to Chairman
orth Castle Partners, a private equity firm prioritizing investments in consumer businesses that promote healthy, active and sustainable living, announced a number of promotions, including Roy Chin to partner, John McMahon to principal and Bobby Hally to vice president.
Former Athleta CEO to Lead Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott Design Inc. hired Chris Blakeslee, the former president and CEO of Athleta, as its CEO.
Authentic Brands Group Inks Brand Management and Shareholder Deal with Kevin Hart
Through the agreement, Hart and Authentic will reportedly co-own and manage the Kevin Hart brand, scaling it across new verticals and markets through Authentic’s brand platform. Hart also becomes a shareholder in the company.
Newton Golf Reports 2025 Revenues Will Exceed Guidance
The company said it expects to report full-year revenue that exceeds its previously issued guidance range of $7.0 million to $7.5 million, supported by continued growth in direct-to-consumer sales and record single-day sales on Black Friday.
Under Armour Sees Canadian Investment Firm Acquire 22 Percent Stake
Fairfax Financial Holdings, the Toronto-based investment and insurance company, has accumulated a ~22 percent stake in Under Armour, Inc., according to a recent regulatory filing.
Five Iron Golf Opens First Nashville Location
Five Iron Golf opened its first location in Nashville, TN, directly below the Aertson Midtown area. The 14,500-square-foot venue also marks the brand’s debut in Tennessee.
Callaway Brands Corp. Debt Ratings Upgraded by Moody’s After Topgolf Sale
Moody’s noted that Callaway closed the sale of a 60 percent stake in Topgolf for $1.1 billion to Leonard Green on January 1, 2026. Callaway repaid $1 billion of debt outstanding on the term loan, which is up from the $500 million pay down that the company had previously committed.
Cannondale Co-Founder Joe Montgomery Passes
Joe Montgomery, co-founder of Cannondale Bicycles and a pioneer of lightweight aluminum bicycle frames, died on January 2 at the age of 86. The father of five children and grandfather of three had been ailing with heart complications.
CR Fitness Holdings Opens New Crunch Location In Orlando
The 37,000-plus square-foot fitness center occupies the former World of Decor location on Doctor Phillips Blvd in the affluent Doctor Phillips suburb of Orange County, FL.
EXEC: SGB 2026 Look Ahead — Active Lifestyle Footwear Leaders
Footwear leaders in the active lifestyle space are hopeful that product differentiation and enhanced online engagement can help soften the sting of higher footwear prices in 2026. Forecasts for 2026 from industry leaders at AAFA, Altra Running, Brooks Running, Circana, Charm City Run, Diadora, FDRA, Fleet Feet, Gazelle Sports, Lowa, Playmakers, and RG Barry Brands.
Imperial Family of Brands Grows Larger with Winston Collection Acquisition
Imperial and its parent company, Paramount Apparel International, announced its acquisition of golf accessories brand Winston Collection, LLC. The acquisition marks Imperial’s third strategic transaction in four years under CPC ownership, following the acquisitions of Pukka (2024) and J.T. Spencer (2022).
Crunch Fitness Franchisee Opens New Location in Greensboro
JF Fitness owns and operates 35 Crunch Fitness locations nationwide. Crunch West Market will be JF Fitness’ fifth location in North Carolina, with plans to open more throughout the year.
Portland’s Vintage Sports Apparel Shop to Close
Laundry PDX, a popular Portland, OR-based vintage sportswear shop known for its curated collection of teamwear, jerseys and ’80s/’90s streetwear, plans to close in February. The online store will continue.
Callaway Completes Sale of Topgolf to Leonard Green
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. has completed its sale of a 60 percent stake in Topgolf and Toptracer businesses to Leonard Green & Partners. In connection with the closing, the company repaid $1 billion in outstanding borrowings and plans to change its corporate name back to Callaway Golf Company on January 15.
Compass Diversified’s Chairman Retires
Compass Diversified (CODI), the parent of BOA, Primaloft, 5.11 and Velocity Outdoor, announced that James Bottiglieri retired from the board, effective December 31.
