North Castle Partners Invests in Ibex Outdoor Clothing Holdings, Inc. Expanding Its Investments in the Outdoor Recreation Industry
Partnering with Entrepreneurs to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Private equity firm North Castle Partners in partnership with CMS Companies announced today that they have invested in Ibex Outdoor Clothing Holdings, Inc. (“Ibex”), a designer, marketer, manufacturer and distributor of a diverse range of premium branded wool and wool-based technical apparel and accessories. North Castle is a leading small cap consumer private equity firm focused on investments that benefit from health, wellness and active living trends. The terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in White River Junction, VT, Ibex is a designer, marketer, manufacturer and distributor of branded merino wool technical apparel and accessories. The company’s products are inspired by outdoor enthusiasts and cater to a wide range of outdoor pursuits and active lifestyles. Ibex was founded on the strong belief that wool is superior to synthetic materials traditionally used in performance clothing. Wool is a versatile fiber which offers significant performance benefits to the end consumer. Ibex merino wool is sustainably sourced from sheep – a natural, environmentally friendly and renewable resource – in New Zealand and is Zque certified. Products range from ultra-soft baselayer items made of 17.5 micron merino wool to thicker, more insulating outerwear, composed of 24.5 micron merino wool. Ibex offers men’s and women’s active outdoor clothing for all-season activities and sports.
“We are proud to partner with the management of this iconic brand and help them more widely distribute their high quality, high performance merino wool products,” said Chip Baird, North Castle’s Managing Partner.
“Based on the growing consumer preference toward natural and sustainable fibers, we expect Ibex to grow into a leading technical apparel brand in the outdoor softgoods market driven by the authenticity of its brand and the quality of its products,” added DJ Jenson, North Castle Operating Advisor.
“When we went on a search for capital to help us grow the business, we put the people before the cash,” explained John Fernsell, Founder and CEO of Ibex. “We made it very clear to our investment banker that the actual money was third on the list after compatibility and experience. We are happy to partner with North Castle Partners because of their understanding of our industry, the belief in our products and their commitment to values which will allow us to grow the Ibex business without compromise. As we mapped out our mutual growth plan for Ibex, I realized how much the company will benefit from the North Castle network, and I look forward to bringing that depth of experience into our management team.”
In 2007, North Castle made its first investment in the outdoor recreation industry when it acquired a controlling interest in Performance, Inc., the largest independent bicycle dealer and direct marketer of bicycles and cycling accessories in the United States. North Castle, a private equity firm focused on consumer businesses that promote health and wellness, is well known in the fitness and recreation and related industries. In addition to the Ibex and Performance Bicycle investments, North Castle has controlling interests in Octane Fitness, Cascade Helmets and World Health, and has realized successful investments in Equinox Fitness and EAS.
BellMark Partners advised Ibex on the transaction. Morrison Cohen provided legal counsel to North Castle.