Ames Watson to Drive Growth and Innovation for Iconic
Sportswear Brand in Thriving Collegiate Market
COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Ames Watson, a privately held investment firm
with a strong track record in revitalizing iconic brands, announces
its pivotal role in the acquisition of athleticwear giant Champion.
As part of this partnership with Authentic Brands Group (ABG), Ames
Watson will lead the management of Champion's long-standing U.S.
collegiate apparel and teamwear business. The acquisition marks a
key strategic milestone for Ames Watson as it continues to grow its
portfolio and extend its expertise in the apparel and retail
sectors.
Champion, a brand synonymous with innovation and athletic
culture for over a century, generates nearly $3 billion in global retail sales annually. Ames
Watson will now oversee Champion's collegiate apparel business
through GearCo, which will be managed and operated by Ames Watson.
The teamwear division also includes Gear for Sports, Knights
Apparel, and Champion Teamwear, all of which will be integrated
into Ames Watson's operational framework.
"This acquisition is a perfect fit for Ames Watson. We are
excited to partner with Authentic Brands Group to continue
Champion's incredible legacy, particularly in the collegiate and
teamwear markets where we have extensive expertise," said
Tom Ripley, Partner and Co-Founder
at Ames Watson. "We look forward to leveraging our strengths in
apparel, retail, and operations to drive the next phase of growth
for Champion."
Ames Watson plans to build on Champion's rich heritage while
driving innovation in collegiate sportswear. With a proven history
of managing iconic brands like Lids and Fan Outfitters, Ames
Watson's leadership will ensure Champion's continued success, both
in its longstanding collegiate business and its expanding presence
in the teamwear market.
"We are proud to take on this exciting challenge and look
forward to further elevating Champion's presence in collegiate and
teamwear," said Lawrence Berger,
Partner and Co-Founder at Ames Watson. "Our goal is to honor
Champion's past while unlocking new opportunities for growth and
innovation."
About Ames Watson
Founded by Lawrence Berger and Tom
Ripley in 2018, Ames Watson is a privately held holding
company based in Columbia, Md.
which purchases, transforms and partners with companies to create
long term value. Ames Watson has over $2 Billion in annual revenue. Brands owned
or invested in by Ames Watson include Lids, LidsU, South Moon
Under, Mitchell & Ness, Ebbets Field Flannels, Zygo, Hungry and
Margaux.
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SOURCE Ames Watson