MARQUEE BRANDS ACQUIRES OUTDOOR APPAREL MAKER BODY GLOVE

Marquee Brands LLC has acquired the Body Glove brand and related intellectual property assets from Body Glove International.  It is third major investment for the company following its acquisition of Italian luxury brand Bruno Magli and British fashion brand Ben Sherman. No price for the acquisition was revealed.

Established in Redondo Beach, California in 1953, by twin brothers Bob and Bill Meistrell, Body Glove is now known for its wide array of outdoor-oriented men’s and women’s apparel, swimwear and wetsuits. The Meistrell family will retain a minority interest in the Body Glove brand and remain partners in the future growth of the brand.

In addition to its New York headquarters and London design office, Marquee Brands will also be opening a west coast office to support the Body Glove brand management and marketing teams. “Adding to Marquee’s portfolio of heritage brands, Body Glove represents what great brands are all about. While the brand is already ubiquitous and wildly successful, the opportunity to further expand its global footprint is at the core of our focus,” said Michael DeVirgilio, president of Marquee Brands.  “There is tremendous growth ahead for Body Glove to develop new product categories that cater to a consumer that embraces life, the outdoors and an active lifestyle.

Adds Cory Baker, COO of Marquee Brands: “Body Glove presents us with both the opportunity to, and responsibility for, Marquee to be stewards for the future of this American treasure. Whether it’s the California vibe or the excitement of outdoor sports, Body Glove has never been beholden to styles and trends and remains an evergreen brand with its best years ahead. We’re grateful to be entrusted with the confidence of the Meistrell family to further build Body Glove in the U.S. and around the world.”