Huron Capital Creates Apparel Accessories Platform

DETROIT, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Huron Capital announced today that it has recapitalized Sock & Accessory Brands Global LLC ("SABG"), forming a new apparel accessories platform.  Huron committed $40 million to close the transaction.  The investment was made through Huron's most recent private equity fund, The Huron Fund III, L.P., which has $350 million in committed capital. 

Based in Mocksville, NC, SABG is a designer and marketer of fashion casual and athletic socks, sold principally through specialty footwear retailers, sporting goods stores, department stores, discount retailers, and mass retailers.  SABG's products are sold under company-owned brands, licensed brands such as Eddie Bauer, Crocs, and others, and as private label socks under retail store brands.

SABG will continue to be led by its founder and CEO, Jeff Arnold.  Additionally, Jim Clegg has joined SABG as its Executive Chairman and President.  Mr. Clegg has been a Huron Operating Partner for over ten years and was formerly Chairman of the Board for Huron's portfolio company, Northern Cap & Glove.  Mr. Clegg has also served in leadership roles at such companies as Sunbeam North America, Eastern Home Shopping (Taiwan), The Advance Watch Group, and Robert Rothschild Farms.  Each of Messrs. Arnold and Clegg hold significant ownership stakes in the business.

Mr. Arnold stated, "Partnering with Huron will give us resources to grow operationally and drive our market leadership in design and customer service.  Jim's experience will propel our operating expertise, supply chain management and organizational development."  Mr. Clegg followed by saying, "I am thrilled to be joining Jeff and his team.  SABG is uniquely positioned with the deepest design talent in the market.  Together, we will continue to build this business with a goal to be top of class in product development, retail sell-through, and logistics."  Mike Beauregard, a Partner at Huron leading the investment, said, "Jeff has built a great company.  Adding Jim deepens the company's operations expertise and will help drive the business to become vendor of choice at virtually all levels of retail trade." 

Fifth Third Bank provided senior debt financing for the transaction.  KSA Capital Advisors served as financial advisor to SABG.  Honigman Miller Schwartz & Kohn served as legal counsel to Huron.      

About Huron Capital Partners LLC

Huron Capital is one of the leading operationally-focused private equity firms investing in lower middle-market companies.  The firm typically invests up to $70 million to sponsor buyouts, growth initiatives, corporate spin-offs and recapitalizations of niche manufacturing, specialty service, and value-added distribution companies having revenues up to $300 million.  Huron seeks opportunities where it can help companies reach their full potential by combining its operational approach, capital and transaction experience with proven operating executives who have the vision, experience, and commitment to grow their businesses.

Founded in 1999, Huron has acquired or invested in 56 companies with aggregate revenues in excess of $1 billion.  Investments have been made in the USA and Canada in a variety of areas, including print solutions & document management, education, healthcare products & services, specialty chemicals, specialty packaging, consumer products and apparel, home decor, passenger transportation services, building products, office furniture components and laboratory testing. Huron Capital currently manages over $600 million in committed equity through three private equity funds, and has offices based in Detroit and Toronto.  The firm has consistently generated top-quartile returns for its limited partners. Visit www.huroncapital.com. 

SOURCE Huron Capital Partners LLC