Kilmer-backed Tribal Sportswear acquired by Haggar Clothing

Tribal Sportswear Inc, a Montréal-based company focused on women’s casual and career apparel, has been bought by Haggar Clothing Co, a clothing manufacturer based in Dallas, Texas. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Haggar said the acquisition of Tribal, which has over 2,000 specialty stores and boutiques, is expected to complement the company’s current women’s business, and contribute to its growth in North America. Founded in 1976, Tribal was acquired by Canadian mid-market private equity firm Kilmer Capital Partners in conjunction with Peter Berall, one of the owners of the business, in May 2006.

PRESS RELEASE

Haggar Clothing Co. announces acquisition of Montreal based Tribal Sportswear

DALLAS, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ – Haggar Clothing Co. announced today that it has acquired Tribal Sportswear from Kilmer Capital Fund L.P. for an undisclosed amount. Based in Montreal, Tribal was founded in 1976 as a women’s trouser company and over the last several decades has grown into an industry leading women’s sportswear business offering seasonal collections of casual and career wear to its account base of over 2,000 specialty stores across North America.

“Tribal is one of the most well respected women’s wear brands in the boutique channel of distribution throughout North America” said Michael Stitt, CEO of Haggar Clothing Co., based in Dallas, Texas. “The company and brand are recognized for their high standards of quality, trend-right collections, and customer-centric corporate philosophy.”

“Haggar’s culture and core values towards their employees, customers and suppliers are shared by those at Tribal and were an important part of our discussions” said William Fitz Blackburn, acting CEO of Tribal and Partner at Kilmer Capital Partners. “The union of Haggar and Tribal represents a tremendous opportunity in women’s sportswear and an exciting new chapter for Tribal and its dedicated employees.”

Tribal will continue to be based in Montreal and will be led by Steven Richman, who will serve as President of the new division. “I am very excited that Haggar shares the same recognition of the unique position in the independent boutique channel that Tribal has earned,” said Richman. “Tribal’s strong position in the boutique channel is in many ways thanks to its dedicated and creative workforce. With Haggar’s vast resources, Tribal will be able to leverage and continue building and growing the brand.” Steven Richman will work alongside Brian Main, President of Haggar Canada Co.

“I am very impressed with the Tribal associates I have met and worked with during our due diligence process, and I am excited to work with Steve to continue to build our women’s business,” stated Brian Main. “The entire team is passionate, committed, and skilled, and we are confident that the brand is poised for continued growth.”

The acquisition of Tribal Sportswear is expected to complement Haggar’s current women’s business, which enjoys significant distribution in Canada at both major department stores, Sears and The Bay, and is expected to grow in North America. “Tribal’s highly valued boutique customers, the majority of which are in the United States, provide diversification in terms of our channels of distribution,” said Stitt. “The talented design and sourcing teams at Tribal’s headquarters provide the foundation for meaningful growth of our women’s wear business throughout North America.”

About Haggar Clothing Co.

Since its beginnings in a one-room office in Dallas, Texas in 1926, Haggar Clothing Co. has grown from a manufacturer of men’s fine dress pants and slacks into one of the most recognized and original apparel brands in the market. Haggar coined the term “slacks” in 1938 and continued to lead menswear innovation with the introduction of pre-cuffed pants, expandable waist pants, wrinkle-free cotton casual pants, and suit separates. In addition to its Haggar® brand, the company has developed and launched the highly successful and eco-friendly LK Life Khaki™ brand. Haggar is the official clothing partner of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Haggar Clothing Co. today commands the #1 market position in men’s dress pants in the United States, as well as the #2 share in men’s casual pants, and has been a leader in men’s apparel for over 85 years.

For more information or to view product offerings from Haggar, please visit the Haggar website.

SOURCE Haggar Canada Co.

Image with caption: “Tribal is one of the most well respected women’s wear brands in the boutique channel of distribution throughout North America. The company and brand are recognized for their high standards of quality, trend-right collections, and customer-centric corporate philosophy. (CNW Group/Haggar Canada Co.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131202_C6377_PHOTO_EN_34143.jpg

For further information:
CONTACT HAGGAR CLOTHING CO:
Rich Honiball, SVP of Marketing, Licensing and Ecommerce
Haggar Clothing Co.
214-956-4460, Fax 214-956-4489
rich.honiball@haggar.com

CONTACT HAGGAR CANADA CO:
Diana Rose, VP of Marketing
Haggar Canada Co.
416-652-3777 Ext. 2315
diana.rose@haggarcanada.com

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.