Business News : Ariat International Undergoes Buyout

SportsOneSource Media     Posted: 6/7/2012

Ariat International, Inc., the active outdoor footwear and apparel company with a leading position in the global equestrian market, announced that an agreement has been reached regarding the sale of the company by a group of shareholders led by LNK Partners and Brentwood Associates to an existing shareholder, the Fisher family of San Francisco, and the company's management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with the Fisher family, who share our passion for the company and the Ariat brand," said Beth Cross, CEO and co-founder of Ariat. "Their deep experience as business leaders will provide a strong strategic foundation for the Company's long term growth opportunities."

John Fisher, who will serve on the Ariat Board, said, "For almost 20 years, we have been partners with Beth and her management team as they built Ariat into a world-class company and brand. We are excited to continue that partnership and support the next phase of Ariat's global growth plans."

Ariat has grown rapidly since its inception by leading the industry in continuous product innovation, and delivering high-quality products with differentiated performance characteristics. The company has diversified successfully from its base in Western and English boots into related footwear, extended its brand into denim, apparel, and accessories, and expanded its business into key international markets. Building on its market leadership in the United States, Ariat has also established itself as the fastest-growing equestrian brand in Europe, the UK and Australia.

LNK Partners, a private equity firm focused on the consumer/retail sector, and Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles-based private equity investment firm, first partnered with management with an investment in the Company in November 2006.

"LNK and Brentwood have been extraordinary partners to Ariat at an important stage of our growth," states Cross. "I am proud of our work together in building the Ariat brand into a premier active outdoor brand while maintaining our unique, highly entrepreneurial culture."

Ariat was advised by Peter J. Solomon Company and Kirkland & Ellis LLP.