Business news : Haiku Acquired by Blackstone Investment Group

Industry News Release Written By: Ingrid Niehaus

Haiku, well known for their innovative and inspirational bags and accessories for women, has been acquired by Blackstone Investment Group based in Springfield, Missouri. The announcement was made jointly by Renee Pitra, President of Recreational Brands for the group and Sharon Eisenhauer, Haiku’s founder and designer. Haiku joins an impressive arsenal of companies within the group, including Carry Gear Solutions, Detours, LEGO Bags and Mountainsmith. Haiku will remain independent while capitalizing on financial and operational efficiencies that will allow more time for product development, innovation acceleration and creating consumer demand.

“We are excited about the new member of our family,” commented Renee. “An important part of our business philosophy is our commitment to providing a solid operational infrastructure that gives our designers the opportunity to focus on product and customer value, our sales team the time to focus on customer service and our marketing people the tools to create consumer demand. There is no doubt that with the solid infrastructure provided by Blackstone, Sharon’s ability to continue and expand on what she does best - which is to create poetically functional designs - will be enhanced.”

Sharon concurs. “I am fully confident that I finally get to wear the designer hat for much more of the time so the Haiku bags our customers know and love will just keep getting better.”

Haiku will be exhibiting at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Show with renewed focus. Sales representative groups will remain unchanged, so the transition will be seamless for Haiku’s retail partners.

Blackstone Investment Group is based in Springfield, Missouri. The Recreational Products Division is managed from Blackstone’s Seattle offices led by President Renee Pitra and includes Carry Gear, Detours, Haiku, LEGO Bags and Mountainsmith. The division is committed to creating innovative product design and the development and manufacturing of affordable, market-right, foundationally sound products. The Airline Division, including Crew Outfitters, Logo Solutions, Luggage Works, Premier Hat Company and Youngstown Glove Company, is managed by the company founder and CEO, David Henderson out of the corporate offices in Springfield, Missouri. The division is committed to providing luggage and work-related product for pilots, flight attendants and other airline employees. Blackstone’s core dedication is to earning customer and employee loyalty through unmatched service, dedication to excellence and adherence to the Golden Rule.