Galaxy Universal Acquires Reebok's Global Product Creation, Sourcing and U.S. Footwear Operations; Forms JV with Batra Group for Europe

Gainline Capital Partners Forms Galaxy Universal by Acquiring Apex Global Brands and ESO Active Division

May 6, 2021

Consumer Products

Gainline Capital Partners has formed Galaxy Universal LLC as a consumer brand platform after acquiring the ESO Active Division from E.S. Originals, Inc. and purchasing Apex Global Brands, Inc. The platform will combine branded footwear and apparel licensing, sourcing and wholesale capabilities to pursue organic growth and further acquisitions in the sports and outdoors market.

Galaxy Universal Acquires And1, Avia, Gaiam and SPRI from Sequential Brands Group

October 29, 2021

Consumer Products

Galaxy Universal, a portfolio company of Gainline Capital Partners, agreed to acquire the And1, Avia, Gaiam and SPRI brands from Sequential Brands Group for approximately $330 million. The deal (expected to close by mid-November 2021) is financed with debt led by KKR, which will also participate as a co-investor, and continues Galaxy's strategy of vertically integrating active, athletic and wellness brands onto its platform.

Authentic Brands Group & SPARC Group Acquire Eddie Bauer

May 7, 2021

Retail

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and SPARC Group have agreed to purchase Eddie Bauer from PSEB Group, an operating company owned by Golden Gate Capital. ABG will own Eddie Bauer's intellectual property while the brand's core operating business will be integrated into SPARC's portfolio; Eddie Bauer will remain headquartered in the Seattle area under current President Damien Huang. The deal (expected to close by June 1, 2021) is intended to expand the brand's global reach and accelerate omnichannel and e‑commerce growth; no financial terms were disclosed.

Marubeni Growth Capital US Acquires RG Barry Brands

June 4, 2024

Consumer Products

Marubeni Growth Capital US (MGCU), the U.S. growth equity platform of Marubeni Corporation, completed its inaugural investment by acquiring RG Barry Brands (RGB) on June 4, 2024, with Blackstone exiting and Mill Road Capital retaining a minority stake. MGCU will use RGB as the cornerstone of a next-generation multi-brand consumer platform to drive organic and inorganic growth across RGB’s Dearfoams, Baggallini, Columbus Product Group and Planet A brands.

3G Capital Acquires Skechers U.S.A., Inc.

September 12, 2025

Consumer Products

Global investment firm 3G Capital has completed its previously announced acquisition of Skechers U.S.A., Inc., taking the footwear and apparel company private and resulting in Skechers’ delisting from the NYSE. Skechers will remain led by CEO Robert Greenberg and President Michael Greenberg as 3G pursues long‑term value creation and operational initiatives for the brand.

Regent Affiliate Acquires Bally from JAB

August 15, 2024

Consumer Products

An affiliate of Regent has acquired Bally International A.G., the Swiss luxury footwear and accessories company, from JAB. The deal transfers ownership of the 170+-year-old heritage brand to Regent as it looks to expand its luxury and retail portfolio.