Dakine acquired by Marquee Brands
Marquee Brands LLC has announced that it has acquired the Dakine brand.
Founded on Maui’s North Shore in 1979 and currently based in Hood River, Oregon, Dakine is an outdoor sports and lifestyle brand offering snow, surf and biking bags, backpacks, gear and accessories to outdoor enthusiasts. Within the cycle sector it offers hydration packs, armour, travel bags and apparel.
The brand got its start when it created an innovative new surf leash that became a breakout success amongst Hawaii’s surf scene. Over time Dakine has developed a global following and today generates an equal amount of sales in both North America and Europe. “Dakine is a high quality brand with a performance integrity and legacy of innovation that has allowed it to develop a fiercely passionate customer following, and which we believe is ripe with untapped growth potential. This brand is truly emblematic of the types of acquisitions we seek to make for the Marquee Brands portfolio,” said Zachary Sigel, Managing Director of Neuberger Berman.
Marquee Brands is a growing brand management company with a portfolio that currently consists of Bruno Magli®, Ben Sherman®, Body Glove®, BCBGMAXAZRIA®, and BCBGeneration®, which together generate over $1.5 billion of retail equivalent sales.
Marquee Brands and JR286, who will develop Dakine’s core categories, will maintain dedicated teams for the brand in Hood River, Los Angeles, California and Annecy, France. Ken Meidell, Dakine’s current CEO, will be joining the Marquee Brands team and commented. “Marquee Brands’ vision is to intensify Dakine’s focus on producing high quality products for its snow, surf and bike customers while also pushing the brand to explore exciting and uncharted waters”.
About Marquee Brands
Marquee Brands is a brand acquisition, licensing and development company. Sponsored by Neuberger Berman Private Equity, a business of Neuberger Berman, one of the world’s leading employee-owned investment managers.
About Neuberger Berman
Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages equities, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund portfolios for institutions and advisors worldwide.
About JR286
Headquartered in Southern California since 1989, JR286 is an innovative, global leader in product design, development, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of athletic, fitness, and outdoor equipment and accessory products.