Kellwood Company Explores New Ownership And Investment Opportunities For Zobha

NEW YORK, May 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kellwood Company is exploring new ownership and investment opportunities for Zobha, its high performance yoga and fitness apparel and accessories business, according to Jill Granoff, Chief Executive Officer of Kellwood and Vince. Zobha offers women's and men's performance yoga wear and accessories as well as lounge wear and maternity fitness apparel.

The decision to separate is mutual and in line with Kellwood's strategic direction to divert more time, energy and resources to its larger contemporary and juniors brands.

Jamie Hanna, Zobha Founder and Creative Director, stated, "Kellwood has helped us develop our retail prototype and grow our brand over the past two years. However, with the new strategy in place we are in agreement that it is time to explore strategic alternatives for the brand."

Jill Granoff stated, "The Zobha team has done a terrific job developing a strong brand proposition, compelling products and engaging marketing strategies. While the brand is not a strategic fit for Kellwood given our focus on our larger apparel businesses, we believe Zobha is poised for growth in a highly attractive market segment with the right investment partner."

ABOUT KELLWOOD

Kellwood designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of fashion brands across a broad range of consumer lifestyles including Vince, Rebecca Taylor, David Meister, XOXO, My Michelle, Sangria, Jax, Sag Harbor and Briggs NY. Kellwood operates retail stores and e-commerce sites for Vince and Rebecca Taylor, as well as the e-commerce store for David Meister. Kellwood is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

ABOUT ZOBHA

Launched in 2008, Zobha quickly became a recognizable brand in yoga and pilates studios nationwide.  The collection includes a complete line of yoga active wear for women and men. Zobha is currently available at 425 retail locations including zobha.com, leading fitness studios and clubs in 27 countries.  Zobha products have been featured in a number of media outlets including O, The Oprah Magazine, Lucky, Self, Fitness, Fitsugar.com, More and Yoga Journal. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Haggerty, Public Relations Director, 212.515.2641 or [email protected]

SOURCE Kellwood Company