Marquee Brands LLC has acquired the Dakine brand and all related intellectual property. In conjunction with the acquisition, Marquee Brands has entered into a long-term license agreement with JR286, which has acquired the operating assets of Dakine and will become Marquee Brands’ long-term operating partner for the brand.
Founded on Maui’s North Shore in 1979 and currently based in Hood River, Ore. and Annecy, France, Dakine is an outdoor sports and lifestyle brand offering snow, surf and biking bags, backpacks, gear and accessories to outdoor enthusiasts.
“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 brand management company with a portfolio that currently consists of Bruno Magli, Ben Sherman, Body Glove, BCBGMAXAZRIA and BCBGeneration, which together generate more than $1.5 billion of retail equivalent sales.
Marquee Brands and JR286, which 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.
“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,” said Michael DeVirgilio, President of Marquee Brands.
