CLEVELAND (March 29, 2016) – Blue Point Capital Partners announced today the recapitalization of J. America, Inc., a leading designer and distributor of decorated and blank apparel and headwear to major retail and wholesale accounts across the United States. With over 4,000 customers throughout the country, J. America has been serving the licensed apparel and promotional products industry for more than twenty years.
“With a broad product range and multiple distribution channels, J. America is one of the most complete companies in an attractive, stable industry,” said Chip Chaikin, a partner with Blue Point. “They have a strong, profitable business and have doubled in size in the past five years. Blue Point’s toolkit of operational and industry resources can help J. America realize its growth objectives and we look forward to a successful and rewarding partnership with its talented management team.”
J. America offers fleece sweatshirts, t-shirts, headwear and other apparel through its Team Licensed Group, Sportswear, Wholesale Blanks and Outdoor divisions. The company’s products are designed in-house and sold through various channels, including department stores, college bookstores, farm and fleet stores, outdoor equipment dealers, specialty stores and large wholesale distributors. J. America supplies the majority of its products under licensing agreements. The company recently won the historic opportunity to be the exclusive non-sideline supplier of licensed apparel and headwear to The Ohio State University, as OSU became one of the first major universities to grant an exclusive license.
Jeff Robich, a vice president with Blue Point, said, “J. America distinguishes itself from other companies in the industry due to a number of characteristics, including its consistent product quality, dedication to social responsibility and innovative approach to lifestyle branding. J. America’s commitment to providing high-quality, comfortable products has earned the company a solid reputation.”
Jeff Fenech, co-founder of J. America, added, “Blue Point’s strategic focus, e-commerce expertise and access to significant resources will enhance our ability to provide functional, affordable apparel and headwear to our customers. We have great opportunities ahead of us to grow our business and are very excited about working with the Blue Point team to take advantage of them.”
Blue Point’s investment in J. America is focused on growing the company and enhancing the company’s operations and sourcing. The successful closing of J. America denotes the sixth platform investment for Blue Point III, the firm’s third middle-market buyout fund. Headquartered in Webberville, MI, J. America operates out of three manufacturing facilities in the United States, a design office in Ohio, and a Hong Kong-based sourcing office.
Blue Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm managing over $800 million in committed capital. Leveraging offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Point’s entrenched regional presence affords it the opportunity to establish relationships on a local and regional basis with entrepreneurs and their trusted advisors, while simultaneously providing the resources of a large, international firm. The Blue Point group has a 26-year track record of partnering with companies in the lower middle market where it can bring about accelerated growth and transformative change in partnership with its companies, their management teams and Blue Point’s network of operating resources. Blue Point is one of only a few middle-market private equity firms with a presence in the economies of both the United States and China, and the firm’s experience with cross-border management and value drivers provides a distinct advantage for its portfolio businesses. Blue Point invests in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses generating $20 million to $200 million in revenue.
For more information, contact:
BLUE POINT CAPITAL PARTNERS
Chip Chaikin
Partner
Blue Point Capital Partners, LLC
127 Public Square, Suite 5100
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 535-4700
J. AMERICA
Jeff Fenech, Jeff Radway, Pete Ruhala
Co-Founders
J. America, Inc.
1200 Mason Court
Webberville, MI 48892
Jeff Fenech: (517) 521-1105
Jeff Radway: (517) 655-8800
Pete Ruhala: (517) 521-2525
www.jamericatlg.com
www.jamericasportswear.com
www.jamericablanks.com
www.jamericalicensed.com