[caption id="attachment_37291" align="alignright" width="193" caption="A Zobha outfit"][/caption]
MILL VALLEY -- Fashion apparel conglomerate Kellwood of St. Louis acquired Mill Valley-based yoga and fitness wear maker Zobha.
Zobha is the first activewear business to join Kellwood's growing portfolio of brands, which has been expanding since an affiliate of Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sun Capital Partners took Kellwood private in 2008. Terms of the deal, which closed today, weren't disclosed.
"Kellwood has a very impressive portfolio of brands and I am honored to add Zobha to that list," said Jamie Hanna, founder and chief executive officer of Zobha. "Partnering with Kellwood will enable us to grow Zobha quickly and strategically so that we can reach more people with our beautiful product and brand that inspires an active, healthy lifestyle."
In February 2008, Ms. Hanna started Zobha, named after the Sanskrit word for grace, beauty and brilliance. She intended the line to blend form, fit and function while maintaining style. Starting with clothing for yoga, the line has expanded to include loungewear such as tunics, outfits for men and women, accessories such as yoga mats, headbands and mat carriers, and maternity yoga apparel.
The brand is available in 350 retail stores in 27 countries, on the company website and at yoga studios and fitness clubs.
Products have been featured in a number of popular magazines, including O, Lucky, Self, Fitness, More, Prevention, and Pilates Style. The company supports a number of charitable organizations through The Zobha Foundation.
"Zobha is an incredible brand that serves a category of the marketplace with tremendous growth potential," added Kramer. "Jamie and her team have created an amazing organization and I look forward to partnering with them to further develop the brand."
Kellwood designs, manufactures, and markets a growing collection of premier fashion brands across a broad range of consumer lifestyles including Vince, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor, BLK DNM, Baby Phat, Phat Farm, Sag Harbor, Briggs NY, Jolt, My Michelle, XOXO and David Meister. The company also operates retail stores and e-commerce sites for Vince, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor and BLK DNM, as well as the e-commerce store for David Meister.
