No, Rockport is not solely owned by New Balance. The Rockport Company was acquired through a joint effort involving New Balance Holding Inc., which is the investment arm of New Balance, and Berkshire Partners LLC, a Boston-based investment firm.
The Rockport Company Acquisition Details
The acquisition of The Rockport Company was completed from the Adidas Group. This transaction brought Rockport, a well-known designer and marketer of high-quality comfort footwear for men and women, under new ownership.
Key Entities Involved in the Acquisition
The table below outlines the primary parties involved in this significant industry transaction:
| Entity | Role in Acquisition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Holding Inc. | Joint Acquirer | The investment arm of New Balance, participating in the acquisition. |
| Berkshire Partners LLC | Joint Acquirer | A Boston-based investment firm that partnered with New Balance Holding Inc. |
| The Rockport Company | Acquired Company | A leading brand specializing in comfort footwear for men and women. |
| The Adidas Group | Seller | The previous owner of The Rockport Company. |
This collaborative acquisition means that while New Balance has an investment interest in Rockport through its holding company, it shares ownership with another major investment firm. This structure indicates a strategic investment rather than a complete, direct integration under the main New Balance brand's sole ownership.
For more details on this acquisition, you can refer to the announcement by the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA): New Balance Affiliate, PE Firm Acquire Rockport.
