Case Study: Mack Weldon
Beyond the Basics
Beyond the Basics
Baird’s Consumer and Technology & Services Investment Banking teams join forces to raise strategic growth equity investment for leading digitally native brand Mack Weldon.
Overview
Founded in 2012, Mack Weldon is a rapidly growing, digitally native premium menswear brand that is reinventing men’s wardrobe essentials with performance fabrics, smart design and simple shopping. Originally focused on men’s basic apparel (underwear, undershirts, t-shirts and socks), the Company has since evolved into a lifestyle brand with a product portfolio that now includes sweats, polos, swimwear, activewear and accessories.
Mack Weldon’s innovative product offering and digitally-native, direct-to-consumer distribution strategy has earned the Company and its management team broad industry recognition for its commitment to quality products and disruptive go-to-market strategy. Nearing an inflection point in its growth trajectory, and contemplating ambitious growth plans in new product categories, geographies and distribution channels – the Mack Weldon team knew it was time to seek a new investor and strategic partner capable of helping the Company to navigate this next phase of growth.
How Baird Facilitated the Transaction
Given its powerful brand and admirable thought leadership within the digitally native space, Mack Weldon generated considerable excitement and interest from a broad group of venture capital and growth equity investors. As the exclusive financial advisor to Mack Weldon, Baird orchestrated a targeted yet thorough process designed to deliver attractive offers at market clearing valuations. Specifically, Baird:
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Engaged a selective group of growth-oriented investors with value-add capabilities and like-minded strategic vision given the Company’s ambitious near-term growth plans
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Developed compelling marketing materials and analyses alongside management that clearly articulated the Mack Weldon story and value proposition
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Generated competitive tension such that multiple aggressive and attractive parties progressed deep into the process
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Empowered the Mack Weldon team to choose the right partner for the organization moving forward
Significance of Transaction
The equity investment in Mack Weldon represents a milestone transaction in the digitally native environment given the trailblazing nature of the Mack Weldon brand.
In an ever-changing retail environment, and a world in which brands and consumers interact in ways never seen before – it is more critical than ever before to employ an advisor that understands this ever-evolving landscape and one with the expertise to construct and execute an efficient process that drives premium outcomes for all involved.
Contact Baird’s Global Consumer and Technology & Services teams to discuss this transaction, the current conditions in the M&A market and our expertise in the Consumer and Technology & Services sectors.
