Varsity Brands

Year of Investment:

2018 (and 2014)

Industry

Consumer

Headquarters

Dallas, Indianapolis, Memphis

Status

Active

Website

https://www.varsitybrands.com/

Business

Varsity Brands is a portfolio of three brands – BSN Sports, Herff Jones and Varsity Spirit – whose products and programs celebrate academic and athletic achievement. With the largest “K through College” sales force in the United States, Varsity’s more than 1,200 sales professionals are dedicated to serving schools, sports teams and other organizations. Key products include BSN Sports’ athletic uniforms and equipment, Herff Jones’ yearbooks and graduation-related products, and Varsity Spirit’s cheerleading camps and competitions.

Charlesbank Investment

In 2014, Charlesbank acquired Varsity Brands for approximately $1.5 billion, providing liquidity to the employee owners. In 2018, we sold the company to a financial sponsor and made a significant co-investment alongside them.

CEO

Adam Blumenfeld

Chairman

Jeff Webb

Employees

9,200

Key Team Members

June 19, 2018

Varsity Brands, the Leader in Elevating Student Experiences in Sports, Spirit, and Achievement, to be Acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity

DALLAS – June 19, 2018 — Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition, today… Read More

December 15, 2014

Charlesbank Capital Partners Completes Acquisition of Varsity Brands

Varsity Brands, a dynamic portfolio of brands that promote student participation while celebrating academic and athletic achievement, today announced that… Read More

November 3, 2014

Varsity Brands Enters Into Definitive Agreement To Be Acquired By Charlesbank Capital Partners