Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie has advised Wolverine Worldwide, a global marketer of branded footwear, apparel and accessories, on its acquisition of Sweaty Betty®, a global fitness and lifestyle brand. The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $410 million and closed on August 2, 2021.
Founded in 1883, Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's and uniform footwear and apparel. The acquisition of Sweaty Betty will complement Wolverine Worldwide’s strategic shift over the last several years from a traditional footwear wholesaler into a consumer-obsessed, digital-focused growth company. It will also give the organisation a leadership position in the growing women’s active wear category,
London based corporate partner, Phelim O’Doherty commented, “We are delighted to play our part in helping Wolverine Worldwide achieve their strategic aims in such a competitive retail marketplace. This deal was a great example of the client, their investment banks and advisors collaborating to quickly, and efficiently launch, a highly successful transaction."
The Baker McKenzie team was led by partners Alexander Fischer in Zurich and Phelim O'Doherty in London. Additional support was provided by James Adams (senior associate) and Grace Blackburn (associate) in the London Corporate practice. Also involved in the deal were Honigman LLP (led by Tracy Larsen with the team including Rob Kiburz and Andy Newton) who advised Wolverine Worldwide on the US and other strategic aspects of the transaction.