Today, Body Glove, one of America’s iconic wetsuit companies founded in 1953, announced that it has been acquired by Marquee Brands, which bills itself as “a brand acquisition, licensing and development company.” Body Glove joins lifestyle British fashion brand Ben Sherman and Italian luxury brand Bruno Magli in the Marquee Brands portfolio.
“We invented the first practical wetsuit, which revolutionized surfing and diving,” said Bill and Bob Meistrell on the Marquee Brands website. “We came up with the phrase ‘fits like a glove’ and Body Glove was born.”
The Meistrell family has owned and operated the business out of the South Bay since the ’50s, so the acquisition comes as something of a surprise. According to a release, the Meistrell family will retain a minority stake in the company. The purchase price was not released, and the Body Glove team was contacted for comment, but had not responded at time of press.
“Body Glove has never been beholden to styles and trends and remains an evergreen brand with its best years ahead,” stated Cory M. Baker, chief operating officer of Marquee Brands in a press release. “We’re grateful to be entrusted with the confidence of the Meistrell family to further build Body Glove in the U.S. and around the world.”
Marquee Brands says it will continue an aggressive acquisition strategy as it builds its brand portfolio.
“Body Glove is our first acquisition in the Active and Outdoor sector which will continue to be a focus area for Marquee moving forward.” said Zachary Sigel, of Neuberger Berman and director of Marquee Brands.
