AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Implus®, a leading innovator and provider of athletic, fitness and outdoor accessories, announced the launch of the Implus Fitness & Wellness Division, focused on driving Implus to the forefront of the health and wellness industry. The Implus Fitness & Wellness Division manages category-leading brands renowned for premium quality, innovative designs, and brand heritage.
“2015 marks a strong year for Implus,” said Todd Vore, President of Implus. “We have expanded our product portfolio with multiple brand acquisitions which will continue to increase our retail distribution. The Fitness & Wellness Division perfectly positions Implus to become the One-Stop-Shop for a variety of active lifestyle retailer partners. We will continue to combine consumer-driven brands with the unparalleled service levels and support our customers know and trust from Implus – a valuable combination.”
Based in one of the most active and fit cities in America, Austin, Texas, the Implus Fitness & Wellness Division is led by Ryan Cruthirds, Vice President of Sales & Product and Marco Garsed, Vice President of Marketing. “As consumer trends continue to show growth in the health and wellness sector, the Implus Fitness & Wellness Division is in a unique position to provide quality products and innovative education to help consumers ‘Prepare, Perform and Recover’ as part of a healthier, active lifestyle,” said Garsed. “Austin is an ideal place to manage our Fitness brands and keep our team on the pulse of key market trends.”
Implus experienced tremendous growth following a majority investment in the company in 2015 by Berkshire Partners. Recent acquisitions include TriggerPoint, Balega, Harbinger Fitness and FuelBelt, growing the Implus portfolio to a total of sixteen brands. “The Implus Fitness portfolio is made up of top brands that provide innovative solutions for anyone wanting to live an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Cruthirds. “We are excited to focus on continued excellence in innovation with this newly established division.” Implus currently distributes in over 75,000 retail outlets across North America and in 70 countries worldwide. With the addition of the Implus Fitness & Wellness Division, the company seeks to rapidly expand their global presence and distribution in the fast growing fitness and wellness sectors.
About Implus Corporation
Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Implus is an innovative provider of products ranging from footcare and seasonal accessories to fitness and recovery solutions. Implus’s brand family includes Sof Sole®, Yaktrax®, Apara®, Airplus®, Sneaker Balls®, Sof Comfort®, Little Hotties®, Penguin®, Perfect Fitness®, ICETrekkers®, FitDeck®, DryGuy®, TriggerPoint®, Balega®, Harbinger® and Fuelbelt ®. For more information, please call 800-446-7587 or visit www.implus.com.
About Berkshire Partners
Berkshire Partners, the Boston-based investment firm, has invested in over 100 middle market companies since 1986 through eight private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments of $11 billion. Berkshire has developed specific industry experience in several areas including consumer products and retail, business services, industrial manufacturing, transportation and communications. Berkshire has a strong history of partnering with management teams to grow the companies in which it invests with the goal of consistently achieving superior investment returns. The firm is currently investing from Berkshire Fund VIII, a $4.5 billion fund raised in 2011. Berkshire seeks to invest $50 million to $500 million of equity capital in each portfolio company. For additional information, visit www.berkshirepartners.com.
