Sycamore Partners is a leading private equity firm specializing in investments in the consumer and retail sectors. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, Sycamore has over $10 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on control-oriented investments in the consumer, distribution and retail industries across North America and Europe. Some of Sycamore’s notable investments include retail companies such as Torrid, Staples, Hot Topic, and Pure Fishing. The firm employs a hands-on approach to create value in its portfolio companies, bringing strategic and operational expertise to drive growth and profitability. Sycamore’s investment professionals have extensive experience across the consumer and retail landscape.
Sycamore acquired Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in a $1.2 billion deal, the largest acquisition of a US winery by a private equity firm
In July 2021, Sycamore Partners acquired Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates from Altria Group in a $1.2 billion transaction. Headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle is the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest with some of the most coveted vineyards and sought-after wines. This landmark deal was the largest acquisition of a US winery by a private equity firm and made headlines around the world. It demonstrates Sycamore’s ambition to expand its consumer portfolio into new categories beyond traditional retail.
Sycamore took Torrid public in 2021, capitalizing on the plus-size apparel trend
Sycamore acquired a majority stake in Torrid, a leading plus-size apparel brand, from private equity firm KKR in 2015. Over the next six years, Sycamore worked closely with Torrid’s management team to accelerate growth through store expansion, development of Torrid’s direct-to-consumer channel, and enhancement of its product assortment. In July 2021, Sycamore took Torrid public in an IPO that raised over $350 million while allowing Sycamore to retain majority control. The IPO timed the increasing popularity and mainstream acceptance of plus-size fashion. It also marked one of the most successful consumer IPOs of 2021.
Sycamore has developed deep expertise in retail through investments in chains like Staples, The Limited, Hot Topic, Pure Fishing and more
In addition to the recent Chateau Ste. Michelle and Torrid deals, Sycamore has cultivated extensive retail investing experience across various subsectors: discount retail (Dollar Express), office supplies (Staples), specialty retail (Hot Topic), sporting goods (Pure Fishing), and apparel (Talbots, Nine West, The Limited). The firm employs a hands-on approach to helping companies upgrade technology, adjust product mix, improve pricing architecture, streamline operations, and optimize supply chains. With an exclusive focus on consumer and retail, Sycamore has developed valuable strategic and operational capabilities that help drive value creation plans.
Sycamore Partners specializes in consumer and retail sector private equity investments. It has cultivated expertise across areas like wine, plus-size retail, sporting goods, office supplies, and specialty apparel. Sycamore employs an active management approach focused on growth and profitability.