Rockport And REEF Enter Into Agreements To Transition Canadian Businesses To Distributor Model

NEWTON, Mass., April 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockport Company, LLC a leading maker of innovative casual and dress shoes including the Rockport, Aravon and Dunham brands and REEF Lifestyle, LLC a leading premium surf lifestyle brand, today announced it entered into definitive agreements to transition their Canadian businesses to a distributor model with Trend Marketing, one of the leading footwear distributors in Canada.  Trend Marketing currently distributes the footwear brands Cole Haan, Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, Franco Sarto and Via Spiga, among other brands.

Commenting on the agreements is Rockport & REEF Chief Executive Officer, Gregg Ribatt: "We are thrilled to partner with Trend Marketing as our distributor in the Canadian market.  Trend is one of the leading footwear distributors in the Americas and we are confident that they will help drive deep consumer connections and high-quality growth in the future." 

Founder and CEO of Trend Marketing, Larry Gladstone states: "Trend Marketing is very excited to partner with such an iconic organization as The Rockport Company.  There is a huge opportunity for the entire portfolio of authentic, premium footwear brands in Canada and we are excited to energize them all in the market.  The Canadian consumer values innovative, quality footwear that not only looks good but feels great which is why a partnership with Rockport is the perfect fit."  

The transaction is expected to close for Rockport Company brands on May 1, 2019 and for Reef on June 1, 2019.

About Rockport and REEF

The Rockport Company, LLC. and REEF Lifestyle LLC are portfolio companies of certain affiliates of Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC.

Rockport is home to the Rockport, Aravon and Dunham brands. With its diverse assortment of men's and women's footwear, products can be found in various retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. Headquartered in the Greater Boston area, Rockport is committed to its history of innovation and a consumer-centric approach to style, fit and comfort. For more information, visit www.rockport.com

The REEF brand was founded in 1984 with the goal of sharing the love of surf and beach culture around the globe.  Today the global footwear and apparel brand is focused on connecting with consumers by uniting the world around the fun, freedom, and spirit of the beach.  For more information, visit www.reef.com 

The Rockport Company, LLC Contact:
Bill Riley
Vice President Marketing
bill.riley@rockport.com 
617.213.6200

REEF Lifestyle, LLC Contact:
Mike Matey
Vice President Marketing
mike.matey@reef.com 
760.431.2384

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rockport-and-reef-enter-into-agreements-to-transition-canadian-businesses-to-distributor-model-300822094.html

SOURCE The Rockport Company, LLC