Arcapita sells US apparel retailer

By TAP Staff|Arcapita, the global investment management firm, announcedthe completion of the sale of J.Jill Group Inc., a leading US-based multi-channel retailer of women’s apparel, accessories and footwear, to TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P., a New York and London-based investment management firm. The parties did not disclose the transaction value.

Originally founded in 1959 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, J.Jill provides inspired styles to its loyal customer through an expanding base of more than 250 retail stores, a well-established catalog, and an extensive ecommerce platform.  This strong omni-channel presence enables J.Jill to establish and maintain strong connections with new and existing customers however she prefers to shop. Arcapita had acquired a majority stake in J.Jill in April 2011.

Martin Tan, Arcapita’s Chief Investment Officer, said, “Over the past three years, J.Jill has grown revenues to record levels and has opened 24 new stores across the United States in what has been a difficult environment for most retailers in women’s apparel. The company has successfully established a highly-recognized brand and a very loyal customer base among a growing consumer demographic by offering style, comfort, and quality.”

 Atif A. Abdulmalik, Arcapita’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Since Arcapita’s investment, and with the support of the J.Jill Board and Arcapita’s US investment and post-acquisition team, the management of J.Jill has executed a successful strategy that resulted in industry-leading growth and margin performance. We are very pleased with the profitable outcome of this investment, which follows a series of notable exits achieved in recent months. With the exit from J.Jill, Arcapita has delivered approximately $2.5 billion in exit proceeds to investors during the past two years.”