Blackstone announces acquisition of Jack Wolfskin

London / Duesseldorf – Blackstone (NYSE: BX), announced today an agreement with Barclays Private Equity and Quadriga Capital for the sale of German outdoor specialist Jack Wolfskin. The transaction is expected to close in August.

Dr. Axel Herberg, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone said: “We have seen consistent growth in the outdoor market, and Jack Wolfskin has played a leading role in this. Management at Jack Wolfskin has proven its ability to build a strong brand, and we look forward to supporting further growth throughout Germany and internationally.”

Christian Brandt, Chief Finance Officer, Jack Wolfskin said: “We are pleased to have a long-term oriented and experienced strategic investor with Blackstone on board.”

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About Jack Wolfskin

Jack Wolfskin is the leading provider of functional outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment in Europe and the largest franchisor in the German specialist sports retail market. Jack Wolfskin products are currently available in more than 400 franchise stores and at 4,000 points of sale across Europe and Asia. Jack Wolfskin products feature a high degree of functionality, user-friendliness and innovation. In recent years, Jack Wolfskin has successfully introduced numerous material and product innovations and holds several patents for technologies in the areas of clothing, rucksacks and tents. In the 2009 calendar year, the Company recorded sales revenues of €304.2 million in Europe, up 21 percent on the previous year. Jack Wolfskin GmbH & Co. KGaA is headquartered in Idstein im Taunus and employs more than 460 people.

About Blackstone

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, the companies we advise and the broader global economy. We do this through the commitment of our extraordinary people and flexible capital. Our alternative asset management businesses include the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge fund solutions, credit-oriented funds and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including financial and strategic advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow us on twitter @blackstone.

Contacts:
Blackstone
Helen Winning
London
+44 (20) 7451 4344
[email protected]

CNC Communications
Mirko Wollrab
Frankfurt
+49 69 5060 375 79
[email protected]