Private equity firm TowerBrook Capital to acquire True Religion for $835 million

Vernon, Calif. -- True Religion Apparel has entered into a definitive merger agreement with New York and London-based investment management firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, in a transaction valued at approximately $835 million.



Under the terms of the deal, which was unanimously approved by the True Religion board, TowerBrook will acquire all of the outstanding shares of True Religion common stock for $32.00 per share in cash. The brand, whose upscale jeans and sportswear products are sold in department stores and specialty stores around the world, also operates 124 stores in the United States and 31 international locations.



“TowerBrook's investment is an important endorsement of the True Religion brand, its prospects and the hard work and commitment of our team,” said Lynne Koplin, interim CEO and president of True Religion. “At this critical inflection point in our business, global growth and product development effort, TowerBrook's support and experience will be a true differentiator. TowerBrook's long-term approach toward investment and brand stewardship will best enable True Religion to maintain its leadership position in the marketplace.”



TowerBrook has previously made control-oriented investments in companies such as Jimmy Choo, Odlo, BevMo! and Phase Eight.



True Religion also released its Q1 fiscal 2013 results Friday. Highlights include a 13.1% total net sales increase to $120.8 million from the same period in 2012, although net income declined from $10.4 million to $0.5 million. In March, True Religion CEO and founder Jeff Lubell stepped down and was named chairman emeritus and a creative consultant.