LongWater Opportunities Announces Acquisition of Pistil Designs
Hood River, Oregon, May 3, 2022– Dallas-based LongWater Opportunities is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pistil Designs, a leading designer of premium headwear, bags, and related outdoor apparel and accessories. Founded in 2003, Pistil has grown to become a highly recognized brand name in the outdoor apparel space that is known for producing premium, design-focused products that are sold through a variety of major outdoor retailers, regional apparel outfitters, and eCommerce channels.
Jordan Bastable, co-founder of LongWater, stated, “We are proud to partner with the Pistil team, who have built a brand that embodies their lifestyle and passion for quality, design-driven outdoor apparel.” On Pistil’s partnership with LongWater, Pistil founder Pete Hixson noted, “We are extremely excited about the future with LongWater and Fox River. For twenty years, Pistil has been the leader in design and development of accessories, and now we have combined forces with a US-based manufacturer. Pistil has always been a product-based brand, with Fox River, we have opened the door for product line expansion and development, in addition to providing a higher level of customer service.”
The Pistil acquisition represents the latest addition to Great Socks Holdings, which includes LongWater portfolio companies Fox River Mills and Standard Merchandising Company. Griffin Peavey, Vice President at LongWater, commented, “With the acquisition of Pistil, the collective organization adds a talented team, well-known brand equity, and a complimentary apparel offering that will support growth across our increasingly diversified customer base.”
About LongWater Opportunities
LongWater Opportunities is an operationally focused private equity firm targeting control equity investments in family-owned and operated, American manufacturing companies. Founded in 2009, LongWater has completed 12 acquisitions and recently closed its third fund. At LongWater, we believe in servant leadership; we are here to serve our companies, not the other way around. We practice this through active operational involvement with each portfolio company, along with a commitment to continually invest in the people, processes, and technology critical to success. With offices in Dallas, TX and Fargo, ND, we maintain an active presence across the Midwestern United States and beyond. We align ourselves with those who seek an operating partner who will share their passion and commitment to building a great organization.