Dallas-based private equity company LongWater Opportunities has acquired Fox River Mills Inc. from the Lessard family, who have owned and managed the company since 1975. The company now operates as a division of Standard Merchandising Co., a Camden, N.J., sock and hosiery manufacturer acquired by LongWater in December 2015.
Fox River opened its doors in Osage, Iowa, in 1900, and is the longest continuously running hosiery brand in the United States. The company produces knitted technical socks and handwear for the athletic, outdoor and casual markets sold under its own Fox River brand name; as well as private label programs including the Original Rockford Red Heel® Monkey sock used in the iconic sock monkey toy.
“We knew it was important to find a partner that believed in U.S. manufacturing and investing in the people and the community,” said Fox River President and Co-Owner John Lessard. “We believe we’ve found that in LongWater. We’re excited about the future of Fox River Mills.”
January/February 2017
