Alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group has made an investment in Scalina, Brazil’s largest manufacturer and retailer of woman’s hosiery and lingerie.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Carlyle director Juan Carlos Felix says: “Scalina is a well managed company with excellent growth opportunities. We are pleased to partner with company founders Ronaldo and Bruno Heilberg as we tap into the expanding demand for quality hosiery and lingerie among Brazil’s growing consumer market.”
Scalina produces a variety of products under two flagship brands – TriFil and Scala – including pantyhose, socks, shape ware and lingerie. Scalina has patents under review by the US Food and Drug Administration and patents already approved in Brazil for products such as anti-cellulite shape wear (with bio-ceramic fabric) and anti-varicose veins socks. TriFil sells mainly through multi-brand retail stores, while Scala sells its products through approximately 100 franchised stores as well as multi-brand stores nationwide.
Scalina co-founder Ronaldo Heilberg says: “This is an important moment in the history of our company. Carlyle, with its strong capitalisation, global network and consumer expertise will contribute significantly to our future growth as we look for consolidation and organic growth opportunities in this highly fragmented sector.”
Ronaldo Heilberg and Bruno Heilberg will become members of the board along with Carlyle executives. Ronaldo Heilberg will serve as chairman of the board.
Equity capital for the transaction will come from Carlyle’s South America buyout fund and FIP Brazil de Internacionalização de empresas, a local fund managed by Carlyle and advised by Banco do Brasil.
