Warburg Pincus, a global growth investor, and LMCA, a brand extension specialist, have launched brand acquisition firm Full Sail IP Partners.
Full Sail IP Partners will acquire brands with untapped potential and build out their business through relevant, revenue generating licenses.
“Our partnership with LMCA demonstrates our commitment to identifying prime brand target acquisitions with strong fundamental growth potential,” says Justin Sadrian, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. “As long-term growth investors, we look forward to building out the Full Sail IP Partners brand portfolio and accelerating the growth and expansion of brands globally through licensing,” added Michael Ding, Principal, Warburg Pincus.
LMCA Founder and CEO, Allan Feldman, adds: “This is a true milestone in partnerships between private equity and brand extension licensing and we are thrilled to be working alongside such an accomplished firm as Warburg Pincus.”
Alan Kravetz, previously LMCA’s President and COO, will lead Full Sail IP Partners operations as its Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years’ experience in successfully growing brands and monetising intellectual property in the US, Europe and Asia, Kravetz is well suited to lead the acquisition and growth strategy of this exciting new venture.
“We are planning to acquire, build and scale brands that have tremendous development potential through the proven success of a licensing business model,” says Kravetz. “I am excited to be leading and developing this new venture backed by one of the leading private equity firms in the world. Warburg Pincus’ longstanding experience, global presence and operational support will be a tremendous advantage to us as we seek to acquire and transform brands.”
LMCA’s President and COO, Ciarán Coyle, says: “Full Sail IP Partners, and our partnership with Warburg Pincus, offers LMCA a groundbreaking opportunity to transform the model for the strategic extension of brands that have significant upside potential. This is an exhilarating time in our industry, and we see the undeniable opportunity for brand licensing to be employed as a key tool to add exponential value to the brands that Full Sail IP Partners acquires.”