Situation

Zumiez is the fastest growing specialty sport and fashion retailer in the teen snow, skate and surf gear, apparel and accessories market. With more than 100 stores spread across twelve states and plans for significant future expansion, Zumiez has grown from an entrepreneurial tee shirt shop to an important force in the teen retail segment. The owners believed that the next phase of growth would require significantly more capital and additional leadership talent. At the same time, certain of the non-active owners had an interest in liquidating their holdings.

ZS Role

Zachary Scott was engaged to assist Zumiez’s principal shareholders in evaluating alternatives for arranging a minority equity investment in the business with an experienced financial partner.

Results

Zachary Scott negotiated a favorable transaction with Brentwood Associates, a well-regarded private equity firm with a track record of helping specialty retail companies grow. The transaction enabled the original owners to monetize a portion of their equity holdings, added a knowledgeable financial partner, and positioned the business to take advantage of its growth opportunities.