Hanna Andersson Corp Sold-Announced Today!

[emily_gracesmama]

Just saw this when I searched to bring up the website, wonder how it will affect things?

Hanna Andersson Corp. has been sold to Kellwood Co. for $175 million.

Founded by a Swedish mother, Gun Denhart, and her American husband, Tom, in 1983, Hanna Andersson, which was named for her grandmother, is a leading brand in the specialty children's apparel market. The products are marketed through the company's catalog, 18 retail stores and its website (HannaAndersson.com). Sales for 2006 were approximately $100 million.


Kellwood was represented by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Hanna Andersson by CIBC World Markets. The current ownership principally consists of Castanea Partners, Dorset Capital and company management.

The Hanna Andersson management team will continue to be led by Philip Iosca, president and CEO.

St. Louis-based Kellwood (NYSE: KWD) is a $2 billion marketer of apparel and consumer soft goods.

[Jenny_A]

I'm bummed :-(! There's usually always changes when companies are sold like that. Arghhh! I wonder why they sold it.

I believe Kellwood owns several well known brands. I know Abercrombie and Fitch and I think Lands End too. There's a Kellwood outlet in Greenfield, TN that I visit and you can get Lands End and Abercrombie. All of the tags are removed.

I purchased the pink striped romper for Caroline 2 months ago. The bottom hem came unraveled. I was really dissappointed. I just started buying Hannas and purchased all of the playdresses. We've had great wear and no problems with those.

Jenny

[kcimato]

I picked up a safari shirt at the store last week and it had a hole in it.

I was just thinking how do I know the name Kellwood I lived in Martin Tn for 2 years and would go down there every now and then I forgot all about it I am about 6 hours away now. They also use to have Target circo brand every now and then.

[xmasbabycomin]

I don't know, but I'm pretty sure the mamas on this board were responsible for most of that $100 million last year. :) (yes,
I helped). I guess I'll be optimistic and just hope that it means
they'll put more stores near me without changing the quality.

[hardysmom]

Actually, Gun Denhart (a/k/a Hanna) and her husband sold it a few years back, so this is the second sale. She just does the Foundation at this time, but I think she retained a seat on the Board.

To fans, there were some noticable changes back when it sold; however, I think most people identify the current catalog as "Hanna" w/o rrealizing that isn't currently owned by "Hanna."

The older styling seemed more "classic" with tons of basics and primary colors. Not so much over-the-top colorful "collection" type of items. I've never had quality issues, though the sizing does seem to get bigger every year.

Stephanie