Maui & Sons Enters Strategic Partnership
Surf apparel maker Maui and Sons International Ltd. has signed a manufacturing and retail licensing deal with Zhejiang Elteno Garment Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanshan Group Co. Ltd., the retail arm of one of China’s largest apparel conglomerates.
Headquartered in Pacific Palisades, Calif., the 24-year-old surf label sells its clothing and products in more than 90 countries through its licensees.
“Maui and Sons is extremely pleased to be partnered with the Shanshan Group,” said Maui and Sons Chief Executive Officer Richard Harrington, who purchased the under- financed company in 1990 from founding partners Rick Rietveld, Jeff Yokogama and Steve Prested. “China is a very important strategic market for Maui and Sons.”
The deal calls for the manufacturing and distribution of the active-apparel brand throughout China, including Hong Kong and Macau. It also includes plans to roll out several retail stores.
“We are very excited about the opportunities presented by Maui and Sons’ strong lifestyle brand, combined with Shanshan Group’s capabilities and experience in China,” said Shanshan Group Chairman Zheng Yong Gang in a press statement. “This strategic partnership is a perfect example of our intent to position ourselves for future growth by developing a diversified portfolio of leading international brands that are appropriate for the Chinese market.” —Claudia Figueroa
