Paul Frank For Sale?
What's up, Julius?
The New York Post is reporting that Paul Frank Industries, the Costa Mesa, Calif.–based brand that built its empire on the back of the much-loved Julius the Monkey character, is looking to be acquired. According to the report, Paul Frank has hired New York-based Guggenheim Partners LLC to find potential buyers.
“Our official stance is ’No comment,’” says co-founder Ryan Heuser.
Paul Frank has, in recent years, shifted its focus from in-house designs to a fully outsourced, licensing business model for everything from high-end women's T-shirts to childrenswear that sells at Target.
While Heuser would not discuss the reported interest in selling Paul Frank, he did say the company had several licensing irons in the fire—chiefly, deals with the Fender guitar company and Nestle Crunch Bar.
