Matix Clothing Acquired by Westlife Distribution
Matix Clothing—a skatewear brand sold at action-sportswear retailers such as Tilly’s, Pacific Sunwear and Zumiez—recently was acquired by Los Angeles–based Westlife Distribution for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition, announced July 1, follows a tumultuous time for the label, whose parent company, DVS Shoe Company Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May.
On June 28, DVS was acquired by Los Angeles–based Sequential Brands Group Inc., formerly known as People’s Liberation, for $8.55 million in cash. Sequential then sold Matix to Westlife Distribution, which holds licenses for labels including New Balance, Dickies and Paul Frank.
Matix was headquartered in Torrance, Calif., but the company moved to Westlife’s Los Angeles headquarters to join 686, Westlife’s snowboard brand. Westlife President Michael Akira West said he wanted to strengthen his company’s place in the skate world.
“We are committed to improving the operational foundation, making superior products, working with quality retailers and growing its business over time,” West said.
Former DVS President Brian Dunlap is now president of the Matix brand.—A.A.
