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Kendra Scott Eyes Network, Product Expansion Following New Investment
65 Equity Partners has made a “significant” minority investment in the company, though founder Kendra Scott retains a majority stake.
A pair of “toi et moi” lab-grown diamond earrings set in 14-karat yellow gold from Kendra Scott. The company has found a new minority investor in 65 Equity Partners and co-investors HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co.
Austin, Texas—Investment firm 65 Equity Partners announced earlier this month that it has sunk money in Kendra Scott Design Inc. to help the popular jewelry brand expand into new categories and open more stores.
The exact amount of the “significant” minority investment was not disclosed, though it was noted that the brand’s founder and namesake, Kendra Scott, will still hold a majority stake in the company.
Under the terms of the transaction, she also will acquire a larger equity position than what she currently holds.
HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co. invested alongside 65 Equity Partners, while
former investors Berkshire Partners and Norwest Venture Partners have had their preferred stock investments fully redeemed.
WWD reported last year that Berkshire Partners was looking to withdraw its investment in the company and move on.
In the statement announcing the transaction, 65 Equity Partners said Kendra Scott Design Inc. will “remain bullish in retail by opening new stores, collaborating with culturally relevant partners, and expanding into crucial categories in the upcoming years.”
When asked to provide more details on future plans for additional stores or product category expansion, a spokesperson for Kendra Scott Design Inc. said the company cannot provide any information beyond what was included in the statement.
In March of this year, the brand said it was looking to expand from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
At the same time, it announced the addition of lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry to its offerings, a move that followed its expansion into the engagement ring market and its addition of watches in April 2022.
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The exact amount of the “significant” minority investment was not disclosed, though it was noted that the brand’s founder and namesake, Kendra Scott, will still hold a majority stake in the company.
Under the terms of the transaction, she also will acquire a larger equity position than what she currently holds.
HPS Investment Partners and Belzberg & Co. invested alongside 65 Equity Partners, while
former investors Berkshire Partners and Norwest Venture Partners have had their preferred stock investments fully redeemed.
WWD reported last year that Berkshire Partners was looking to withdraw its investment in the company and move on.
In the statement announcing the transaction, 65 Equity Partners said Kendra Scott Design Inc. will “remain bullish in retail by opening new stores, collaborating with culturally relevant partners, and expanding into crucial categories in the upcoming years.”
When asked to provide more details on future plans for additional stores or product category expansion, a spokesperson for Kendra Scott Design Inc. said the company cannot provide any information beyond what was included in the statement.
In March of this year, the brand said it was looking to expand from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
At the same time, it announced the addition of lab-grown diamond fashion jewelry to its offerings, a move that followed its expansion into the engagement ring market and its addition of watches in April 2022.
Scott founded Kendra Scott Design Inc. in 2002.
She stepped down as CEO in 2021 but remains the company’s executive chair and chief creative officer.
Kendra Scott Design Inc. sells fashion, bridge, and fine jewelry, including 14-karat gold jewelry set with diamonds (natural and lab-grown), as well as watches, fragrances, and home accessories.
It has more than 130 stores and pop-up locations, and over 2,600 employees. Its products also are sold via wholesale partners including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, and 850-plus specialty boutiques.
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