Merit has invested in Knights Apparel, Inc. through subordinated debt and equity, aiming to enhance its growth in the licensed sports apparel market.

Information on the Target

Knights Apparel, Inc., based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, specializes in the design and supply of licensed sports apparel. The company holds licenses for a variety of prestigious institutions, including colleges, universities, professional leagues, and teams, with many partnerships offering varying degrees of exclusivity. Knights Apparel's product range encompasses a variety of clothing items, including t-shirts, fleeces, sweatshirts, and shorts, catering to men, women, and young children.

The company distributes its products through a broad spectrum of retailers, such as large-scale big box retailers, specialty sporting goods stores, and educational bookstores, thereby ensuring a significant presence in the market.

Industry Overview in the United States

The sports apparel industry in the United States has witnessed steady growth, driven by increasing consumer interest in fitness and wellness. The demand for sports clothing, particularly licensed apparel, has surged as fans seek to sh