Authentic Brands Group Completes Its Mixed Martial Arts Brand Acquisitions With Purchase Of Sinister

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Authentic Brands Group announced today its purchase of Sinister, an apparel and accessories company with origins in the mixed martial arts space.  Known for its early relationships with UFC® champions like Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson, the Sinister brand has grown up along side the fastest growing sport in the world.

"This acquisition completes our mixed martial arts stable of brands that will now reach all tiers of distribution," said Jamie Salter, chief executive of Authentic Brands Group. "Not only is Sinister's distribution at Kmart and Sears highly appealing but they have a world-class partnership with Hybrid, one of the best-in-class apparel licensees in the business." In addition to Sinister, Authentic Brands Group's MMA holdings consist of TapouT, TapouT Pro, TapouT MPS, TapouT Vintage, Silver Star Casting Company, Iron Star and Hitman Fight Gear.

Sinister has been involved in mixed martial arts and the UFC® since 1998, and became an official partner of the UFC® in 2008. Its long-term relationships both with the UFC® and its roster of athletes have been integral to the brand's growth and its introduction to new consumers.

"We've developed this brand with legendary MMA athletes over the last decade," said Ed Soares, previous owner of Sinister. "We couldn't be more pleased to put Sinister into the hands of Authentic Brands Group. We are confident they will grow Sinister while remaining loyal to the brand's roots and consumers."

Authentic Brands Group expanded Sinister's reach globally by signing its first major licensee deal in Canada with CMT Sourcing Group Limited, an affiliate of PTX Performance Products in Ontario, and will introduce the brand to additional foreign markets, as well as expand Sinister's product categories within the U.S.

About Authentic Brands Group LLC

Authentic Brands Group, in partnership with Leonard Green & Partners and Knights Bridge Capital Inc., is an intellectual property corporation with a mandate to acquire, manage and build long-term value in prominent consumer brands. A New York based company with offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, ABG's mission is to acquire and manage iconic consumer brands in the apparel, sporting goods, action sports, home, celebrity, entertainment and consumer electronics and enhance brand equity through partnering with best-in-class brand licensees. ABG holds TapouT®, TapouT MPS®, TapouT Pro®, TapouT Vintage®, Silver Star Casting Company®, Iron Star®, Hitman Fight Gear® and Sinister®. ABG also manages the Bob Marley family of brands. www.authenticbrandsgroup.com

For more information on Authentic Brands Group holdings: www.tapout.com , www.buysilverstar.com and www.sinisterbrand.com

SOURCE Authentic Brands Group

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