Kellwood Co - Brief Article

Bobbin, Feb, 2000

Kellwood Co. has acquired Biflex International Inc., a privately held company with $65 million in annual sales that designs, manufactures and sells private label women's bras and intimate apparel to major U.S. department stores and mass merchants. Under the agreement, Kellwood has acquired the stock of Biflex and its subsidiaries, and positioned the company in its Lingerie/Activewear unit, extending Kellwood's reach beyond daywear and sleepwear in the intimate apparel arena.

Commenting on the acquisition, Hal J. Upbin, chairman, president and CEO of Kellwood, said: "The addition of women's bras will complement the existing products of our Lingerie/Activewear unit. This new category will further balance our portfolio of private label intimate apparel."

Biflex's Frank Darmante, chairman and CEO, and Dale Darmante, president and director of product development, will continue to run the company with its current management team.