• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 10, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

New Era’s Acquisition of ’47 Set to Reshape Sports Apparel Market

  • New Era is set to acquire ’47 in a deal creating a combined operation with $2 billion in annual revenue.
  • Two of the longest-running and most entrenched makers of licensed sports league headwear and apparel are coming together in a deal poised to reshape the market significantly.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Two of the longest-running and most entrenched makers of licensed sports league headwear and apparel are coming together in a deal poised to reshape the market significantly.

Buffalo-based New Era Cap—which has ties to the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and hundreds of colleges—is acquiring key competitor and fashion brand ’47. Headquartered in Massachusetts, ’47 was started in 1947 by twin brothers Arthur and Henry D’Angelo, while the Koch family has led New Era across four generations since its 1920 founding. 

Financial terms were not disclosed for this deal bringing together the two venerable companies. But New Era said the combined operation is projected to generate about $2 billion in annual revenue. Both the New Era and ’47 brands will be retained, and a deal closing is targeted by the end of the year.

“Our two companies have a shared history, having begun as family businesses dating back generations and transforming through passion and hard work into globally recognized brands,” New Era CEO Chris Koch said in a statement. “Through this transaction, we will offer a breadth of products across both brands and enhance how we serve our customers and partners around the world.”

Investment Matters

ACON Investments, a private equity firm that bought into New Era in 2021, will maintain a “significant stake” in the combined company. 

The agreement will give New Era greater scale, particularly as the entire licensed sports merchandise business continues to see widespread consolidation, much of it through the aggressiveness of Fanatics into additional areas.

Last fall, Reuters reported that New Era was considering an initial public offering worth as much as $5 billion. That potential of a stock issue still exists but, if it happens, will likely be at a higher figure.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected Next Week

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Louisville’s Miller Moss and several of his teammates stopped by Olympus Gaming Lounge to play EA Sports College Football 26 with fans for a meet and greet. July 11, 2025

Saudis, Silver Lake, Jared Kushner Take EA Private in $55B Deal

Electronic Arts makes “Madden,” “EA Sports College Football,” and more.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.