Press releases issued by Equitium and Equitium portfolio companies. For more detailed information on individual Equitium portfolio companies, please visit those companies' websites.

July 16, 2010
Gianna Rose Atelier Joins Forces with Caswell-Massey
 
EDISON, NEW JERSEY – Gianna Rose Atelier, maker of exquisite and ready-to-gift soaps and bath accessories, has agreed to join forces with Caswell-Massey, America's oldest apothecary, based in Edison, New Jersey.  Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
 
“I am very excited that Caswell-Massey and Gianna Rose will be working together under one roof,” said Anthony Nichtawitz, COO of Caswell-Massey. “Gianna Rose is a great brand with a very loyal following, and makes truly amazing products that are unique in the marketplace. Plus, operationally, there are many areas where it makes a lot of sense for us to work together,” he added.
 
Caswell-Massey, founded in 1752, is the original purveyor of personal care products and accessories.  It is owned by Equitium Group, a Miami-based investment firm.
 
About Gianna Rose Atelier
Founded in 1989 by a fashion and textile designer, Gianna Rose Atelier offers beautifully molded collections of unique and elegant couture soaps, bath care accessories and home fragrance products presented in exquisite ready-to-gift packaging and made in the USA. The brand's unique attributes created the Couture Soap category, and catapulted it into the upper echelon of luxury soap and bath care accessories.

About Caswell-Massey
Originating in 1752 in Newport, Rhode Island as Dr. Hunter's Dispensary, Caswell-Massey is among the oldest companies in America. The company uses unique, age-old methods in producing its soaps, lotions, fragrances, and other personal care items. Its products are sold through stand-alone retail stores in the United States, department stores, and the Internet, as well as through one of the country's longest-standing catalogs. For more information, visit www.caswellmassey.com.

About The Equitium Group
Based in Miami, Florida, The Equitium Group invests in luxury lifestyle companies. The firm employs an Active Ownership Investment approach by providing on-the-ground management support for each portfolio company. Its portfolio includes one of America's oldest companies, the distinguished personal care company Caswell-Massey, founded in 1752. In addition, Equitium provides general management consulting and financial advisory for companies and investment funds. For more information, visit www.equitium.com.

May 23, 2008
The Equitium Group Acquires Luca Luca

Renowned Women's Luxury Clothing Company on Growth Path

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Equitium Group, an investment firm focused on the consumer and luxury industries, announced today that it has acquired Luca Luca. The acquisition will bolster the women's clothing company's expansion plans. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“I am thrilled to announce this acquisition and look forward to seeing the brand accelerate its growth,” said Luca Orlandi, founder of Luca Luca. Yildiz Blackstone, longtime President of the Company, adds: “We are very excited about the strategic vision and operational experience that The Equitium Group provides, and through our collective insight and passion we are confident that we will steer the Luca Luca brand in exciting directions, starting with a new flagship store in New York.”

Founded in 1992 by Milan-born New York fashion designer Luca Orlandi, the company's ready-to-wear collection has focused on the finest-quality fabrics, bold and romantic colors, and delicate silhouettes. The company's first retail store opened within one year of its founding on Manhattan's premiere shopping destination, Madison Avenue. This retail location brought Mr. Orlandi's signature pieces and dedication to customer relationships to New York's modern, discerning woman and soon created a loyal following of high-end clients, including numerous celebrities. Luca Luca's collection spans eveningwear, dresses, shoes, and handbags and is celebrated for its elaborate construction and sophisticated elegance.

Managing Partner at The Equitium Group, Amir R. Amir said, “We were extremely impressed with Luca Luca's beautiful and elegant designs, exceptional attention to quality, and its deeply embedded customer relationship-oriented culture.” Fellow Equitium executive Friedrich von Tucher commented, “We see tremendous opportunities to expand the collection, make the brand more visible, and to enter into new channels, both domestically and internationally.”

The Astor Group served as the exclusive financial and strategic advisor to Luca Luca in this transaction.

About The Equitium Group
Based in Miami, Florida, The Equitium Group invests in luxury lifestyle companies. The firm employs an Active Ownership Investment approach by providing on-the-ground management support for each portfolio company. Its portfolio includes one of America's oldest companies, the distinguished personal care company Caswell-Massey, founded in 1752. In addition, Equitium provides general management consulting and financial advisory for companies and investment funds. For more information, visit www.equitium.com.

About Luca Luca
Luca Luca is a women's luxury fashion design house. Founded in New York in 1992 by Milan-born fashion designer Luca Orlandi, the company designs, markets, and distributes women's ready-to-wear apparel and accessories under the Luca Luca brand name. Its retail network includes stores in New York, Miami, Bal Harbor, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Dallas. It also distributes in high-end boutiques domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.lucaluca.com.

Contacts
The Equitium Group, LLC, Miami
+1 305-455-5900
info@equitium.com

September 21, 2007
The Equitium Group Acquires Caswell-Massey

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Equitium Group, a Miami-based investment firm focused on the health and beauty as well as the luxury products and services industries, has announced that it has acquired Caswell-Massey, the Edison, New Jersey-based purveyor of luxury personal grooming products. Caswell-Massey was acquired from BFMA Holdings, a Pompano Beach, Florida-based investment firm. Terms of the deal are undisclosed.

“We were attracted by Caswell-Massey's legacy of producing top-quality products. It perfectly fits our investment focus of backing personal care and luxury companies that have strong growth potential,” said Amir R. Amir, Managing Partner at The Equitium Group. Added fellow Equitium Managing Partner Anthony Nichtawitz, “We look forward to applying Caswell-Massey's rich experience in consumer goods toward the many opportunities available to the company. We also believe the company will provide us with an excellent platform for further investments in the luxury sector.”

Caswell-Massey, founded in 1752, is believed to be America's first apothecary and perfumer. It is best known for its high-quality grooming products including soaps, lotions, fragrances, and accessories. According to the company, its products have been enjoyed by personalities throughout American history, ranging from George Washington to countless Hollywood luminaries. After over 250 years in business, the company continues to focus on providing the finest grooming products available, developed by combining centuries of experience with world-class, modern preparation techniques.

About Caswell-Massey
Originating in 1752 in Newport, Rhode Island as Dr. Hunter's Dispensary, Caswell-Massey is among the oldest companies in America. The company uses unique, age-old methods in producing its soaps, lotions, fragrances, and other personal care items. Its products are sold through stand-alone retail stores in the United States, department stores, and the Internet, as well as through one of the country's longest-standing catalogs. For more information, visit www.caswellmassey.com.

About The Equitium Group
Based in Miami, Florida, The Equitium Group invests in health and beauty, luxury, fashion, and personal care companies, and provides management consulting and financial advisory services across industries.

The company employs an Active Ownership style to its investing, which means providing on-the-ground, high-caliber management support for each investment. Equitium works closely with portfolio company management teams and its network of partner companies to drive superior results for its investments. In addition, Equitium provides general management consulting and financial advisory for companies and investment funds. For more information, visit www.equitiumgroup.com.

Contacts
The Equitium Group, LLC, Miami
+1 305-455-5900
info@equitium.com