Implus® LLC Acquires FuelBelt®

Durham, N.C. (November 3, 2015) – Implus LLC, the market leader in athletic, fitness, and outdoor accessories, is excited to announce the acquisition of FuelBelt, Inc. Founded in 1997 by seven-time Ironman World Champion participant, Vinu Malik, FuelBelt is the pioneer in hydration belts and running accessories. FuelBelt will join the Specialty Category of Implus, alongside Balega, TriggerPoint, and Sof Sole.

“We are excited about the future for FuelBelt. The Implus roster of Specialty brands is extremely impressive and we are proud to have FuelBelt join such an expansive company that is continuing to grow its product offerings and be part of a team with cutting edge development and vast resources,” said Vinu Malik, founder of FuelBelt.

With the introduction of the multi-bottle belt, low profile handhelds and high performance accessories, FuelBelt has redefined the hydration landscape. FuelBelt continues to serve running enthusiasts throughout the world, revolutionizing their products to help athletes of all kinds, whether it’s assisting those interested in breaking records, setting personal bests or for athletes competing at a world stage level.

FuelBelt has recently introduced the all-new Helium® Collection that includes hydration belts with two to four bottle options. These belts feature the lightest weight hydration belts ever designed, incredible comfort and bright new tropical colors. Other products from the Helium line include super-stretch waistpacks and the popular handheld bottles.

“FuelBelt continues to add depth to the Specialty Category at Implus while increasing our offerings for our retail partners,” said Tanya Pictor, Vice President of the Specialty Category at Implus. “We are pleased to welcome such an established brand to the Implus umbrella that allows us to continue to lead the way in this endurance sport market.”

Implus is majority owned by Berkshire Partners, a Boston-based investment firm. FuelBelt represents the third brand addition to the Implus portfolio since Berkshire’s investment in Implus in April.

For more information about the acquisition or the company in general, please contact Tanya Pictor at tpictor@4implus.com.

About Implus

Headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, Implus LLC has evolved to become an innovative provider of footwear, outdoor and fitness accessories to its retail partners. Implus’ family of brands includes Sof Sole, Yaktrax, apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Perfect, TriggerPoint, ICETrekkers, FuelBelt and Balega. From insoles, socks and shoe care to seasonal accessories and fitness solutions, Implus proudly distributes its brands to thousands of retail locations across the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit www.implus.com.

About FuelBelt

FuelBelt, Inc. is the world leader in hydration belts and running accessories. Founded in 1997 by 36x Ironman finisher and 7-time Ironman World Championship participant, Vinu Malik, FuelBelt continues to serve the needs of endurance athletes across the globe. FuelBelts have been used to break world records, set personal bests, and have been used at the Olympic world stage, where every effort and every second counts. For more information, visit www.fuelbelt.com.  

About Berkshire Partners

Berkshire Partners, the Boston-based investment firm, has invested in over 100 middle market companies since 1986 through eight private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments of over $11 billion.  Berkshire has developed specific industry experience in several areas including consumer products and retail, business services, industrials, communications and transportation. Berkshire has a strong history of partnering with management teams to grow the companies in which it invests with the goal of consistently achieving superior investment returns.  The firm is currently investing from Berkshire Fund VIII, a $4.5 billion fund raised in 2011.  Berkshire seeks to invest $50 million to $500 million of equity capital in each portfolio company.  For additional information, visit www.berkshirepartners.com.