ACTA Capital today announced that its retail investment platform Alquemie Group has acquired General Pants Co.

The acquisition strengthens Alquemie Group’s emerging position as one of the country’s leading retail businesses with General Pants Co. joining a growing portfolio which includes LEGO® Certified Stores, SurfStitch, Ginger & Smart and Pumpkin Patch.

Under the terms of the transaction the current owners of General Pants Co., which include the Victor Smorgon Group, Phil Staub and Jackie Vidor, have agreed to reinvest a significant portion of their proceeds into Alquemie Group.

Founder and CEO, ACTA Capital, and Executive Chairman, Alquemie Group, Richard Facioni comments: “This acquisition brings Alquemie significant scale and breadth of operations as we seek to partner with exceptional, like-minded management teams to build great businesses.

“General Pants Co. is highly complementary to our existing portfolio and positions Alquemie for continued growth as we build a leading multi-channel retail investment business.

“I’m excited that the current owners of General Pants Co. have agreed to become shareholders in Alquemie, a testament to their conviction in the strength of the Group as an investment.”

General Pants Co.’ current CEO, Sacha Laing, has been appointed as Group CEO, Alquemie Group. Sacha Laing is a highly experienced executive, having held various senior leadership retail roles including at Colette, Country Road Group and David Jones.

Sacha Laing says, “Alquemie Group has a strong, well-diversified portfolio of retail brands and strong forward growth ambitions. It’s a privilege to join the business at this pivotal time and I look forward to working closely with Richard.”

Founded in 1972, General Pants Co. is an iconic specialty retailer of youth casual apparel. It currently operates 60 physical stores across ANZ with a growing e-commerce arm, offering customers a flexible omni-channel experience. The business has a portfolio of well-established vertical brands and in-demand third-party brands, anchored by a market leading and sought-after denim offering.

Funding for the transaction, in addition to reinvestment by the vendors, comprised an acquisition debt facility provided by CBA and a dedicated investment fund raised by ACTA Capital.

ACTA Capital and Alquemie Group were advised by Hamilton Locke and Greenmount Advisory. General Pants Co. and its vendors were advised by Monash advisory and Danaher Moulton.