Local investment firm Glow Capital Partners will acquire 51% of Australian uniform business Cargo Crew in a bid to grow the apparel brand globally.
Under the agreement, the Cargo Crew executive team will retain full management control and three members of Glow Capital Partners will join the board.
Launched in Melbourne in 2002, Cargo Crew is a major tailor predominately in the hospitality space. Founder Felicity Rodgers said the family-owned business is preparing for further global expansion.
“Our obsession with making the best product has led to strong international demand,” Rodgers said. “Already 25% of our online sales are from international customers who have sought us out and continued to buy.
“Last week we had a sale from South America with a note saying they couldn’t find another brand that brings together fashion and function like Cargo Crew.”
Rodgers said the partnership with Glow Capital was the natural next step for the business.
“We have an incredible growth opportunity ahead of us, so we welcome the expertise in scaling up and building a global brand that the Glow team brings,” Rodgers said. “Including Kate Morris, Justin Ryan and Alex Downie on to our board to guide us as we expand into other markets will be a huge asset and help us grow Cargo Crew to its full potential.
“Cargo Crew’s uniforms cater to hospitality, retail, transport, banking, health and government industries, and as our customers' businesses grow, their relationship with us deepens because we work with them to tailor a uniform fit for their changing needs.”
According to Glow co-founder Justin Ryan, it was a strategic decision to invest in Cargo Crew.
“Cargo Crew is a great Australian business with the opportunity to be a global brand,” Ryan said. “They have a proven track record with 21 years in business already and with an excellent founder and executive team, they are primed for growth that Glow can help accelerate.
“Having worked with the team for the last few months, we know we are values-aligned and have the same vision for the business's next phase of growth.”
Glow Capital Partners associate director Alex Downie said Cargo Crew plays a role for small and medium businesses across the country.
“In any service industry, the way your team presents themselves and moves about the space is a huge brand element,” Downie said.
Cargo Crew operates a 4,500 sqm headquarters in Bundoora, Melbourne, and ships uniforms to over 80 countries. It holds contracts with major local and international businesses includes Levi's, Stocklands, IGA and Birkenstock.