CCMP invests in Houston-based Francesca’s Collections

Francesca’s Collections Inc., the women’s fashion retailer, and CCMP Capital Advisors LLC, announced that CCMP has acquired a controlling interest in Francesca’s. The company’s founders will continue to be involved in its management. Headquartered in Houston, Francesca’s Collections has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing women's fashion retailers. With more than 160 boutique locations in 33 states, Francesca’s provides its shoppers with an eclectic, carefully chosen assortment of treasured items, including jewelry, handbags, gifts, accessories and apparel. Greg Brenneman, chairman of CCMP Capital, said, “We are impressed by Francesca’s ability to grow its store base rapidly while maintaining its unique business model, culture and customer shopping experience. The company delivers industry-leading, store-level economics in terms of same store sales increases, cash on cash returns, sales per square foot and margins. We are excited to partner with the founders, including CEO John De Meritt, to execute a plan to aggressively expand the number of stores and build this unique brand.” Francesca’s CEO John De Meritt said, “With CCMP’s extensive experience in leading retail companies, they are the ideal partner to help us take Francesca’s to the next level. The CCMP team not only possesses a proven ability to grow entrepreneurial businesses, but they are also a great cultural fit. Knowing their prior successes and that we needed a strategic partner, I approached Greg to see if CCMP would be interested. CCMP’s exceptional operating resources will truly benefit Francesca’s as we enter the next phase of our development.” Francesca’s legal advisor was Locke, Lord, Bissell, Liddel, LLP. CCMP’s legal counsel was O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Founded in 1999, Francesca’s is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and currently operates over 160 small-box specialty retail stores across 33 states. Francesca’s provides an upscale, boutique-style shopping experience at affordable price points by offering apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories, gifts, candles, frames, and other home goods. CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC, is a leading global private equity firm specializing in buyouts and growth equity investments in companies ranging from $500 million to more than $3 billion in size. CCMP Capital focuses on five primary industries: Consumer/Retail; Industrial; Energy; Healthcare; and Media.

CCMP Capital Advisors LLC