Jonathan Adler is known for his distinctive home designs.
Private equity company Consortium Brand Partners (CBP) has bought home décor, furniture, and lifestyle company Jonathan Adler, which through its ‘modern American glamour’ approach has been expanding its small U.S. store base.
CBP, in partnership with fashion accessory, design, manufacturing, and distribution specialist American Exchange Group, closed the transaction on Dec. 23, 2024.
Described as an iconic retailer renowned for its bold, modern aesthetic, and creative design sensibility, Jonathan Adler was founded three decades ago by the eponymous designer, and is probably best known for a distinctive approach to décor, furniture, table-top, decorative accessories, lighting, plus full-scale residential and hospitality design.
Potter, designer, and author Jonathan Adler launched his namesake brand after leaving his day job to pursue his first love: ceramics. In 1993, upscale department store Barneys bought his collection of pottery and five years later he opened his first store in Soho, Manhattan selling textiles, table-top and furniture products.
Today, Jonathan Adler is a design company with stores worldwide, an e-commerce site, residential and commercial projects, plus a wholesale business with over 1,000 points of distribution globally. The company also has around 10 stores, including one in London.
CBP Buys Jonathan Adler And More
The acquisition of Jonathan Adler is CBP’s third in 18 months, following investments in other lifestyle-driven companies, including Draper James, founded by actress and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon and with styles inspired by the American South, and Outdoor Voices, a premium athleisure and activewear brand.
CBP took an approximately 70% position in Draper James’s ownership in September 2023, while retaining the existing Draper James management team, led by CEO Erin Moennich, CFO and COO Sarah Foley, and Head of Design, Kathryn Sukey. Reese Witherspoon remains a partner and board member of the business.
The acquisition of athleisure lifestyle brand Outdoor Voices, founded in 2013 by Tyler Haney, came more recently in June of last year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan Adler to the CBP family,” said Jonathan Greller, President & Co-Founder of Consortium Brand Partners. “Jonathan Adler’s exceptional talent and vision have made the brand a beloved leader in home design for decades. This acquisition not only expands our offerings in the home décor space but also enhances our ability to create compelling and timeless brand experiences that resonate with consumers across multiple lifestyle categories in a fun and beautiful way.”
Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James business is also in the CBP stable (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty … [+]
President & CEO of American Exchange Group, Alen Mamrout, added of the deal: “Partnering with CBP on this acquisition allows us to combine our expertise in manufacturing and distribution with their strength in strategic investments and brand-building. Together, we are committed to elevating the Jonathan Adler brand to even greater heights, expanding its global reach and product offerings.”
Jonathan Adler Store Growth
Jonathan Adler will continue in his role as Founder and Chief Creative Officer. The business will also continue to operate its retail stores across the U.S. and the U.K., through the strategic partnership with American Exchange Group, and expand its brick-and-mortar presence and further grow its offerings and categories for current and future international wholesale accounts, the partners said.
Consortium Brand Partners describes itself as a “visionary growth fund manager” dedicated to acquiring and amplifying high-potential brands known for great products rooted in a strong ethos and powerful story.
American Exchange Group specializes in fashion accessory products, retail and brand management.
