Fruition Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Denver, has acquired The Memory Company (TMC), a founder-owned enterprise recognized for its innovation and quality as a producer and licensee of sports and consumer-branded merchandise.
TMC specializes in premium drinkware and home décor and has developed a reputation as a leader in its market segment. The acquisition was made from TMC’s founder, Charles Sizemore, who will remain actively involved as a significant investor in the company.
Founded in 1998, The Memory Company has grown into a trusted developer and distributor of licensed consumer drinkware, home décor, and hard goods, supplying both major retailers and popular e-commerce platforms. The company’s impressive roster of licensing partners includes all major U.S. sports leagues—NFL, MLB, and NCAA—with these relationships averaging over 25 years in duration. TMC also partners with other globally recognized consumer brands, further expanding its market reach and credibility.
TMC’s continued growth is attributed to its expanding presence with key accounts and strong visibility throughout recurring programmatic purchasing cycles. The company differentiates itself in the market through an extensive portfolio of premier licenses, its focus on trend-driven product innovation, and enduring partnerships with major retailers. This foundation positions TMC as a critical supplier in an industry that is increasingly attentive to the protection and strategic use of intellectual property.
Fruition Partners aims to utilize TMC’s momentum by facilitating further growth with new and existing partners, while also safeguarding and enhancing the company’s licensing strategy.
KeyBank played a pivotal role in the transaction, acting as the sole lender and providing senior secured credit facilities used to finance the acquisition, support ongoing working capital needs, and cover transaction expenses.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are very impressed with the company Charles has built, establishing TMC as a high product quality company with broad, tenured retail relationships and a responsive supply chain. In concert with Charles, we have identified numerous actionable growth initiatives and potential add-ons with adjacent products, expansionary retail channels, and additional licenses. With the proliferation of online counterfeits and low-quality products, licensors are increasingly protective of their intellectual property and selective in which licensees with whom they partner. We look forward to further scaling the business by offering best-in-class products that solidify TMC’s competitive position as a consumer products licensee of choice.”
Mac Hampden, Partner and co-founder of Fruition Partners
