MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In a significant move highlighting their commitment to long-term investments, Carlson Private Capital Partners (CPC), a distinguished private investment firm, has announced its partnership with Yukon Partners (“Yukon”), a leading mezzanine capital provider. Together, they have invested in Lakeshirts / Blue 84 (referred to as “the Company”), a prominent designer, manufacturer, and distributor of customized apparel located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
Lakeshirts / Blue 84 specializes in creating and distributing customized apparel and merchandising solutions, catering to the resort and college-licensed markets for apparel and accessories. The Company is known for its collaborative approach with specialty retailers, developing unique and appealing products that resonate with consumer impulse and emotional connections to specific experiences and places. Their expertise lies in understanding market trends and delivering products that meet the demands of experience-driven consumer segments.
William Dietz, Managing Partner of Yukon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Carlson Private Capital Partners and the leadership team at Lakeshirts as they embark on their next growth phase. Lakeshirts has established itself as a market leader due to their exceptional design and merchandising skills, extensive manufacturing capabilities, diverse product range, and dedication to superior customer service. These strengths provide a solid foundation for continued expansion.” Dietz further emphasized the unique nature of CPC, “Carlson Private Capital Partners, with its family-backed structure and long-term investment perspective, offers a distinct approach compared to traditional private equity firms. We are delighted to support their vision in the investment in Lakeshirts.”
Andy Cantwell, Managing Partner at Carlson Private Capital Partners, also commented on the investment, highlighting the strategic fit of Lakeshirts within CPC’s investment philosophy. “Carlson Private Capital Partners has long admired Yukon Partners, and we are excited to collaborate with them on the Lakeshirts investment,” Cantwell stated. “Lakeshirts perfectly embodies the type of company CPC seeks to invest in – a high-caliber, founder-led business rooted in the Midwest, seeking a long-term partnership for sustained growth. For decades, Lakeshirts has been a cornerstone of its community, recognized as an exceptional workplace, and a dedicated contributor to philanthropy in the Detroit Lakes region. They have cultivated an outstanding business, strategically positioned for accelerated growth in the future, all while upholding strong ethical business practices over many years.”
The legal counsel for Yukon Partners in this transaction was provided by Dorsey & Whitney, LLP.
About Lakeshirts / Blue 84
Based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, in the heart of lakes country, Lakeshirts / Blue 84 is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor in the resort and college licensed apparel and accessories market. Originating in 1984 from humble beginnings in a basement, the company has grown significantly to encompass a 325,000 square foot state-of-the-art production and warehouse facility. Today, Lakeshirts boasts a team of over 700 dedicated members, along with six canine companions, and proudly serves more than 10,000 satisfied customers. Despite its substantial growth, Lakeshirts remains deeply committed to its customers, striving to not only meet but exceed their expectations. The company is dedicated to delivering value to all stakeholders, including customers, employees, vendors, owners, and the local community. For further details, please visit: www.lakeshirts.com.
About Yukon Partners
Yukon Partners is a distinguished and independent provider of junior capital, focusing primarily on facilitating transactions led by middle market private equity sponsors across the United States and Canada. Yukon’s investment scope includes buyouts, growth and platform strategies, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions, and public-to-private transactions. Typically, Yukon invests between $10 to $50 million per transaction and currently manages approximately $1.2 billion across three distinct funds. Yukon Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. More information is available at: www.yukonpartners.com.
About Carlson Private Capital Partners
Carlson Private Capital Partners (CPC) stands out as a private investment firm leveraging family capital to invest in businesses that benefit most from a long-term partnership approach and a customized business ownership transition. CPC’s investment platform is built upon the Carlson family’s extensive legacy of entrepreneurship and operational excellence. What sets Carlson Private Capital Partners apart is its inherent structure. Their patient and adaptable capital provides considerable advantages over conventional, institutional private equity firms, without compromising speed, expertise, or access to essential resources. To learn more about Carlson Private Capital Partners, visit: www.carlsonprivatecapital.com.
For further information, please contact:
William Dietz
Managing Partner
Yukon Partners
612-435-7804
