Eyebobs Sold to Private Equity Firm
Minneapolis-based glasses company Eyebobs has a new owner.
On Wednesday, Cleveland-based private equity firm Blue Point Capital Partners announced that it has acquired the popular eyewear brand for an undisclosed sum.
Eyebobs currently operates four brick-and-mortar stores in the Twin Cities, including one at the Mall of America. The company, which also has an extensive e-commerce operation, has marketed its glasses as for the “irreverent and slightly jaded” consumer.
According to a news release issued Wednesday, Blue Point Capital will fold eyebobs into a new eyewear holding company, which includes glasses manufacturer Europa Eyewear. The private equity firm said there’s “tremendous opportunity for growth in the eyewear market.”
“The combined strength of these well-established companies will allow us to unlock growth for both organizations by leveraging their proprietary brands,” said John LeMay, partner at Blue Point, in the release.
Founded in 2001 by Julie Allinson, Eyebobs initially began as a wholesale operation. The company opened its first physical store in 2018.
Allinson sold a majority stake in Eyebobs to Norwest Equity Partners in 2015 and is no longer involved with the company.