Winona Capital has acquired the Majority Interest in Peter Millar

CHICAGO, April 1, 2009 – City Capital Advisors, LLC, a middle market investment bank, announced today that Winona Capital Management has acquired the majority interest in Peter Millar, a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium lifestyle apparel. Winona purchased the majority interest from Sea Island Co. and is committed to growing the investment alongside Peter Millar management, who will maintain their ownership in the Company.

Launched in 2001 by Chris Knott, Peter Millar markets classically designed sweaters, shirts, and outerwear to high-end golf clubs and select specialty retail stores both in the United States and internationally. Chris teamed up with Scott Mahoney, a former Polo Ralph Lauren executive, and together they have established Peter Millar as a leading brand in the finest specialty stores and golf clubs and have grown sales better than 30% yearly.

Transaction Summary

City Capital Advisors suggested to Winona the idea of acquiring Peter Millar due to Winona’s focus on quality, higher-end consumer product investments. After confirming that Winona would have a strong interest in Peter Millar, City Capital catalyzed the discussions between the parties and served as Winona’s financial advisor in the transaction.
About Winona Capital Management

Winona Capital Management provides acquisition and growth capital to consumer goods and services businesses in the lower middle market. Winona partners with high energy, passionate executives who have shared focus on sustained growth over long-term investment horizons. With offices in Chicago and Seattle, Winona Capital manages more than $125 million on behalf of its investors.

About City Capital Advisors

City Capital is a results-oriented investment and merchant banking advisory firm dedicated to delivering business owners optimal performance in capitalizing on the value of their companies. Client engagements are managed by experienced senior bankers who have built successful practices at renowned investment banks, but sought a highly focused environment from which to advise their clients in a highly responsive manner. Advisory capabilities include mergers and acquisitions, leveraged recapitalizations, private capital formation for growth/acquisition/ownership transition, and managing direct investments. Long standing relationships with strategic buyers and financial investors with interests across a wide variety of industries enables City Capital to offer its clients unique and proprietary execution capabilities. Since becoming a FINRA registered broker-dealer in 2007, City Capital has successfully advised on transactions totaling in excess of $1.3 billion.