Jackson Walker recently advised Kendra Scott, founder and CEO of Kendra Scott Design, Inc., in securing a substantial investment in the company from private equity firm Berkshire Partners LLC. The team, led by Corporate and Securities Partner Brandon C. Janes, also included Corporate and Securities Associate Jessica Verran-Lingard, and Wealth Planning Partner Sam Hildebrand.
Kendra Scott Design is a leading jewelry and fashion accessories brand with a focus on family, fashion and philanthropy. The deal values the company above $1 billion, and Kendra Scott will retain a majority stake. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017, subject to certain conditions.
“We are delighted to have Berkshire invest with us at a very exciting time for our company,” said Kendra Scott. “Berkshire has significant experience in helping leading brands maximize their potential and a deep appreciation for the Kendra Scott culture and organization.”
About Kendra Scott Design
Kendra Scott is a leading fashion accessories brand inspired by the personal experiences, travel and sense of community of its CEO and Designer, Kendra Scott. A true omni-channel business, Kendra Scott is sold at premiere retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Von Maur and over 600 specialty boutiques worldwide, the brand boasts a thriving web business and over 50 stand alone retail stores across the United States. The brand is well-known for its comprehensive suite of elegantly designed jewelry pieces as well as lifestyle categories such as beauty, home goods and fine jewelry. The brand also offers the Kendra Scott Color Bar™, an innovative jewelry customization experience available in all Kendra Scott stores as well as www.KendraScott.com.
Kendra Scott has become a staple for women of all ages as well as a favorite of Hollywood’s starlets. As the brand continues to grow, the company remains true to its founding philosophy of “Family, Fashion, Philanthropy” and “Kendra Gives Back: You Shop, We Give” initiatives to benefit both local and national charities across the country.
 About Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker’s Corporate and Securities group has  extensive experience representing clients in mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and other strategic alliances, as well as securities offerings, corporate governance, executive compensation, and securities laws compliance. Our Wealth Planning group represents individuals and families in a broad range of estate planning matters, from straight forward estate plans to intricate family office matters. In addition, our attorneys offer sound advice and counsel to clients in the areas of probate, trust and guardianship administrations, and disputes.
About the Team
Brandon C. Janes is an Austin-based attorney with extensive experience in corporate governance, capital transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. He has been involved in a number of international and domestic financings, and has represented investors and corporate clients in private equity and debt offerings, including the offerings of high yield debt securities and convertible and other hybrid securities. Much of Brandon’s practice includes cross-border and international transactions. His practice spans a variety of industries, including technology, media, energy, and retail.
Jessica Verran-Lingard is an associate in the Corporate & Securities practice group in the Austin office, where she is gaining hands-on experience in both corporate and intellectual property matters. She works on corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, private offerings of debt and equity securities, investments funds (including private equity, venture capital and hedge funds), film financing, IP licensing, and video game and technology matters.
Sam Hildebrand’s practice is focused on wealth planning and family office matters. For over 30 years, he has helped clients protect their wealth, minimize their estate, gift, and income tax exposure, and convey their wealth to their families and charities wisely. Sam represents a wide range of clients, including entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, oil, gas, and mineral owners, farmers, ranchers, entertainers, artists, doctors, professors, athletes, and philanthropists.
