LNK Partners Closes Second $400 Million Fund Dedicated To Investments In Consumer And Retail Businesses

LNK Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in the consumer/retail sector, today announced the final closing of LNK Partners II, L.P. The fund, which was oversubscribed but capped at its $400 million target to allow the firm to continue to focus on investments in middle market consumer and retail businesses, received commitments from leading institutions and university endowments, as well as senior industry executives. Investments of LNK's first fund, which was raised in 2006, included the recapitalization of Ariat International, the premier marketer of equestrian related footwear and apparel; the recapitalization of Au Bon Pain, a leading fast casual restaurant chain; acquisition financing to support the purchase of Tommy Hilfiger by PVH, one of the largest and most profitable apparel companies in the world; and the recapitalization of Natural Food Holdings, which markets Niman Ranch, the leading all-natural brand of pork, beef and lamb.