Warburg Pincus, global growth investor, and LMCA, a brand extension specialist, together have announced the launch of Full Sail IP Partners, a brand acquisition firm. Full Sail IP Partners will acquire brands and build out their business through licensing.

"Our partnership with LMCA demonstrates our commitment to identifying prime brand target acquisitions with strong fundamental growth potential,” says Justin Sadrian, managing director, Warburg Pincus.

"As long-term growth investors, we look forward to building out the Full Sail IP Partners brand portfolio and accelerating the growth and expansion of brands globally through licensing,” says Michael Ding, principal, Warburg Pincus.

“This is a true milestone in partnerships between private equity and brand extension licensing and we are thrilled to be working alongside such an accomplished firm as Warburg Pincus,” says Allan Feldman, founder and chief executive officer, LMCA.

Alan Kravetz, previously LMCA’s president and chief operating officer, will lead Full Sail IP Partners operations as its chief executive officer. With more than 30 years’ experience in growing brands and monetizing intellectual property in the U.S., Europe and Asia, Kravetz will lead the acquisition and growth strategy of this new venture.

“We are planning to acquire, build and scale brands that have tremendous development potential through the proven success of a licensing business model,” says Kravetz. “I am excited to be leading and developing this new venture backed by one of the leading private equity firms in the world. Warburg Pincus’ longstanding experience, global presence and operational support will be a tremendous advantage to us as we seek to acquire and transform brands.”

“Full Sail IP Partners, and our partnership with Warburg Pincus, offers LMCA a groundbreaking opportunity to transform the model for the strategic extension of brands that have significant upside potential,” says Ciarán Coyle, president and chief operating officer, LMCA. “This is an exhilarating time in our industry, and we see the undeniable opportunity for brand licensing to be employed as a key tool to add exponential value to the brands that Full Sail IP Partners acquires.”