Funding is Flowing for Stick-e® Fitness Products from Focus Investments

Chicago, IL, May 17, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Capital may still be tight in this economy but the right partnership is worth funding. Stick-e® Brands and Focus Investments, Inc. have just announced the formation of a new entity, Stick-e® Products LLC. Focus Investments will leverage its consumer products expertise to the portfolio of innovative fitness accessories developed by Stick-e® Brands. Stick-e® has spent the last year on a merry-go-round of conversations with prospective suitors. However, the perfect marriage between Stick-e® and Focus was recognized and presided over by deal maker, Carol Roth.

Stick-e® Brands has a line of innovative, patented, and internationally award winning Yoga and Pilates accessories each designed from the ground up to solve problems. Each item is multipurpose with integrated unique features that lead to a more rewarding fitness experience. This fitness category has been exploding with yoga ranked by the National Sporting Goods Association as the second fastest growing leisure activity after jogging and running. It is estimated that over 26 million Americans are currently practicing yoga and Pilates; spending $6 billion annually doing so. This trend, coupled with Stick-e®'s rapid development of patentable unique fitness offerings, made Stick-e® an interesting investment opportunity for the principals of Focus Investments, Keith Jaffee and Jeff Wellek.

Keith and Jeff are seeking to establish a portfolio of consumer and commercial products based companies as a sequel to their earlier success with Focus Products Group, LLC (www.focuspg.com). Focus Products Group became a power house in consumer goods with a consolidation of house wares, bath products, and commercial foodservice companies. According to Jeff Wellek, "We are looking to replicate this success by finding businesses in an industry where there exists operational improvement and acquisition opportunities."

Their timing appears to be in sync with other private equity ventures. Private equity deal flow is bouncing back. According to Reuters March 4, 2011, Private Equity Deals are up 88% already this year. Figures from Thomson Reuters show that private equity-backed mergers and acquisitions have totaled $36.3 billion for the year to date.

This flow of private equity will help support Americans' keen interest in entrepreneurial ventures. This renewed yearning for the "Great American Dream" and more "rags to riches" stories is evidenced by one of the top grossing movies of 2010, "The Social Network," the popularity of shows like ABC's Shark Tank, and the immediate rise to New York Times Best Seller list of newly released entrepreneurial books like Carol Roth's "Entrepreneur Equation." According to Libby Andrews, "With continued focus and strategic positioning, Stick-e® Products may just be the next Under Armour®!"

Libby Andrews, founder of Stick-e® Brands, will continue leading the new company and developing innovative fitness products; while Focus Investments will provide the contacts and resources required to help Stick-e® reach the next level of success.

Over the last three years Stick-e® has become the "go to" brand for yoga accessories. Stick-e®'s original product, Stick-e® Yoga Socks…for that barefoot feeling!, earned international acclaim from the sporting goods community when it was selected as a finalist in the ispo BrandNew competition and was featured at ispo Winter ‘08 in Munich. It quickly came out with complementary products including Stick-e® Yoga Gloves, Stick-e® Yoga Towel, the Stick-e® Yoga Mat with 3 in 1 strap, and the Stick-e® Wrist Saver.

Stick-e® Products are being distributed through Americal Corporation, a leading supplier of socks and hosiery to mass merchandisers.

Stick-e® Yoga Socks is the only patented sock with a smooth non slip stick-e® sole with exposed toes for that Barefoot Feeling! They provide a secure grip and protection from shared mats and equipment. They are perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Karate, Pedicures and more.

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