J.W. Hulme Company: What's New

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – October 1, 2009 – A true rarity, J.W. Hulme Co. is over 100 years old and still carefully crafting distinctive leather and canvas bags and accessories 100% made in the U.S.A. As a testament to its fascinating history and commitment to high quality, the company has successfully recapitalized with the assistance of Olympus Capital Investments, LLC.

Earlier this year J.W. Hulme Co. fell upon hard times when it was unable to renew its five-year running term loan due, in part, to the economic climate. As chronicled in the Wall Street Journal on January 9, 2009, this event further exacerbated the company’s already leveraged position. Co-owners Charles Bidwell and Jen Guarino then decided it was time to pursue a complete recapitalization of the company, including issuing new equity in order to procure operating capital.

“As customers, we had known of J.W. Hulme” said Dean Vanech, Chairman of Olympus Capital Investments. “When we learned of their situation, we saw an attractive investment opportunity. We wanted to become a part of preserving this unique legacy of quality made-in-the-USA products.”

J.W. Hulme Co. has recently completed this effort and, based on feedback from its customers, has developed a host of new products to launch over the next six months. Customers will see a widened assortment of bags for travel, business, sporting and hunting, as well as a line of women’s handbags.

“This is an exciting time for J.W. Hulme. We’re healthy and poised for growth” said J.W. Hulme Co. Chairman Charles Bidwell. “Our artisans have been hired back and are busy producing extraordinary new and classic products alike.”

From the materials the company chooses to its time-honored techniques, J.W. Hulme Co.’s pledge continues to be to produce exceptional, unique and valued products for discerning customers. Backed with a lifetime guarantee and unsurpassed customer service, J.W. Hulme Co.’s commitment to quality is as real today as when founded in 1905.