Current Owner of Spanx
Spanx is currently owned by Blackstone, the global investment firm that completed its acquisition of the shapewear brand in a deal announced in 2021. The transaction valued Spanx at a reported billion-dollar enterprise value, with Blackstone taking a majority stake and becoming the primary owner of the company. The brand continues to operate as a standalone business within Blackstone's portfolio of consumer and lifestyle investments.
The acquisition brought Spanx under the umbrella of one of the world's largest private equity firms, which manages hundreds of billions in assets across multiple sectors. Blackstone's ownership means Spanx now benefits from the firm's extensive resources, global distribution networks, and strategic guidance. The deal marked a significant shift from the brand's origins as a privately held company founded by Sara Blakely, who remains a major shareholder and active figure in the business.
Ownership Structure and Leadership
Under Blackstone's ownership, Spanx maintains a dedicated leadership team headed by CEO Melissa Morse, who has been instrumental in scaling the brand's global footprint. The company's ownership structure includes Blackstone as the majority investor, with Sara Blakely retaining a meaningful minority stake and continuing to serve as an advisor and public face of the brand. This structure balances private equity capital and operational support with the founder's ongoing influence over product direction and brand identity.
Spanx's current ownership model emphasizes long-term growth over short-term exits, a common approach for Blackstone's consumer investments. The company has expanded its product lines beyond shapewear into activewear, loungewear, and menswear, reflecting a strategy supported by its parent firm's deep industry expertise. Blackstone's ownership also positions Spanx to pursue further international expansion and potential complementary acquisitions in the apparel and undergarment space.
Background on Spanx and Its Founder
Spanx was founded in 2000 by Sara Blakely, who started the company with $5,000 in personal savings and a patent for footless pantyhose. The brand revolutionized the shapewear category by offering comfortable, seamless solutions that quickly gained a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth and innovative marketing. Blakely's hands-on approach and focus on product innovation helped Spanx grow from a single product into a global brand available in over 50 countries.
Before the Blackstone acquisition, Spanx remained a privately held company for over two decades, a rare achievement in the competitive apparel industry. The brand's success attracted attention from numerous potential buyers and investors, but Blakely chose a partner that she believed would support Spanx's independent growth trajectory. The deal with Blackstone was widely covered by financial media, with detailed reporting on the terms and strategic rationale available on trusted business news platforms such as Forbes.