Headline news at Wall Street today include the landmark deal with Luxottica Group and Polo Ralph Lauren 10-year eyewear licensing agreement worth US$1.75 billion.

Not as high profile, but equally important for merges and acquisitions is Susan Bristol, the Boston-based better sportswear manufacturer, being acquired by its former Vice Chairman Art Henkens in conjunction with Capital Factors, LLC, who is providing receivables and inventory financing.

In a statement, Art Henkens, now President and CEO of Susan Bristol said, “I am thrilled to be part of this acquisition. We have worked very hard this last year in getting the Susan Bristol brand repositioned and focused on building for the future.”

Established in 1971, Susan Bristol has evolved into a renowned designer of embellished sweaters and beautiful better sportswear product. Currently, the company has three divisions: Knitwear, Every Wear and Casual.

As Art Henkens assumes leadership, the company has entered a licensing agreement with Pacific Continental Apparel in marketing Susan Bristol Sleepwear.

The line includes velour lounge sets and silk sleepwear in rich, colorful prints that will incorporate the quality and signature embellishments that Susan Bristol has become famous for.

Based on its reputation for excellent quality and design, Susan Bristol stands ready to broaden and enhance this market with licensees for shoes, handbags, fragrance and other accessories. All of these are a natural extension of the Susan Bristol brand. Licensing the Susan Bristol name will be an integral part of its expansion program.

“At Susan Bristol we are charging straight ahead incorporating our customers desire for a smart, tasteful, classic, striking and timeless wardrobe,” Henkens commented about the new direction that the company is heading.

“Our goal has always been to create clothing with personality and perennial freshness. Based on our current business increases, our customers have given us a distinct thumbs-up on our current design direction,” he added.