KNS International to Partner with Birdies, Expanding Its Portfolio of Fashion Footwear Brands

Salt Lake City, Utah – KNS International, a market leader in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer footwear, announced that it has acquired Birdies, a contemporary lifestyle and fashion-forward women’s footwear brand known for its innovative designs, highly loyal consumer base, and substantial social following.

“I have long admired the Birdies brand and the creative vision that founders Bianca Gates and Marisa Sharkey brought to life,” said Greg Tunney, Chief Executive Officer of KNS. “Their direct-to-consumer approach has resonated with women across the globe, enabling the brand to punch above its weight in the footwear category. Birdies will be a flagship brand within the KNS portfolio, bringing a combination of fashion and comfort for its expanding base of consumers. With a devoted following that includes Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex; Olivia Palermo; and Erin Andrews, Birdies has established itself as a beloved brand among fashion-forward consumers. We are excited to welcome Birdies into the organization at KNS, and I look forward to collaborating with the Birdies team to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth.”

“We are thrilled to join the KNS family, a company that shares our passion for innovation, quality, and the consumer,” said Bianca Gates, Co-Founder of Birdies. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter, enabling us to scale our mission of delivering both comfort and style in a way that resonates with our loyal customers. With KNS’ extensive expertise and resources, Birdies will quickly have the opportunity to expand its reach while staying true to the products and community that define Birdies. The future for Birdies’ team, customers and partners alike will continue to soar as we enter into this exciting partnership with KNS.”

Birdies will join KNS’s expanding brand portfolio, which includes Journee, Taft, and Vance, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, stylish footwear to a global audience. Ms. Gates will join KNS as Brand President.

KNS is backed by Centre Partners, a leading middle-market private equity firm.