Business

Tengram acquires Graham

Robert Graham is poised for a big growth spurt.

The contemporary men’s fashion label — which generates upwards of $100 million a year at upscale shops including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom — has been sold to Westport, Conn.-based private-equity fund Tengram Capital Partners, The Post has learned.

Sources said Tengram — a new, $200 million fund controlled by apparel entrepreneur William Sweedler, whose past investments include Ellen Tracy, Joe’s Jeans and Sharper Image — has shelled out more than $50 million in the deal.

Robert Graham, which was advised on the transaction by Sage Group, couldn’t be reached for comment. Sweedler declined to comment.

Sources said Robert Stock, a Bronx-born designer who founded the label 10 years ago, will remain designer. Michael Buckley, a former top executive at True Religion jeans, will take on the role of chief executive.

“There’s going to be a very quick rollout” of retail stores, according to one source briefed on the deal, adding that Tengram believes there’s room for 40 Robert Graham stores worldwide.

The label — whose traditional designs have an edge that’s been compared to those of Paul Smith and Italy-based Etro — currently operates a single store in Venice, Calif.

A source added that, despite the expansion plans, Robert Graham’s new owner is “not going down market” with the brand, whose shirts retail for $250.