It’s a match made in slipper heaven. RG Barry Brands (RGB), makers of Dearfoams, is in agreement to acquire Green Market Services (GMS), which includes its licensed slipper businesses for Clarks and Timberland, private label division, and the GMS team. Clarks (above), which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2025, delivers iconic brand equity and comfort heritage that aligns with today’s wellness-driven demand for structured underfoot support and indoor/outdoor versatility. Timberland (below) brings equally strong brand recognition with an outdoor-focused consumer base that fits the growing indoor/outdoor living trend.
Bob Mullaney, president and CEO of RGB, is chomping at the bit to unleash the Columbus, OH-based company’s growth capabilities onto the Clarks and Timberland licenses. “These are brands we’ve long admired, and we’re energized to bring our 78 years of expertise to expand their presence in premium slippers,” he says. “Clarks and Timberland sit squarely in our sweet spot: iconic heritage brands with loyal followings that naturally complement Dearfoams and our leadership in the slipper category. Bringing them onto the RGB platform lets us do what we do best: apply disciplined brand stewardship, drive comfort innovation, invest in digital exposure, and expand market reach beyond the U.S.” Category experience is another asset. “Our deep familiarity with this category makes the integration low-lift and high-return, with quick alignment and a meaningful upside,” he says.
Mullaney hopes the acquisition will mark the start of a long and profitable relationship with both licenses, noting that Lee Smith, president of Columbus Product Group and a 20-year veteran of RGB, will oversee both brands and lead the GMS integration. “Our focus is on being the kind of partner they want to renew with—because we consistently deliver value,” he says. “We plan to earn and deepen their trust through strong market know-how, disciplined execution, and product leadership.” Mullaney says the goal is to help the brands grow their slipper businesses in a way that’s compelling for them, leveraging the RGB platform to drive revenue and free cash flow without requiring incremental brand-side investment. At the same time, RGB will elevate product quality, innovation, and the brands’ perceived value in the marketplace. “In short, we’re intent on being a best-in-class, long-term partner,” he says.
In addition to the two licenses, Mullaney says there’s plenty to like about GMS. It starts with the talented team, led by CEO Tom Connelly, that has been building the business for decades. “Their category knowledge, retailer relationships, and brand experience make our already exceptional RGB team even stronger,” he says. “They’ve also developed private brands for several good business partners.” The transaction includes the IP for GMS’s Green Brand, an eco-forward platform built on sustainable materials, transparent sourcing, and a design ethos rooted in responsible comfort. “Green gives us another lever in our comfort innovation strategy and aligns naturally with our earth-first commitments under The RGB Way,” Mullaney says.
The acquisition is a bright spot in a difficult year (tariffs, anyone?) for RGB and the entire industry. Mullaney says the team navigated a challenging consumer climate and cost environment with real discipline. “Dearfoams continued its elevation with a full brand refresh, the category’s first-ever creator collaboration, and another coveted spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things,” he reports, adding that Baggallini has been quietly building extraordinary momentum. The brand celebrated its 30th anniversary, with 30 million bags sold, and climbed into the top 20 in dollar market share. “So, while 2025 wasn’t the easiest year, it was an important one with meaningful green shoots,” he says. “We made smart decisions amid pressure and closed the year in a strong position, setting the stage for a more dynamic and diversified future.”
Mullaney is confident that the near future will involve another acquisition—one that isn’t a slipper brand. “Moving into adjacent categories allows us to deepen consumer relationships, diversify growth, and unlock new capabilities across the portfolio,” he says. The prerequisites for acquisition candidates include authentic consumer potential, a unique value proposition, and a clear runway for growth on RGB’s platform. “Let’s just say there are some exciting possibilities out there that fit the criteria very well.”
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