The outdoor sock producer, based in Mount Airy, said that Aiglon and Merit’s investment will allow Nester Hosiery to build on its domestic manufacturing strength, spur growth in its Farm to Feet brand and expand its private label business.

“The team at Aiglon values the strength of our domestic manufacturing and sees great potential in Farm to Feet,” said Kelly Nester, Nester Hosiery’s chief executive. “This investment gives us the resources to expand our capabilities and build on our private label and branded businesses.”

Founded in 1993 and focused on technology and sustainability, Nester Hosiery manufactures premium performance outdoor wool socks. The company produces private label, licensed and branded socks under its Ballston and Farm to Feet brands.

Nester Hosiery currently produces socks for more than 24 leading brands, and holds the sock license for both the Woolrich brand and Rocky Brands’ divisions of Rocky Outdoor, Georgia Boot and Durango.

“We are excited to be working with the Nester family to continue growing the business and facilitating its expansion,” said Richard Griffin, managing partner at Aiglon. “This is our first investment from our North Carolina value fund, and we could not be happier to be partnering with a very impressive management team.”

According to the company, several Nester Hosiery senior managers joined the company’s ownership group. Also, the Nester family and management team retained a significant minority stake, while the private investment firms bought a majority portion of the business.

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