True Religion Hires Investor Relations Adviser

Los Angeles–based premium-denim maker True Religion Apparel Inc. has announced the appointment of PondelWilkinson Inc. as its investor relations adviser. The move came two weeks after the company reportedly hired New York investment banking firm Goldman Sachs & Co. to help it find a buyer.

PondelWilkinson, based in Los Angeles, is charged with developing and implementing a long-term, comprehensive investor relations program for True Religion.

“The firm has earned a stellar reputation for innovative, strategic counsel and results-driven program execution,” Jeff Lubell, chairman and chief executive of True Religion, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with their experienced executives as we continue to build long-lasting relationships with our investor constituencies.”

The jeans maker, which went public in 2005, has grown rapidly. In 2003, its annual revenues were $2.4 million, with no net income. In 2005, revenues were $102.6 million, with a net income of $19.5 million. —Erin Barajas