Marvin Winkler Part of Investment Group Buying Gotcha Stake

An investment group that includes veteran apparel industry executive Marvin Winkler has acquired an undisclosed stake in Gotcha International, which manufactures and licenses surfing and snowboarding apparel.

Winkler, most recently chairman of Signal Apparel Co., purchased his share of the privately held apparel company from Merrill Lynch & Co., which earlier signaled its plan to sell its Gotcha holdings. Winkler, who will serve as vice chairman, did not acquire a controlling stake in Gotcha, the company said.

Gotcha, with 115 employees, reported $65 million in 1995 sales. Co-founder and Chairman Michael Tomson said the Irvine-based company hopes to double its sales within two years. Tomson said a hefty percentage of that growth will come from overseas sales and licensing.

Winkler plans to help Gotcha expand its international licensing program and secure new licenses to manufacture an array of products, including sunglasses and footwear.