Fact-Checking the S&S Activewear Upheaval: the Lawsuit, the Cd&R Buyout, and Operational Reality

Dive deep into Fact-Checking the S&S Activewear Upheaval: the Lawsuit, the Cd&R Buyout, and Operational Reality with our latest coverage.

Q1: What prompted the Strauss Borrelli investigation into S&S Activewear?
A1: The investigation focuses on whether S&S Activewear complied with federal and Illinois WARN Act statutes when executing mass job cuts and warehouse consolidations at its Bolingbrook, Illinois distribution center in late 2025. The inquiry centers on whether workers received the mandatory 60 days of advance written notice before employment terminations.

Q2: Who currently owns S&S Activewear, and what firm advised the deal?
A2: S&S Activewear is backed by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R). Legal advisory services for the major corporate transaction and structural realignments were led by corporate law firm McDermott Will & Emery.

Q3: Why are print shops experiencing frequent split shipments and inventory cancellations?
A3: As part of the corporate consolidation, S&S introduced automated inventory routing algorithms across its network. When primary regional warehouses run short on specific sizes or colors, the platform automatically draws inventory from secondary facilities nationwide. This regularly creates multi-package deliveries, erratic arrival dates, and localized stock-sync mismatches.