Consumer Products Acquisitions in 2019

B&B Systems, Inc. has acquired The Quit Company, LLC from founder and CEO Matt Bucklin for an undisclosed sum. The deal adds The Quit Company's consumer health products (including Quit Tea) and related intellectual property, distribution channels and digital assets to B&B Systems' portfolio to expand its proprietary consumer health product line and leverage existing distribution synergies.

Carlson Private Capital Partners made a significant investment to take a long-term position in founder-owned Lakeshirts / Blue 84, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of customized apparel headquartered in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Yukon Partners provided mezzanine financing in support of the transaction to back Carlson's platform investment and the company's next phase of growth.

Better Choice Company, Inc. (BTTR) has completed its acquisition of Halo, Purely for Pets, adding the 30-year premium holistic pet food brand to its animal health and wellness portfolio. The Company also closed $28 million of senior secured financing as part of the transaction; total consideration for Halo was approximately $46.9 million (cash, junior notes and equity), and Halo’s CEO Werner von Pein and CSO Rob Sauermann will remain to run the business.

Beauty Industry Group (BIG), a Salt Lake City-based leader in professionally installed hair extensions and beauty products, has acquired Beauty Works, a UK luxury hair extension brand headquartered in Cheshire. The acquisition gives BIG a strong market position in the United Kingdom and Europe; financial terms were not disclosed and Beauty Works' leadership will remain in place.

Wind Point Partners portfolio company Targeted PetCare has acquired sWheat Scoop, a manufacturer of 100% wheat-based biodegradable cat litter, from Farmers Union Industries. The add-on expands TPC's alternative cat litter offering and broadens its branded product portfolio to accelerate growth across retail and distribution channels.

Made in Italy Fund, managed by Quadrivio Group and Pambianco, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake (reported ~60%) in Rougj, an Italian dermocosmetics company founded in Trieste. The investment aims to create a consolidated group of Italian excellence in the beauty sector and support Rougj’s growth in the pharmacy channel and international markets.

Goods iQ has acquired It's Academic, Inc., adding more than 130 products and multiple consumer brands to its office and academic products division. The deal expands Goods iQ's product portfolio and leverages its manufacturing, sales and distribution capabilities to strengthen presence in mass retail and back-to-school markets.

One World Fitness PFF, LLC, a Centre Partners‑backed Planet Fitness franchisee, has acquired BMC Mgmt Inc. and affiliates (collectively, San Diego Fitness), adding seven clubs and more than 60,000 members in San Diego County. The add‑on expands the One World Fitness platform to 25 clubs across three states and supports the company's strategy to build a national Planet Fitness franchisee; financial terms were not disclosed.

Cannabinoid Biosciences, Inc., a California-based biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Kid Castle, has acquired CannabidiolHemp (CannabidiolHemp.net), a CBD quality aggregator and validator. The purchase is the first of multiple planned acquisitions intended to build a vertically integrated CBD distribution and supply-chain business across the United States and Canada.

12 ReTech Corporation (OTC: RETC) acquired Social Decay, LLC dba Social Sunday via an equity exchange in which founder Samantha Sisca exchanged 100% of her equity for Series D-6 preferred shares. Social Sunday is a U.S.-made women's apparel brand (founded 2014) with wholesale distribution into ~500 retailers and growing e-commerce sales; 12 ReTech said it will consolidate the brand into its apparel operations and integrate sales channels and retail technology to drive revenue growth and cost savings. The acquisition will be reflected in 12 ReTech's consolidated financials beginning with its FY2019 Form 10-K.

Advent International has agreed to acquire Olaplex, the prestige hair‑care brand known for its patented bond‑building technology. Advent plans to accelerate Olaplex's growth through investment in product innovation and increased global brand awareness; financial terms were not disclosed.

Woodstream Corporation, a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, has acquired Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC, the maker of DynaTrap insect traps. The acquisition adds a leading insect-trap product line and expanded retail and TV distribution to Woodstream's pest-control and lawn & garden portfolio; terms were not disclosed.

Global private equity firm Regent has acquired luxury womenswear brand Escada from the Mittal Family. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Escada will be positioned to benefit from Regent’s operational expertise to modernize and grow the brand internationally.

STADA Arzneimittel AG has agreed to acquire Walmark a.s., a leading consumer healthcare company in Central Europe, from private equity firm MidEuropa Partners. The deal (consideration undisclosed) expands STADA's branded consumer health portfolio and strengthens its presence across Central and Eastern Europe; the transaction was expected to close in Q1 2020 subject to antitrust clearance.

Youngevity International, Inc. completed the acquisition of the assets of BeneYOU, LLC effective November 1, 2019. The deal brings BeneYOU’s brands — including Jamberry, Avisae and M.Global — and access to their distributor/customer database (reported as over 3 million) into Youngevity’s multi-channel lifestyle platform to enable cross‑marketing and expand its direct‑selling footprint.

Beauty Industry Group (BIG), a Salt Lake City–based hair extensions and beauty products company, has acquired Hairtalk GmbH, a leading hair extensions, wigs and toupee brand headquartered in Erlangen, Germany. The deal keeps Hairtalk’s headquarters and leadership in Erlangen and is intended to unify the Hairtalk brand across Europe and North America to support BIG’s expansion into Europe.

Tender Corporation, a Victor Capital Partners-backed outdoor consumer products platform, has acquired RapidPure, a maker of portable water purification systems using UltraCeram technology. The deal adds virus- and bacteria-removing purification products to Tender’s portfolio and expands RapidPure’s distribution into Tender’s outdoor specialty, mass market, and online channels.

Exactus, Inc. has acquired LeVor Collection, a South Florida-based luxury cosmetics brand focused on CBD-infused skincare and beauty products. The acquisition expands Exactus's brand portfolio and provides a direct distribution channel into the cosmetics/personal-care market through an all-virtual, e-commerce-ready brand produced in cGMP facilities.

Canavation Product Group, a newly formed Delaware company led by Bill Barlow, has acquired the consumer products division of Teewinot Life Sciences. The deal includes a Teewinot-issued patent covering conversion of hemp-derived CBD into rare cannabinoids (including Δ8THC and Δ9THC) and a strategic supply agreement giving Canavation access to select rare cannabinoids produced via Teewinot's CannSynthesis platform; terms were not disclosed.

Topspin Partners has acquired Japonesque, a developer and marketer of beauty implements and makeup brushes, from San Francisco Equity Partners. Graycliff Partners provided a unitranche loan and equity co-investment to support the transaction and PNC Bank provided a revolving credit facility; Japonesque's existing management will remain in place.

Chicago-based private equity firm Wind Point Partners has acquired a controlling interest in U.S. Nonwovens, Inc., a Brentwood, New York-based manufacturer of personal care, OTC, cosmetic, laundry and household cleaning products. The Mehdizadeh family (company co-founders) retain significant equity and will remain involved while Wind Point will back organic growth and pursue add-on acquisitions to expand USN's product and manufacturing capabilities.

Bollé Brands, a portfolio company of A&M Capital Europe, has acquired SPY Inc, a California-based designer and supplier of premium performance eyewear and helmets. The transaction is an add-on to Bollé Brands intended to bolster its scale in North America, accelerate product development and distribution for SPY, and support international expansion of the SPY brand.

An entity affiliated with Centre Lane Partners completed the acquisition of certain assets of Hollander Sleep Products, LLC out of Chapter 11 and recapitalized the business. Hollander, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a leading North American designer and manufacturer of pillows, comforters, mattress pads and other bedding products and will operate as a revitalized platform under Centre Lane's ownership.

Neutra Corp. (OTCQB: NTRR) has completed the acquisition of VIVIS Corp., an emerging retail brand of hemp-based CBD health and nutritional products co-founded by Neutra CEO Sydney Jim. The deal adds a third‑party‑certified CBD product line and retail brand capability to Neutra as it expands into the U.S. retail CBD market.

Oakley Capital has completed an investment in Alessi S.p.A, the Italian high-end homeware design business long owned by the Alessi founding family. Oakley will partner with the family to strengthen and expand the brand globally by optimising product mix, pricing, distribution and enhancing marketing and digital capabilities.

An affiliate of CenterGate Capital has made a growth investment in Ouray Sportswear, and Ouray announced a strategic partnership with TSC Apparel to combine TSC’s national distribution network with Ouray’s premium branded apparel and headwear. The partnership and capital injection are intended to expand Ouray’s market presence across resort, collegiate, golf and specialty retail channels in the United States.

BR Brands, a cannabis CPG platform, completed the acquisition of the remaining capitalization and control of Mary's Brands (maker of Mary's Medicinals) concurrent with the first close of BR Brands' Series A, which was backed by strategic capital partner Rose Capital. The deal expands BR Brands' portfolio and manufacturing capabilities as part of a buy-and-build strategy to scale premium cannabis CPG brands across multiple U.S. markets.

Gryphon Investors has signed a definitive agreement to make a significant investment in Mechanix Wear, the Valencia, California–based designer and manufacturer of high-performance work gloves. The transaction (terms not disclosed) is intended to help Gryphon build a PPE platform, accelerate Mechanix Wear's organic growth, drive product innovation, expand channels and geographies, and pursue add-on acquisitions; CEO Michael Hale will retain an ownership stake.

Castle Harlan, Inc. and Branford Castle Partners have acquired Sunless, Inc., the global maker of spray tanning booths, solutions and handheld equipment (brands include MysticTan, VersaSpa and Norvell). The sellers included funds controlled by The Riverside Company and certain current and former management; the deal closed August 13, 2019 and terms were not disclosed. Sunless is headquartered in Macedonia, Ohio and is the industry leader in spray tanning booths and solutions installed across salons, fitness clubs and retail channels.

Steve Madden completed the acquisition of privately held Greats Brand, Inc. (GREATS), a Brooklyn-based digitally native footwear brand known for premium Italian-made sneakers. Steve Madden said the deal will combine GREATS’ brand and DTC capabilities with Steve Madden’s infrastructure and global reach to accelerate growth.

Entities affiliated with BlackRock’s Long Term Private Capital (LTPC) strategy made a strategic investment in Authentic Brands Group (ABG), becoming the largest investor and partnering with ABG’s management team. The investment is intended to support ABG’s next phase of global growth, platform evolution and capability expansion.

Regent, a Beverly Hills-based private equity firm, acquired the U.S. assets of Accell North America — including the Diamondback, Redline and IZIP brands and the U.S. distribution business for Raleigh, Haibike and Ghost. The combined U.S. portfolio will be based in Kent, Washington and operate as Alta Cycling Group, giving Regent an established distribution and direct-to-consumer platform in the cycling sector.

Champlain Financial Corporation led an investor group to acquire La Canadienne, a Montreal-based designer, manufacturer and retailer of women's winter footwear. Champlain plans to leverage La Canadienne's Canadian-made heritage and retail, wholesale and e-commerce channels to expand the brand into new markets and drive growth under new leadership.

Ceva Santé Animale, a France-based animal health company, has acquired ThunderWorks (Thundershirt), a Durham, North Carolina maker of pet calming products, from private equity owner Encore Consumer Capital. Encore partnered with ThunderWorks for seven years to grow the brand and e‑commerce presence; Ceva said the brand is well positioned for continued growth as part of its companion‑animal portfolio.

An affiliate of Sun European Partners has completed the sale of Fábricas Agrupadas de Muñecas de Onil, S.A. (Famosa) to Giochi Preziosi S.p.A. Famosa, headquartered in Alicante, Spain, is a leading toy designer, manufacturer and distributor with strong brand recognition in Iberia and Mexico; the company was owned by Sun (via an affiliate) since 2010.

Deflecto Holdings, LLC, a portfolio company of Edgewater Growth Capital Partners IV, L.P., has acquired Evriholder Products, LLC. The acquisition adds a leading housewares and organizational-products supplier to Deflecto’s portfolio, expanding its product assortment and retail distribution capabilities.

Funds advised by Gilde Buy Out Partners have signed an agreement to become a significant shareholder in the Eichholtz Group alongside founder Theo Eichholtz and management. The investment will support Eichholtz’s international expansion and accelerate growth, particularly focused on the US and Asian markets; terms were not disclosed.

Funds advised by Gilde Buy Out Partners have acquired Xindao (Xindao Holding B.V. and Xindao International GmbH) from Perusa Partners Fund 2, L.P., with Xindao management reinvesting significantly in the new ownership. Gilde will support the company's international growth and product/ service expansion; terms were not disclosed.

Balance Point Capital and its affiliated funds invested in LYV Life, Inc. (d/b/a Cora) to provide growth capital supporting the company's expansion. Cora is a San Francisco–based women's wellness consumer brand selling natural and organic period, bladder leak and body care products through e-commerce and a national retail footprint.

Yellow Wood Partners agreed to buy the Dr. Scholl's business from Bayer for $585 million and completed the transaction in November 2019. The PE firm created Scholl's Wellness Company as a standalone platform to steward the iconic foot-care brand (Dr. Scholl's generated $234 million in sales in 2018) and will take on ~30 dedicated U.S. and Canadian brand personnel.

Young Living Essential Oils has acquired Nature's Ultra, a Colorado-based hemp farming and CBD product company with more than 1,500 acres of organic hemp. Nature's Ultra will continue to operate independently while supplying CBD isolate-infused products that will be combined with Young Living's Seed to Seal-certified essential oils and sold to Young Living customers.

HGGC sold a minority stake in Nutraceutical International Corporation to Snapdragon Capital Partners and The Maze Group, with a DWS-led investor group providing support. The investment is intended to accelerate Nutraceutical’s digital transformation and omnichannel growth while HGGC remains a significant partner; terms were not disclosed.

Tender Corporation (doing business as Adventure Ready Brands), a PE-backed owner of outdoor consumer brands, acquired Bushwacker Backpack & Supply, the maker of the Counter Assault personal-defense product line. The acquisition expands Tender/Adventure Ready Brands' outdoor and personal-protection portfolio and will keep Counter Assault's manufacturing operations in Kalispell, Montana.

Transom Capital Group acquired Conair Corporation's professional liquids division and renamed the business Beauty Quest Group. The company is a manufacturer and marketer of branded and private-label hair care, color and styling products and provides contract manufacturing services; Transom plans to operate it as a standalone platform to drive operational improvements and growth.

JM Family Enterprises has acquired a majority stake in Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) from Trilantic North America; terms were not disclosed. HFC is a leading home-improvement franchising system (brands include Budget Blinds, Tailored Living, Concrete Craft and AdvantaClean) with nearly 1,700 franchise territories across the U.S., Canada and Mexico; Harris Williams advised HFC and Kirkland & Ellis provided legal advice.

Nordic private equity firm Axcel has agreed to acquire SteelSeries, the Copenhagen-founded gaming peripherals and software company, from L Catterton. Founder Jacob Wolff-Petersen and management will reinvest alongside Axcel as the company enters its next stage of growth; terms were not disclosed.

Laboratoire HRA Pharma SAS has completed the acquisition of the global rights to the Mederma brand (including Mederma, Mederma AG, Eldertonic and Nu‑Iron products) from Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH; terms were not disclosed. The deal gives HRA Pharma a strong consumer healthcare platform in the United States and supports its strategy to grow its US footprint through organic launches and further targeted acquisitions; Merz said the divestiture sharpens its focus on aesthetics and neurotoxins.

Pestell Group, a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners, has acquired VersaPet Inc., a Toronto-based manufacturer of private label and branded cat litter. The add-on expands Pestell Pet Products' cat litter manufacturing capacity and broadens its product portfolio and geographic presence in the pet products market.

The Oberalp Group, a family-owned Italian outdoor brands company, has acquired Evolv, the U.S.-based climbing shoe brand, from BRS Outdoor Holdings (an investment platform of BRS & Co.). Oberalp will keep Evolv headquartered in Los Angeles and plans to invest to grow the brand in the US and Canada while leveraging Oberalp’s international distribution to expand Evolv in Europe and Asia.

Bragg Live Food Products, the historic apple cider vinegar and health-focused foods brand headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, has been acquired by an investor group led by private equity firm Swander Pace Capital alongside Dragoneer Investment Group and co-investors Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, and Hayden Slater. The investors plan to partner with Bragg's leadership to expand distribution and bring the brand to more consumers across retail and e-commerce channels.