JCPenney and SPARC Group Combine to Form Catalyst Brands

Authentic Brands Group & SPARC Group Acquire Eddie Bauer

May 7, 2021

Retail

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and SPARC Group have agreed to purchase Eddie Bauer from PSEB Group, an operating company owned by Golden Gate Capital. ABG will own Eddie Bauer's intellectual property while the brand's core operating business will be integrated into SPARC's portfolio; Eddie Bauer will remain headquartered in the Seattle area under current President Damien Huang. The deal (expected to close by June 1, 2021) is intended to expand the brand's global reach and accelerate omnichannel and e‑commerce growth; no financial terms were disclosed.

Sycamore Partners Affiliate Acquires Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey and Lane Bryant from Ascena Retail Group

December 23, 2020

Retail

Sycamore Partners, through affiliate Premium Apparel LLC, completed the purchase of the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey and Lane Bryant brands from ascena retail group as part of Ascena’s Chapter 11 restructuring. Premium Apparel committed to retaining a substantial portion of the brands’ retail stores, associates and corporate operations as Sycamore expands its retail portfolio.

Bridgeside Capital Acquires Catalyst MXE with NewSpring Mezzanine Support; Catalyst Buys SPOON Events and Nomadic Agency

February 13, 2025

Marketing & Advertising

Bridgeside Capital acquired a control equity position in marketing and events agency Catalyst MXE, while NewSpring Mezzanine provided subordinated debt and equity to support the transaction. Proceeds were used to fund Catalyst’s simultaneous add-on acquisitions of SPOON Events and Nomadic Agency as part of a buy‑and‑build strategy to broaden creative, events, and experiential capabilities.

Aurora Capital Partners and TJC Recapitalize PSC Group

April 4, 2024

Logistics & Distribution

Aurora Capital Partners completed a recapitalization of PSC Group with TJC, LP; Aurora has reinvested alongside TJC. PSC Group, an embedded logistics provider serving the petrochemical industry with rail, truck and marine logistics plus railcar repair and storage, operates across North America with more than 4,500 employees at 150+ sites.

North Castle Partners Makes Strategic Investment in Sparx Hockey

June 9, 2020

Consumer Products

North Castle Partners, a consumer-focused private equity firm, announced a strategic investment in Sparx Hockey to support the fast-growing maker of the Sparx Skate Sharpener. The partnership will provide capital and operational support to accelerate Sparx's distribution, awareness and international expansion.

Catalyst Power Makes Minority Investment in JCD Solar Consulting, LLC

March 20, 2023

Renewable Energy

Catalyst Power Holdings LLC has made a minority equity investment in JCD Solar Consulting, LLC and will serve as the exclusive offtake provider for JCD's future community solar projects. The partnership combines JCD's development pipeline with Catalyst's community-solar subscriber aggregation and servicing capabilities to increase project subscription rates and broaden access to solar savings for small and mid-sized businesses.