Acquisitions in Connecticut in 2016

Access Control Related Enterprises (ACRE), a portfolio company of LLR Partners, has acquired Communication Networks, LLC (ComNet), a Danbury, Connecticut-based manufacturer and distributor of fiber optic, copper and wireless video and data transmission equipment for security, transportation, utility and industrial markets. The acquisition is an add-on to the ACRE family intended to expand its communication technology offerings and create product synergies across access control, intrusion, video and cloud-based solutions; terms were not disclosed.

CID Capital, a private equity firm based in Indianapolis, has acquired BigMouth Inc., a Glastonbury, Connecticut–based novelty consumer products company. The deal transfers ownership from BigMouth's shareholders (led by founder Steve Wampold) to CID Capital, which plans to scale the brand through its portfolio resources.

Lincolnshire Management purchased Phoenix Brands LLC, a Stamford, Connecticut-based maker of laundry detergents (brands including Ajax, Dynamo and Fab), from Trilantic Capital Partners for about $145 million in late 2010. The deal included Phoenix’s brands, manufacturing and logistics assets; Phoenix had roughly $130 million in revenue and product distribution in about 40 countries at the time.

Leggett & Platt Incorporated has acquired Pegasus Manufacturing, Inc., a Middletown, Connecticut-based aerospace manufacturer that produces fabricated tubes, pipe assemblies, precision-machined parts and gears for commercial and military aircraft engines and land-based turbines. Terms were not disclosed; Carter Morse & Mathias served as financial advisor to Leggett & Platt. The acquisition expands Leggett & Platt's Aerospace Products Group capabilities and strengthens its product and market presence in aerospace components.

Excelligence Learning Corporation, backed by Brentwood Associates, has acquired Really Good Stuff, a multi-channel marketer of K-8 classroom products headquartered in Connecticut. The deal expands Excelligence's product portfolio from pre-K into the broader K-8 market and is expected to generate revenue synergies by leveraging Excelligence's distribution, fulfillment and sales capabilities.