Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC, a middle-market private equity firm, today announced that its affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement with Investcorp to acquire Polyconcept. Equity for the transaction will be provided by Charlesbank, management and certain other investors. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Polyconcept is the leading value-added supplier in the $30 billion promotional products industry. Sourcing products from hundreds of manufacturers, the company then customizes them on behalf of its 35,000 reseller customers and ships the products to end-consumers (typically businesses) located in the US, Europe and across the world. Polyconcept offers one of the industry’s broadest assortments, with over 25,000 SKUs across hard goods and premium apparel, providing customers with an integrated set of services including product design, global sourcing, digital services, sales tools, order management, customization and next-day shipping.
Josh Klevens, Managing Director at Charlesbank, said that his firm was attracted to the company’s strategic position and its diversification across customers, suppliers, price points and geographies. “Polyconcept is a market leader in both the US and Europe, with superior customer service and global capabilities,” he said. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the management team to expand the business globally, building on their track record of success and tapping into new opportunities for growth.”
“We have had a successful chapter with Investcorp and are thankful for its partnership over the years,” said Gene Colleran, Chief Executive Officer for Polyconcept. “We are excited to forge a new partnership with Charlesbank, which has a long history of joining forces with management teams to grow their businesses. With Charlesbank’s financial support, strategic guidance and significant network of contacts, we look forward to working together to create substantial value for the future.”
Maud Brown, Managing Director of Corporate Investment North America at Investcorp, said, “When we acquired Polyconcept, we recognized the company’s potential to become a leading international brand with a global presence. We worked closely with senior management to transform the business into the global leader that it is today, supporting a series of strategic acquisitions and realizing success through expanding into new markets, launching new product categories, building out a key digital presence and implementing significant operational enhancements. We believe that Polyconcept is very well-placed for the future and we wish management and Charlesbank the best of luck in this new phase of growth.”
Subject to the satisfaction of regulatory requirements and other customary closing conditions, the transaction is anticipated to close later in the third quarter of 2016.
William Blair & Company, LLC and Barclays served as financial advisors to Investcorp and fellow investor 3i, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to the company.
For Charlesbank, Jefferies Group LLC served as financial advisor, with Goodwin Procter LLP acting as legal advisor and PricewaterhouseCoopers advising on accounting and tax issues.
Goldman Sachs Bank USA, RBC Capital Markets and Natixis, New York Branch, have committed to provide the first lien debt financing for the transaction, and GSO Capital Partners LP has committed to provide the second lien debt financing.
About Polyconcept
Polyconcept is the world’s largest supplier of corporate and promotional merchandise, operating on five continents and selling to over 100 countries around the globe. With main offices in the US, Europe, Hong Kong, Canada and China, the company supplies a wide range of promotional, lifestyle and gift products to several hundred thousand companies ranging from small enterprises to global corporations, through a network of advertising specialty distributors.
Further information is available at www.polyconcept.com.
About Charlesbank Capital Partners
Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity investment firm managing more than $3.5 billion of capital. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings. The firm seeks to partner with strong management teams to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. For more information, visit www.charlesbank.com.
About Investcorp
Investcorp is a leading provider and manager of alternative investment products and is publicly traded on the Bahrain Bourse (INVCORP). The Investcorp Group has offices in New York, Bahrain, London, Saudi Arabia, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Investcorp has three business areas: corporate investment in the US, Europe and the Gulf, real estate investment in the US and global hedge funds. As at December 31, 2015, the Investcorp Group had $10.7 billion under management. Further information is available at www.investcorp.com.