Fireman Capital Partners, an investment group led by former Reebok CEO Paul Fireman, said it has made an investment in Pilla Inc., a company formerly known as HD Spex that specializes in enhanced vision products for athletes such as marksmen and shooters.
A press release from Fireman Capital did not disclose the size of the investment.
Fireman Capital Partners is a Bostonbased private equity investor. Its team was assembled by Paul Fireman, former chairman and chief executive of Reebok International.
Founded in 1999 by Carlo Pilla and now run by his son, Philip, the company (formerly HD Spex) is known for its cutting‐edge product that provides enhanced vision for the competitive athlete. It is currently the authority in performance eyewear in shooting sports; 16 time World Champion George Digweed is in good company amongst his peers in calling the product an “unfair advantage.”
In fact, it is currently worn by the majority of top shooters worldwide.FCP Managing Partner Dan Fireman said, “We have been deeply impressed by the authority Pilla has developed in its sport of focus. Its best‐in‐class technology, coupled with the uthenticity and deep sporting ties of the founding family, make the Company a perfect fit within the FCP umbrella.
We look forward to helping them fulfill their potential as a high performance and lifestyle brand around the world.”
According to CEO Philip Pilla, “We are proud to be able to claim that 28 of the top 30 shooters wear our product, and now see this partnership with Fireman who I view as the most exciting up-and-comer in the consumer world today as credit for our hard work. Fireman offers the perfect platform for an entrepreneur like myself who lives and breathes his product. We share a vision for what this brand can be, and I am extremely excited for what the future holds.”
FCP has tapped Strategic Advisor François Henry Bennahmias, President and CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, as Pilla’s Chairman. An athlete and former professional golfer, he holds a keen instinct for the challenge, adventure and bold drive for excellence that mark a true champion and the highest level of perfection in any craft. During his leadership, Audemars Piguet North America has grown from $6 million to over $100 million, while many of the initiatives he has led (such as the partnerships and relationships with world renowned luminaries, athletes and entertainers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Clinton, Jay-Z, Vijay Singh, Shaquille O’Neal,Quincy Jones, and many others) have been key catalysts for driving the success of the global brand.
François said of Pilla, “With the superior technology of tomorrow on today’s athlete, Pilla provides a must‐have for those who desire the very best.”
In addition, FCP will deploy other firm resources such as Operating Partner Stacy Madison and Strategic Advisor Lauren DuPont. Stacy, Founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips, will join the Board and be actively involved in the growth path of the Company. Her entrepreneurial expertise, building brand loyalty through grassroots efforts, should prove invaluable.
