Kohlberg Sports Group, Inc., a private equity firm affiliated with Kohlberg & Company, LLC and also the owner of Bauer Hockey, has acquired Long Island City, NY-based lacrosse specialist Maverik Lacrosse. Maverik, which was founded in 2005 by professional lacrosse player John Gagliardi, develops and manufactures an assortment of lacrosse products and equipment, including heads, shafts, gloves and protective equipment.
Gagliardi, the CEO of Maverik, said the acquisition will be key in Maverick’s expansion within the lacrosse market. “Our new ownership group has already demonstrated a commitment and desire to grow our company and brand, while allowing us to do what we do best and that's developing products that are designed by lacrosse players for lacrosse players,” said Gagliardi.
A representative for Kohlberg said the acquisition was an investment that would allow the company to provide the necessary resources to effectively complement the Bauer brand and to help make Maverik the top brand in lacrosse.
Kohlberg and Co. purchased Ontario-based Bauer Hockey from Canadian businessman W. Graeme Rouston in 2008.
Maverik Lacrosse and Bauer Hockey will continue to operate independently while “sharing knowledge and expertise in key areas such as manufacturing, product development and distribution.”
Kevin Davis, president and CEO of Bauer Hockey, weighed in on the acquisition as well, calling the new partnership between Maverik and Bauer “a unique opportunity for Bauer Hockey and Maverik Lacrosse to work together and share ideas to build both brands.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
