Kohlberg Sports Group Inc., the owner of Bauer Hockey, has acquired Maverik Lacrosse, the manufacturer of lacrosse equipment, apparel and accessories. John Gagliardi will remain CEO of Maverik Lacrosse.
Terms were not disclosed.
“Maverik Lacrosse has already become one of the top names in the sport
and its products have become synonymous with quality and performance,”
said Sam Frieder, co-Managing Partner, Kohlberg & Company, an affiliate of Kohlberg Sports Group. “We are
excited to invest in Maverik Lacrosse and provide the necessary
resources and support to make it the top brand in lacrosse – just as
Bauer is the top brand in hockey. Kohlberg Sports Group will allow these
two great companies to work together in a way that is beneficial to the
growth of both brands.”
Founded in 2005 by professional lacrosse player and All-World Defenseman Gagliardi, Maverik Lacrosse develops and manufactures a wide assortment of lacrosse products including a full line of heads, shafts, gloves and protective equipment. Highlighted by the elite-level Juice head, Wonderboy shaft and Maybach line of protective, Maverik is used by some of the game's top players including Paul Rabil, John Christmas and Dan Hardy.
“Our goal when we started Maverik Lacrosse was to utilize our character, drive and distinction as lacrosse players to develop the best products available in the market,” said Gagliardi. “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.”
Bauer Hockey, which was purchased by Kohlberg & Company and Canadian businessman W. Graeme Roustan in 2008, has experienced unprecedented growth and increased market share under the ownership group. In the past two years, Bauer Hockey has developed some of its most revolutionary products in its 83-year history, including the widely successful Bauer Vapor X:60 stick and the Bauer Supreme TotalONE skate.
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.
“Our ownership group has been fully committed to Bauer Hockey and has provided us with the resources we need to win,” said Kevin Davis, CEO and President, Bauer Hockey. “Kohlberg Sports Group strengthens that commitment by providing a unique opportunity for Bauer Hockey and Maverik Lacrosse to work together and share ideas to build both brands. We at Bauer Hockey look forward to doing what we can to assist John and the entire team at Maverik Lacrosse.”
Maverik Lacrosse headquarters will remain in Long Island City New York.
Kohlberg Sports Group, Inc. is an affiliate of Kohlberg & Company, a leading private equity firm headquartered in Mt. Kisco, NY. Since its inception in 1987, Kohlberg & Company has completed more than 50 platform investments and more than 80 add-on acquisitions, with aggregate transaction value in excess of $8 billion. Kohlberg has invested over $2.6 billion across six private equity funds to date, including through its current $1.5 billion sixth fund, Kohlberg Investors VI.
