Shock Doctor Inc., known for their mouthguards, has been acquired by Bregal Partners, a middle market New York-based private equity firm. Bregal's investment is in partnership with Shock Doctor Sports' management; financial terms were not disclosed.
Shock Doctor Sports owns two brands: Shock Doctor, the number one mouthguard company in the world for over 15 years and creators of sports protection gear for hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, martial arts, boxing, and lacrosse, amongst other sports; and Cutters Gloves, an industry leading line of performance gloves and accessories for football and baseball made with exclusive C-TACK Performance Grip Material.
The new partnership with Bregal creates a platform from which Shock Doctor Sports can fuel growth and increase its role as a significant player in the global performance and protective sports equipment market. With a loyal fan base and meticulous focus on quality and innovation, Shock Doctor Sports has been one of the fastest growing sporting goods companies in the world. The Company's athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology changed the way athletes view protective gear.
“Shock Doctor's groundbreaking, well-designed products have made protection not something athletes have to wear but want to wear,” commented Shock Doctor Sports Chief Executive Officer, Tony Armand. “We have had an amazing investment partnership over the last six years with Norwest Equity Partners, and now as we look forward to our next phase of growth, our entire Shock Doctor team is thrilled to partner with Bregal Partners. Bregal brings a unique blend of consumer and healthcare investment experience that will undoubtedly help us achieve our growth objectives and continued success.”
Bregal Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Robert Bergmann, noted, “We see a great opportunity for Shock Doctor to continue to revolutionize the $9 billion global market for performance and protective equipment with new, innovative, and distinctive products. Beyond entering new categories, the Company should also benefit from overall market growth and an ability to acquire other industry participants.” This acquisition also helps to expand Bregal's consumer healthcare portfolio.
Bergmann added that the transaction gives Bregal a chance to work together for a second time with Armand.”We are also delighted to have the opportunity to again partner with Tony as we've had a 15-year relationship. The talent and track record of both Tony and the Shock Doctor management team is a key reason we are so excited about the transaction.”
Tim Kuehl, a partner at Norwest Equity Partners, stated, “We had a very successful investment partnership with Tony and the entire Shock Doctor team. Together we worked hard to increase our position as a market leader in the performance and protective equipment category, created and acquired new products lines which helped to nearly triple overall revenue. Shock Doctor Sports is well-positioned for continued growth and success under Tony Armand's leadership and with their new investment partner.”
William Blair & Company and Lindquist & Vennum represented Norwest Equity Partners, and Dechert LLP represented Bregal Partners in this transaction.
