SOG Specialty Knives & Tools (SOG) was sold Aug. 8 to an investor group, according to D.A. Davidson, which represented the sellers. Gladstone Investment Corporation, The Mustang Group, Montlake Capital, Spencer Frazer (Founder) and Fred Keller (CEO) provided the capital, consisting of debt and equity, to support the acquisition of the business from MCC Capital Partners, LLC. Financial terms were not disclosed.


SOG takes its name from the Studies and Observations Group, which is the forefather of the U.S. military’s Special Operations Forces. SOG is a leading designer, developer, and packager of branded specialty knives and tools for the hunting & outdoors, military & law enforcement, and industrial markets. It was founded in 1986 and is based in Lynnwood, WA.


As SOG’s exclusive investment banking advisor, D.A. Davidson’s Outdoor Investment Banking team led by Nathan Pund, formerly of Silver Steep Partners, identified potential buyers, marketed SOG, structured the deal, and advised the company through negotiations.

D.A. Davidson & Co.


Founded in 1935, D.A. Davidson & Co. holds $23 billion in client assets under management and serves clients nationwide from offices in 16 states. D.A. Davidson’s Investment Banking Group provides full-service underwriting and advisory services for mid-size and growing companies, including public offerings, mergers and acquisitions and private placements. For information, visit www.davidsoncompanies.com/ecm.
D.A. Davidson is part of Davidson Companies, a Northwest-based financial services holding company with $29 billion in client assets under management.

About MCC Capital Partners, LLC
MCC Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing capital in growing micro and middle market branded consumer products companies. MCC Capital's investment philosophy is based on providing value beyond the capital. MCC seeks to drive performance by combining its operation expertise with strong management teams who have meaningful economic stakes in the success of their businesses. For more information, please visit www.mcc-cap.com. 

About Gladstone Investment Corporation
Gladstone Investment Corporation is a publicly-traded business development company that seeks to make debt and equity investments in small and mid-sized businesses in the United States in connection with acquisitions, changes in control and recapitalizations. The Company pays monthly dividends to its stockholders.