Tender Corp, which sells a variety of first aid, safety and survival products for the outdoor industry under multiple brands, announced the completion of a management-led transaction to recapitalize the business and to help the growing company accelerate its growth in both the outdoor and consumer packaged goods marketplaces.
The new investor group is led by Victor Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in middle-market businesses with powerful brands, and the company’s CEO Jason Cartwright, who will retain a significant investment in the business.
Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1973 in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Tender Corporation has built a range of trusted brands in safety, preparedness and first-aid. Tender’s product portfolio includes After Bite, the leader in insect bite relief, highly-rated insect repellents Ben’s and Natrapel, and outdoor first aid and survival product leaders Adventure Medical Kits and Survive Outdoors Longer. Tender Corporation will maintain its operational headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Littleton, New Hampshire, as well as its marketing and sales office in Alameda, CA.
“Partnering with Victor Capital will ensure continued and accelerated growth and innovation for Tender Corporation’s strong portfolio of brands and allow us to better serve our global retail and on-line partners and our loyal consumers,” said Cartwright. “The relationship will also allow the company to continue its successful strategy of selectively introducing and acquiring new innovative products and brands that can benefit from our global distribution relationships.”
“We are excited to be partnering with Jason and the Tender Corporation team in the next chapter of the company’s growth,” said Victor Capital Managing Partner Doug Korn. “We look forward to helping the company expand its reach into new markets, enhance its core product offerings, and continue the strong growth trajectory it has enjoyed in recent years.”
The primary selling shareholder was Prospect Partners, LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm. Tender’s shareholders were represented by Piper Jaffray & Co. Financing for the transaction was provided by Deerpath Capital Management, LP.
Gary Kiedaisch, an experienced outdoor products and consumer packaged goods executive with a long history of helping companies grow and prosper, is also investing in Tender and joining the company’s Board of Directors as Chairman. Kiedaisch recently served as chairman and CEO of Igloo Products Corporation, and as CEO of the Coleman Company.
“Tender Corporation has an impressive portfolio of products that can be used in almost every household around the world,” said Kiedaisch. “This iconic company has a long history of marketing the highest quality products, helping people enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and comfortable.”
