RICHMOND, VA – September 6, 2011 – Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. announced today the sale of ShelterLogic, LLC and its subsidiaries to a private equity investor group led by RFE Investment Partners and Charter Oak Equity, LP in conjunction with management. Financing for the transaction was provided solely by Connecticut sources, with Smith Whiley & Co. providing the subordinated debt and an equity co-investment and TD Bank, NA providing the senior debt. The Company was previously owned primarily by institutional investors Albion Investors, LLC and Montauk Capital.
ShelterLogic is a global manufacturer and marketer of fabric-covered steel frame shelters and canopies for diverse consumer and commercial applications. Headquartered in Watertown, CT, the Company boasts of a national brand, a highly regarded retail and consumer customer base, company-owned manufacturing facilities in China, as well as a domestically operated distribution facility also located in Watertown, CT. The Company is known for its engineering innovation and for helping to create the in-store, retail category of shelters and canopies.
Mike Morrison, Managing Director and Principal at Matrix, noted that “This transaction not only provides an excellent return to exiting shareholders, but positions the Company with fresh, new investors who are eager to provide support of the Company’s aggressive growth strategy which also includes a significant expansion of the Company’s production capacity outside of Shanghai, China. I also need to acknowledge the time invested by the new owners who have worked diligently to develop strong personal relationships with management and a deep understanding of the business model. ShelterLogic is a quality company that continues to post record revenues despite the headwinds of a difficult economy. Everyone who has played a role in this transaction is delighted to be consummating it in such a successful manner.”
“Given the complexities surrounding this transaction and the different shareholder groups involved, I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome achieved,” commented Jim Raymond, President and CEO of ShelterLogic. “The Matrix deal team did an outstanding job positioning the Company to maximize value and navigating around potential deal hurdles throughout the process. Mike Morrison and his team delivered the best partner for management and the Company as it continues into its next phase of growth.”
“RFE and Charter Oak are very excited to partner with Jim Raymond, CEO, Rob Silinski, Executive Vice President, and the ShelterLogic team. The Company has built a tremendous loyalty among prominent retail establishments that benefit from the Company’s unmatched product quality and unsurpassed customer service,” commented Michael Foster, Managing Director at RFE. “We look forward to supporting the Company and management team with current and future initiatives that will expand the Company’s product offering both domestically and abroad,” added Mark Ullman, General Partner at Charter Oak Equity.
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc./Matrix Private Equities, LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to the Company and its ownership. The transaction was led by Michael Morrison, Bill Kerkam, and David Shoulders.
About Matrix Capital Markets Group
Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA. Since 1988, Matrix has provided merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned and publicly traded companies. Our primary advisory services include company sales, asset divestitures, recapitalizations, management buyouts, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate recovery, fairness opinions and valuations. Matrix has served clients in a wide range of industries, including industrial manufacturing and distribution, building products, business services, consumer products, healthcare, lumber and petroleum marketing & distribution. For additional information, please visit www.matrixcmg.com.
Securities offered by Matrix Private Equities, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC.