Tully & Holland Advises Aqua-Leisure Industries on its Sale to Blackford Capital
Boston, MA - Tully & Holland, Inc. is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Aqua-Leisure Industries on its sale to Blackford Capital, a leading Michigan-based private equity investment firm. Aqua-Leisure is a leader in North American pool and holiday inflatables, swim and dive toys and equipment, child and adult swimming accessories and outdoor recreational and lifestyle products. The Company has a leading market position in specialty lounges, swim and dive products and is recognized as the market leader in children’s “learn to swim” programs.
Aqua-Leisure, which is headquartered outside of Boston, was founded in 1970 by Simon Fireman. Committed to recreation, sport and leisure, the Company has earned its reputation as a global leader in outdoor lifestyle products. Initially focused on goggles and other swimming-related equipment, Aqua-Leisure expanded its range of product offerings to include a broad array of toys, games, inflatables, pool fitness and accessories, early childhood safety equipment and sun protection garments. Steven Berenson, Aqua Leisure CEO for more than 25 years, welcomes the involvement of Blackford. "We are excited about our partnership with Blackford Capital as it will create accelerated growth opportunities through expansion of our current relationships and product lines as well as evolving new products and sales channels."
About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford Capital makes majority control investments in founder and family-owned, lower middle-market manufacturing, industrials, and distribution. Currently, Blackford Capital has eleven portfolio companies. Blackford and their team members have received a number of recognitions over the past several years, including M&A Adviser Private Equity Firm of the year, Corp. Magazine Small Company of the Year (Michigan), GR Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year (West Michigan), numerous recognitions on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing private companies list and M&A Adviser Private Equity Professional of the Year (Martin Stein). For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.
About Tully & Holland
Tully & Holland www.tullyandholland.com is a leading Boston, MA-based investment bank established in 1992. The firm provides corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions advisory services to middle market consumer product companies worldwide. Tully & Holland has particular expertise representing food & beverage companies, multi-channel marketers, retailers, and consumer product manufacturers and distributors.
