MacNeill Pride Group, a diversified global designer and manufacturer of outdoor products and sporting goods, has acquired GCI Outdoor ("GCI"), a leading designer of portable, built-to-last outdoor recreation equipment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. MPG is a portfolio company of Centre Partners.

Founded in 1996, GCI offers high quality outdoor recreation equipment, including portable camping chairs, camp kitchens, waterside chairs and recliners and other outdoor gear. Its iconic line of folding rocking chairs, such as the Freestyle RockerTM and RoadTrip RockerTM, are widely sought after by consumers for their comfort, quality and durability, leading GCI Outdoor® to become the #1 brand in the category.  GCI holds many exclusive U.S. patents for its innovative design elements and will continue to operate out of its facility in Higganum, CT.

GCI represents another category-leading brand added to a growing MPG portfolio that includes the recently-acquired ORCA, a leading supplier of premium coolers, drinkware and other outdoor accessories; PrideSports, the world's leading supplier of golf and sports accessories and training tools under the PrideSports® brand; Pride Manufacturing Company LLC, which manufacturers engineered wood products such as golf tees; and MacNeill Engineering, a leading designer of cleats, studs and other footwear components under the CHAMP® and Softspikes® brands.

"The addition of GCI's products makes MPG an immediate force in the outdoor recreation market," said Daniel Brinkenhoff, Managing Director at Centre Partners.  "Combined with our recent acquisition of ORCA, MPG will now offer two powerful, complementary brands with deep customer loyalty across important demographic groups. GCI has a clear track record of customer-focused innovation and product development that will play a significant role in MPG's go-forward strategy.  MPG is now perfectly positioned to continue to build on this substantial base and take advantage of growth in its end markets."

Dan Grace and Jeff Polke, co-Founders and co-Presidents of GCI, stated, "This transaction is a testament to our unrelenting focus on innovation and product design that has clearly resonated with the outdoor recreation community over the past 25 years. When combined with ORCA and MPG's other outstanding brands, the future of GCI has never been brighter. We could not be more pleased that GCI is joining the MPG family and we look forward to seeing GCI continue to flourish."

Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to GCI and Twin Brook Capital Partners led the debt financing for the transaction.

About MacNeill Pride Group

Headquartered in Nashville, TN with offices across America, Europe and Asia. MacNeill Pride Group, a portfolio company of middle-market private equity firm Centre Partners, is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of products that help people enjoy the outdoors.  MPG's well-recognized brands include ORCATM, GCI OutdoorTM, PrideSports®, Freestyle RockerTM, RoadTrip RockerTM, CHAMP®, Pride Golf Tee® and Professional Tee System®, amongst others. More information can be found at www.macneill-pride.com.

About GCI Outdoor

Founded in 1996, GCI Outdoor is one of the outdoor industry's leading innovators of outdoor recreational gear with products that include chairs, camp tables, stadium seats, canoe seats and more. Offering high-quality gear to outdoor lovers of all kinds, GCI Outdoor products can be found at over 3,000 stores worldwide and online at www.gcioutdoor.com.

Media Contact:

For MacNeill Pride Group
Joe Henderson, President
(615) 620-8737

For Centre Partners
Ross Lovern
Kekst CNC
(917) 842-7205

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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