Highlander Partners – a Dallas-based private investment firm – announced the acquisition of The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc. from Compass Diversified. Launched in 2003 and based in Los Angeles, California, Ergobaby is the global market leader in premium baby carriers.
Ergobaby’s ergonomically designed products provide the ultimate in comfort and ergonomics for both the baby and the caregiver. And through its global workforce of 170 employees, Ergobaby reaches customers across more than 1,800 retail doors and maintains distribution in over 75 countries.
Ergobaby’s brand portfolio includes three distinct market leaders:
1.) Ergobaby – The flagship brand that has become synonymous with premium baby carriers
2.) Tula – Known for functional carriers featuring expressive prints, inclusive sizing, and artisan craftsmanship; and
3.) Belly Bandit – A solutions-focused maternity and postpartum brand providing solutions during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and nursing.
Ergo Baby’s comprehensive product line includes ergonomically designed baby carriers, wraps, strollers, bouncers, highchairs, maternity and postpartum support bands and apparel, and feeding, sleep, and nursing accessories. And Ergo Baby’s product line is designed to support parents and babies through every stage of pregnancy and early development.
Robert W. Baird & Co acted as exclusive financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acted as legal counsel to CODI. And Katten Muchin Rosenman acted as legal counsel to Highlander.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition further emphasizes Highlander’s focus on investing in category-leading branded consumer product companies. As the #1 baby carrier brand globally, Ergobaby has tremendous growth opportunities driven by product innovation, market expansion and increased consumer awareness. In addition, we have a strong track record of implementing a “buy and build” approach with our investments and we see significant M&A opportunities that would complement Ergobaby’s parenting solutions portfolio and business strategy to better serve its customers in the broader juvenile products market.”
- Jeff L. Hull, President and CEO of Highlander Partners
“We are excited about the new partnership with Highlander and will benefit from their expertise within branded consumer products. The management team is energized, and our pipeline is full of new opportunities. Our brands enjoy exceptional consumer awareness, and we are well positioned to continue our historical success in the foreseeable future.”
- Jason Frame, CEO of Ergobaby
