#United States #H.I.G. Capital #Clearwater #Koozie Group #Garyline LLC

H.I.G. Capital Successfully Sells Koozie Group to Garyline LLC

H.I.G. Capital, a prominent alternative investment firm managing assets worth $69 billion, has announced a significant transaction in the promotional products sector with the sale of Koozie Group to Garyline LLC. This strategic move is poised to strengthen the competitive stance of both organizations within the industry.

Founded in 1969 and located in Clearwater, Florida, Koozie Group has carved out a niche as one of the leading suppliers in the promotional products arena. Known for its vast array of marketing products and services, Koozie Group caters to a diverse clientele by designing and producing high-quality items. The company's impressive portfolio includes over ten product categories and partnerships with notable brands, positioning it as a powerhouse in the promotional products industry.

The acquisition by Garyline LLC, a subsidiary of Mill Point Capital, is set to enhance operational capabilities and market reach. This merger creates a formidable player within the promotional products sector, thanks to Koozie Group's specialized offerings in writing instruments, calendars, drinkware, and various other hard goods.

Under H.I.G. Capital's ownership, Koozie Group underwent a transformative journey. The investment firm played an instrumental role in separating the company from its previous parent organization, paving the way for independent operations. This transition allowed Koozie Group to channel resources into new product development, IT advancements, enhanced customer experience, and operational innovation. During this time, the company also successfully completed four strategic acquisitions, expanding its market leadership and broadening its consumer base.

Pierre Montaubin, CEO of Koozie Group, expressed gratitude towards H.I.G. for their crucial support during these significant developments. He highlighted the transformative partnership as a pivotal element in Koozie's growth trajectory, by which the company is now well-positioned to flourish in the upcoming years. Montaubin stated, "Our partnership with H.I.G. was transformative for us, and we are thankful for their guidance and support as we made significant investments in our platform. We are positioned for continued growth and success and look forward to the next chapter."

Camilo E. Horvilleur, Managing Director at H.I.G., shared insights into the rationale behind the investment strategy, emphasizing that they recognized an opportunity to transform a non-core division into a market leader. Echoing this sentiment, Jonathan Fox, also a Managing Director at H.I.G., commended Koozie Group's team for their exceptional performance in building a dominant presence in the promotional products industry while wishing them sustained success for the future.

Koozie Group's commitment to quality and innovation is evident, as the company has garnered multiple supplier quality awards, attributed to exceptional service delivery standards, including being the first supplier to offer a 24-hour turnaround time for custom orders. The firm processes orders for tens of thousands of distributors nationwide, ensuring that its partners receive top-tier marketing products and services.

As H.I.G. Capital looks to its next ventures, the sale of Koozie Group marks a significant chapter in both companies’ stories. For further information about Koozie Group and its offerings, visit kooziegroup.com.

About H.I.G. Capital
Founded in 1993, H.I.G. Capital is a prominent global investment firm headquartered in Miami with offices across the United States and internationally. The firm specializes in both equity and debt investments, focusing on middle-market companies with opportunities for operational enhancement and value growth. With a history of managing over 400 companies globally and maintaining a portfolio of more than 100 firms with sales exceeding $53 billion, H.I.G. Capital is well-regarded for its innovative investment strategies. For additional details, visit hig.com.