Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Appoints John Sayour as Chief Financial Officer
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Sept. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods ("Dr. Praeger's" or the "Company"), a fast-growing brand specializing in delicious, nutritious plant-based frozen foods made from simple ingredients, announced that John Sayour has joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Praeger's is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
"John brings over 30 years of diverse and progressive finance experience working for consumer goods companies. His deep experience with supply chain initiatives, his passion for developing talent, and his insights and analytics capabilities will be tremendous assets for the organization as we look to take advantage of strong tailwinds in the better-for-you food category," said Dr. Praeger's CEO, Andy Reichgut.
Mr. Sayour joins Dr. Praeger's from Blue Triton Brands, where he was Chief Transformation Officer and CFO of Supply Chain. Prior to that, he capped 22 years at Nestlé Waters as Vice President and CFO of Supply Chain. He was previously Director of Financial Reporting and Corporate Accounting at Fortune Brands, and he began his career as a Senior Auditor for Arthur Young. He holds a master's degree in finance and international business from the University of Connecticut School of Business and a bachelor's degree in accounting and computer science from SUNY University at Albany.
"Dr. Praeger's is uniquely positioned for success with an impressive portfolio of great tasting and health-sensible products, and I am very excited to be part of this talented team," said Mr. Sayour. "I look forward to working with Andy and the Dr. Praeger's team to find new ways to support the continued growth of the Company."
About Dr. Praeger's
For over 25 years, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods has offered delicious and convenient frozen food options for the whole family. Founded by two heart surgeons determined to make healthy food easily accessible, Dr. Praeger's is a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and kosher frozen food categories and has a wide range of products including Veggie Burgers, Bowls, Cakes, Puffs and Hash Browns, sustainable Seafood items, kids Littles and more. For more information visit www.drpraegers.com.
Pet Honesty Appoints Steve Chopp as Chief Financial Officer
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pet Honesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products, announced that Steve Chopp has joined the firm as Chief Financial Officer. Pet Honesty is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
Mr. Chopp brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles at high-growth, health and nutrition companies. Most recently, he served as CFO and COO for Bragg Live Food Products, the number one brand of apple cider vinegar, where he oversaw the finance, supply chain, and technology functions. Additionally, Mr. Chopp spent more than 15 years working in the rapid growth supplements industry, including eight years at Pharmavite, the makers of Nature Made vitamins and supplements, where he served as EVP and CFO. He also held senior roles in consulting with L.E.K. Consulting and Stern Stewart & Co. Mr. Chopp holds an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and a B.S. in finance from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
"Steve is an accomplished leader with broad experience developing and executing high-impact strategies. He will be an invaluable asset as we continue our mission to elevate pet vitality to deliver more joyful moments for pet parents," said Richard Greenberg, CEO of Pet Honesty.
"As Pet Honesty's recent partnership with Petco illustrates, the Company is on a strong growth trajectory, and I look forward to partnering with the senior team during this exciting time as the Company continues to expand and deliver on its strategic plan," said Mr. Chopp.
About Pet Honesty
Pet Honesty, a trusted leader in premium, natural pet health products, is on a mission to help pet parents elevate their pet's vitality for more joyful moments together. Founded originally as an innovative e-commerce brand in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company specializes in vet-approved pet supplements made with natural base ingredients and premium active ingredients, providing functional pet health benefits backed by science and certified by the NASC. Pet Honesty products are formulated in an FDA registered facility in the U.S.A. and available for purchase online at Pethonesty.com, Amazon, Chewy, Petco.com, and at Petco retail stores nationwide and select neighborhood pet retailers. For personalized guidance and education about Pet Honesty products, visit Pethonesty.com and follow @PetHonesty on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 89 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Vestar Capital Partners Announces Promotions
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, announced today the promotions of several investment professionals at the firm. The promotions include Neil Merchant, Mark Dirzulaitis, and Angela Yun to Principal, and Alex Veronneau to Vice President.
"We congratulate Neil, Mark, Angela and Alex on their promotions in recognition of their impressive growth, development and meaningful contributions to the Firm," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "We are fortunate to have such talented and resourceful young professionals who subscribe to our core values of hard work, creativity, transparency and teamwork."
Mr. Merchant, a member of the Firm's Business & Technology Services group, joined Vestar in 2018. He previously worked at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe focusing on healthcare and technology investments. Mr. Merchant holds both a BS in Economics, cum laude, and an MBA in Finance and Management, with Honors, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Dirzulaitis, a member of the Firm's Business & Technology Services group, joined Vestar in 2019. Prior to Vestar, he worked at American Securities where he focused on private equity investments across a variety of sectors. Mr. Dirzulaitis began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he focused on growth equity investments in technology companies. He received a joint BA / MA from Johns Hopkins University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Yun, a member of the Firm's Consumer group, joined Vestar in 2019. Previously, she worked at Alliance Consumer Growth, a consumer- and retail-focused growth equity firm. Ms. Yun began her career in the Leveraged Finance Group and Financial Sponsors Group at Wells Fargo Securities. She holds a BS in Economics, cum laude, from Duke University, and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Veronneau joined Vestar in 2019 after previously working as an Analyst in the Consumer & Retail Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan. He received a Bachelor of Commerce degree with first class honors from McGill University.
Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods Appoints Andy Reichgut as Chief Executive Officer
ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, a fast-growing brand specializing in delicious, nutritious plant-based frozen foods made from simple ingredients, announced today that seasoned CPG executive Andy Reichgut has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Founder Larry Praeger has moved into a Special Advisor role and will remain an active Board member of the Company. The Praeger and Somberg families will retain their ownership stake in the Company, which is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
"Andy is a smart, thoughtful, innovative and resourceful business leader with a deep appreciation for strengthening organizational capability, and a strong track record of building brands and businesses," said Jeffrey Ansell, Dr. Praeger's Chairman and Vestar Strategic Executive Advisor. "I'm excited to work with Andy again, and I'm confident his vast packaged foods experience, including plant-based and better-for-you brands, will set him up for success at Dr. Praeger's. I'd also like to sincerely thank Larry for his incredible vision and passion for the brand, which experienced transformative growth under his leadership. We look forward to his continued contributions as a Special Advisor and active Board member."
Mr. Reichgut is a long-time CPG executive who brings more than 25 years of experience from the packaged food industry. He was most recently General Manager for Violife®, a vegan cheese company owned by Upfield. Prior to Violife®, Mr. Reichgut was Executive Vice President at New Classic Cooking, where he led the Veggies Made Great® business. Under his leadership, the business experienced significant growth fueled by the repositioning of the brand and strong innovation. Mr. Reichgut also has decades of brand management and innovation experience working with leading CPG brands at Pinnacle Foods, Mars and Reckitt Benckiser. He holds a Master's of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago and a Bachelor's of Science degree from Syracuse University.
"Dr. Praeger's is a brand I have admired for many years and am excited and honored to join the organization as its CEO," said Mr. Reichgut. "At a time when consumers are searching for healthier and more environmentally friendly foods, Dr. Praeger's is positioned extraordinarily well to leverage these tailwinds. I look forward to working with the Company's strong leadership team along with our partners at Vestar to fulfill the promise of this business."
"I'm excited to welcome Andy to Dr. Praeger's. His vision, coupled with a phenomenal team who care so deeply for our brand, will continue to bring delicious and healthy plant-based food for generations to come," said Mr. Praeger. "When my father put his name on a veggie burger 26 years ago, he could not have predicted the plant-based revolution that was to come. I am so proud, as I know he would be, of the part Dr. Praeger's has played in bringing delicious, nutrient-dense food to homes all over the country. Dr. Praeger's has truly been able to meet the moment, and I'm confident it will continue to do so in this exciting next chapter."
About Dr. Praeger's
For over 25 years, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods has offered delicious and convenient frozen food options for the whole family. Founded by two heart surgeons determined to make healthy food easily accessible. Dr. Praeger's is a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and kosher frozen food categories and has a wide range of products including Veggie Burgers, Bowls, Cakes, Puffs and Hash Browns, sustainable Seafood items, kids Littles and more. For more information visit www.drpraegers.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 89 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
360training Announces Equity Recapitalization from GreyLion and Vestar Capital Partners
AUSTIN, Texas, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — 360training (or "the Company"), a leading provider of online training and continuing education to regulated industries, today announced an equity recapitalization from GreyLion Partners LP ("GreyLion") and Vestar Capital Partners ("Vestar") to support the Company's rapid growth and accelerate acquisition activity. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.
The new investment will help 360training pursue large and small strategic acquisitions within its core markets and in new markets and geographies. 360training helps organizations develop their workforces and remain compliant with labor regulations and industry certification mandates, with a content library offering more than 6,000 courses across five major verticals: Environmental Health & Safety, Food & Beverage, Real Estate, Healthcare and Financial Services.
"We are thrilled to welcome Vestar as a strategic investment partner," said 360training CEO Tom Anderson. "360training now enjoys the substantial backing of two proven investors, both of which pride themselves on partnering with portfolio companies to help accelerate growth. We are looking forward to scaling our platform within existing and new markets through continued investment in strategic acquisitions and product development."
"360training's outstanding management team, differentiated content, and focused go-to-market strategy have allowed the Company to capitalize on attractive, sustainable long-term trends in regulatory-driven online education and training," said Jake Olson and Nikhil Bhat, Managing Directors at Vestar. "We're excited to partner with GreyLion and the 360training team to fuel the Company's continued expansion and product development."
GreyLion first invested in 360training in 2018 and remains a significant owner of the Company. The firm is committed to 360training's long-term growth and success while ensuring that the Company is well positioned to further execute against its strategic business plan.
Henry Heinerscheid, Partner of GreyLion, stated, "Since our investment four years ago, 360training has grown its management team, strengthened its employee base, and invested significant capital in its technology and marketing capabilities. Those investments have enabled growth into new verticals like Healthcare and Financial Services while increasing market share in Environmental Health & Safety, Food & Beverage, and Real Estate. We are proud of the many add-on acquisitions completed to date, and we are thrilled to have Vestar join GreyLion and management to continue driving 360training's industry leadership and support the Company's expansion."
As part of the investment, Mr. Bhat and Mr. Olson of Vestar will join 360training's Board of Directors alongside existing Board members Chip Baird and Mr. Heinerscheid of GreyLion; Mr. Anderson of 360training; and Independent Director Kirk Wortman.
Harris Williams served as the exclusive financial advisor to 360training and Latham & Watkins was its legal advisor. Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel, to Vestar.
About 360training
360training is an integrated digital training and compliance platform for highly regulated industries. Through a unique combination of differentiated technology and deep regulatory expertise, 360training enables professionals to attain jobs and maintain industry-mandated requirements while helping organizations develop their workforces and remain compliant. 360training's robust, proprietary content library offers over 6,000 courses across major business verticals: Environmental Health & Safety, Food & Beverage, Real Estate, Healthcare, Financial Services and more.
Since 1997, 360training.com, Inc. has delivered over 11 million training plans across multiple brands, including HIPAA Exams, Meditec, AgentCampus, VanEd, TIPS, OSHAcampus, OSHA.com, and Learn2Serve. Please visit www.360training.com or their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more.
About GreyLion Partners LP
GreyLion focuses on investing in high-growth businesses in the lower middle market. We seek to partner with existing owners and management teams across the consumer, industrial, healthcare, software and services sectors to deliver capital in tailored and flexible minority and control structures. GreyLion invests $25-$125 million of capital per investment, primarily within the United States. We currently manage private equity funds with aggregate commitments of approximately $1.7 billion. For more information on GreyLion, please visit http://www.greylion.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 89 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit http://www.vestarcapital.com.
SOURCE GreyLion Partners LP; Vestar Capital Partners
Stratus, a Global Leader in Brand Implementation and Facilities Services, Adds Bryan Hartnett as COO
Mentor, OH, June 7, 2022 – Stratus (or “the Company”), a market-leading asset-light facilities services provider, announced today that Bryan Hartnett has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. He replaces former COO Dave Walters, who recently retired from Stratus.
“We are pleased to welcome Bryan, a seasoned executive who has deep experience in facilities services and an outstanding track record of driving best-in-class operations and client satisfaction,” said Tim Eippert, founder and CEO of Stratus. “At Stratus, we create solutions that take brands and people to the next level. Bryan really connected with our mission, and I look forward to partnering with him to bring it to life. I’d also like to personally thank Dave for his many years of dedicated service to Stratus, and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Mr. Hartnett joins Stratus from Vixxo, an integrated facilities management company, where he served as SVP of Customer Operations after a decade as President of the East Division. Prior to Vixxo, Mr. Hartnett was CEO and founder of National DCP, a company supporting franchisees of Dunkin' Brands. Previously he was COO of Dunkin' Donuts N.E. Distribution Center, a regional purchasing and distribution cooperative serving 2,500 Dunkin’ Donuts franchise locations. Mr. Hartnett began his career in public accounting.
“I am thrilled to join Stratus during this exciting period in the Company’s evolution,” said Mr. Hartnett. “Across all sectors, our clients are looking for innovative solutions to attract consumers in a competitive market. Stratus’ reputation of partnering with blue-chip clients to deliver creative branding solutions and facility maintenance services are second to none. I look forward to working with Tim and the entire Stratus team to expand our offerings and explore new ways to better serve our clients.”
About Stratus
Stratus is a leading brand implementation and facilities services company offering signage solutions, brand environments, energy services, repair and maintenance programs, and refresh and remodel capabilities across 50 states and 24 countries. With more than 50,000 projects completed annually, the Company provides versatile solutions for some of the world’s largest and most recognized brands. Stratus is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners. For more information, please visit www.stratusunlimited.com.
Friday Health Plans Raises $120 Million In New Funding
DENVER , May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Friday Health Plans Management Services Company, Inc., ("Friday") a Denver-based health insurance holding company, announced today that it has signed an agreement for $70 million of equity investment led by Leadenhall Capital Partners ("Leadenhall"). Vestar Capital Partners, Peloton Capital Partners and other partners also contributed to this latest investment. Leadenhall will also provide $50 million in debt financing.
Following 400% membership growth year over year for the last two years, Friday will leverage the funds primarily to support expansion into new Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
"More people are finding value in our simple, practical health plans designed for people who don't get insurance through their employer," said CEO of Friday Health Plans, Sal Gentile. "We are built specifically to give them great health benefits and superior service -- all at an affordable price. And we're able to do this because we focus solely on serving this growing consumer segment."
Friday currently serves more than 330,000 members across seven states with an estimated $1.95 billion in gross premium revenue for 2022. Most of Friday's health plans include unlimited $0 primary care visits, $0 mental health counseling, free generic drugs and free telehealth visits. Consumers can purchase the plans on the national or state-based health exchanges, through brokers, or directly on Friday's website.
"Having worked with the management team at Friday for a number of years, we have observed their expertise in bringing affordable health protection to a growing number of people. We are excited about supporting the future growth prospects of the company through this capital round," said Tom Spreutels, Managing Partner at Leadenhall.
Friday Health Plans was started in 2015 by Sal Gentile and David Pinkert, two health technology industry veterans. After the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the pair wanted to start a simpler, friendlier health insurance company, better designed for consumers not receiving health insurance from their employer.
With headquarters in Denver, Colorado, Friday has grown exponentially in the Affordable Care Act space through acquisition and organic growth. The company has expanded its employee base to more than 600 people across the country, with operations centers in Alamosa and Pueblo, Colorado.
About Friday Health Plans: Friday Health Plans is purpose-built specifically for people and who buy their own health insurance. The company focuses on overall simplicity to offer affordable health plans with benefits that help members stay healthy and cover them if they get sick or hurt. Operational efficiency, top-notch customer service, and smart technology are core to Friday's consumer-centric approach. All insurance plans and services are offered and administered through licensed subsidiaries of Friday Health Plans, Inc. For more information and to find a health plan, visit www.fridayhealthplans.com.
About Leadenhall Capital Partners:
Leadenhall Capital Partners is a UK-based institutional investment manager focused on making investments in insurance related opportunities, with ca. USD 6bn of assets under management. Established in November 2008, Leadenhall Capital Partners has made over 150 investments in life and health insurance related risks and has supported companies at various stages of their growth cycle. Leadenhall has the expertise to identify promising investment opportunities whilst also backing companies which may provide access to attractive life and health risks for its investment portfolios. Investments are made across the capital structure. For additional information on Leadenhall please visit www.leadenhallcp.com
LERETA Expands Board of Directors with Seasoned Technology and Mortgage Veterans
POMONA, Calif., April 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LERETA, a leading national provider of real estate tax and flood services for mortgage servicers, today announced the addition of three new directors to its board as the company continues to emphasize and expand its technology focus. Joining the LERETA Board of Directors are technology and mortgage veterans Stephen Gold, Gene Mergelmeyer and Tony Ebers.
Gold is an experienced technology executive and board director, having held senior leadership roles in companies across a variety of industries including retail, healthcare, digital business and communications technology. His expertise includes the design, implementation, operations management and support of large-scale, technology-driven initiatives. In addition to serving in senior roles at Avaya, Inc., Medco Health Solutions and GSI Commerce, Gold was most recently Executive Vice President, CTO and Chief Process Improvement Officer at Hudson's Bay Company and was previously Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CVS Health.
"LERETA has consistently demonstrated an ability to exceed customer expectations, not just with great service, but with their groundbreaking approach to improve on an industry that was, before now, content with the status quo," said Gold. "They are changing the game, and I'm honored to serve as a director."
Before his recent retirement, Mergelmeyer spent more than three decades at Assurant, Inc., a Fortune 300 company specializing in risk management and specialty insurance in 21 countries. His most recent position was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He spent his career successfully developing and growing numerous businesses to industry leading positions for Assurant and led the company's "Digital First" and other transformation initiatives. Mergelmeyer also created Assurant's enterprise operating model structure that focused on enhancing the company's brand across the globe through its commitment to product leadership, global solutions, enhanced agility and values of common sense and common decency.
"In an industry that has mostly done things the same way for decades with little innovation, LERETA is changing the paradigm to develop tech-informed solutions that improve service and accuracy," said Mergelmeyer. "They are raising the bar and putting a strategic focus on performance results which is producing SLAs that are the best in the industry. I'm delighted to join the very talented team at LERETA."
Ebers, the former Chief Operating Officer of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., the parent company of Mr. Cooper, brings decades of experience in mortgage lending, servicing and real estate transaction related services. His previous positions include Executive Vice President of Originations at Nationstar and, earlier, President of ServiceLink's Originations Division when ServiceLink was a Black Knight company. Ebers has also held senior leadership positions in retail banking, consumer lending, mortgage originations and servicing at OneWest Bank and IndyMac Bank, all of which will enhance his contributions as a director for LERETA.
"I had the privilege of working with LERETA in my previous roles, and as a result, I know firsthand how the company has advanced tax and flood servicing from a technology perspective, not to mention its commitment to service" said Ebers. "I look forward to being part of their continued growth."
Commenting on the new board members, LERETA CEO John Walsh said: "The addition of Stephen, Gene and Tony to the LERETA team – and the deep-bench experience they bring – is further evidence of our continued commitment to focus on technology and innovation in our company. Our mission is to elevate the quality of tax and flood services in the mortgage industry, which for too long has been subpar. Expanding our Board of Directors with these seasoned industry veterans will help us continue to exceed client expectations and deliver a best-of-class customer experience to both servicers and their homeowners."
About LERETA
Since 1986, LERETA has provided the mortgage and insurance industries the fastest, most accurate and complete access to property tax data and flood hazard status information across the U.S. LERETA is committed to giving customers extraordinary service and cost-effective property tax and flood solutions. LERETA's services are designed to increase efficiency, reduce penalties and liabilities and improve processes for mortgage originators and servicers. LERETA's dedicated teams of real estate tax and flood professionals along with LERETA's experienced management team allow the company to lead the industry in service and technology.
SOURCE LERETA
IRI and NPD to Merge and Create a Leading Global Technology, Analytics and Data Provider
Combines leading CPG, general merchandise, foodservice and food consumption data capabilities to offer innovative view of total retail purchasing and consumption trends
CHICAGO and PORT WASHINGTON, NY, April 7, 2022 – Information Resources, Inc. ("IRI"), a fast-growing global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, and The NPD Group ("NPD"), a global provider of market information and advisory services in more than 20 industries, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement through which IRI and NPD will merge. The combination will create a leading global technology, analytics and data provider that offers clients a view of total retail purchasing and consumption trends powered by advanced, predictive analytics on the industry-leading IRI Liquid Data® technology platform. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
By bringing together complementary leading data assets across a broad range of industries on the most innovative, sophisticated data visualization platform, the combined business will empower brands and retailers to collaborate, better service their customers, respond to trends and leverage more powerful insights to drive growth. NPD provides market information and advisory services for general merchandise, including softlines, technology and retail, as well as foodservice and food consumption. This will be combined with IRI's unparalleled market measurement, supply chain and media optimization solutions, technology platform, retail relationships and data assets for the CPG industry, which encompasses the grocery, convenience and over-the-counter healthcare categories.
Kirk Perry, president and CEO of IRI, said, "This combination is a win for IRI, NPD, our clients and our teams as we bring together two industry leaders to offer a total store view. We look forward to joining forces with the NPD team, which brings expertise in parts of the store that IRI does not cover today. As the global retail landscape continues to evolve, IRI and NPD will have innovative technology, analytics, data resources, talent and geographic reach to best support the growth of the world's leading brands and retailers. Our combined organization will be well-positioned for continued innovation and success, backed by the expertise and resources of our new majority investor, Hellman & Friedman ("H&F"), alongside our long-term partners at Vestar Capital and New Mountain Capital."
NPD CEO Karyn Schoenbart added, "We are excited about the prospect of combining our companies to give clients the tools and information they need to succeed amid changing consumer behavior. Both NPD and IRI share similar client-focused, innovative and collaborative cultures, making this combination a natural fit."
H&F, a premier global private equity firm, will acquire a majority stake in IRI and merge IRI with H&F portfolio company NPD. H&F will lead an ownership group consisting of existing long-term IRI investors Vestar Capital Partners ("Vestar") and New Mountain Capital ("NMC"), which will both retain significant investments in the combined company. Following the close of the transaction, H&F, Vestar and NMC will each have representation on the combined company's board of directors. Kirk Perry will become CEO of the combined company and serve on the board. NPD Executive Chairman Tod Johnson will be chairman of the combined company's board, and Karyn Schoenbart also will join the board. Jeff Ansell, current chairman of IRI's board, will continue on the combined company's board as well. Johnson and Schoenbart will continue to lead NPD until closing and will remain investors in the combined company.
Evercore, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Guggenheim Securities LLC are serving as financial advisors to IRI, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel. Jefferies Group LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to NPD and H&F, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel. Kramer Levin is serving as legal counsel to Johnson and Schoenbart.
ABOUT IRI
IRI unifies technology, analytics and data to reinvent how people and companies make decisions, take action and optimize performance. With the largest repository of purchase, media, social, causal and loyalty data, all integrated into an on-demand, cloud-based technology platform, IRI helps to guide its more than 5,000 clients around the world in their quests to capture market share, connect with consumers, collaborate with key constituents and deliver market-leading growth. For more information, visit www.iriworldwide.com.
ABOUT THE NPD GROUP
NPD offers data, industry expertise and prescriptive analytics to help clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on NPD to help them measure, predict and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce and B2B. NPD has services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys and video games. For more information, visit www.npd.com.
ABOUT HELLMAN & FRIEDMAN
Hellman & Friedman is a preeminent global private equity firm with a distinctive investment approach focused on large-scale equity investments in high-quality growth businesses. H&F seeks to partner with world-class management teams where its deep sector expertise, long-term orientation and collaborative partnership approach enable companies to flourish. H&F targets outstanding businesses in select sectors, including software and technology, financial services, healthcare, consumer and retail, and other business services.
Since its founding in 1984, H&F has invested in over 100 companies. The firm is currently investing its tenth fund, with $24.4 billion of committed capital, and has over $90 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2021. Learn more about H&F’s defining investment philosophy and approach to sustainable outcomes at www.hf.com.
ABOUT VESTAR CAPITAL PARTNERS
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
ABOUT NEW MOUNTAIN CAPITAL
New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, public equity and credit funds, with over $35 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest-quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit www.newmountaincapital.com.
Media Contacts:
IRI
Shelley Hughes
[email protected]
Phone: +1 312-731-1782
The NPD Group
Leslie Singer
[email protected]
Phone: +1 516-316-1583
Hellman & Friedman
Winnie Lerner
Finsbury Glover Hering
[email protected]
Phone: +1 917-375-5652
Vestar Capital Partners
Jennifer Hurson / Caroline Luz
Lambert
[email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +1 845-507-0571
New Mountain Capital
Dana Gorman / Matthew Butler
Abernathy MacGregor
[email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +1 212-371-5999
Vestar Capital Partners Promotes Kimberly Lu to Vice President
NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm, today announced that Kimberly Lu has been promoted to Vice President, effective immediately.
Ms. Lu joined Vestar in 2021 as a Senior Associate supporting the firm's Investor Relations activities. Prior to Vestar, she was an Associate at BlackRock, where she focused primarily on product strategy and business development. Ms. Lu graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in International Relations & Affairs.
"Kimberly has had an immediate impact on the firm since joining last year, and we know she's only getting started," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "She is a creative, high-energy executive who has already elevated our investor relations and marketing activities. We congratulate Kimberly, and we look forward to her ongoing contributions to Vestar."
Vestar also announced that Alyssa Stropoli has joined the firm as a Senior Associate, supporting the Investor Relations team. Most recently, she was an Associate in Investor Relations at BC Partners, and previously she was an Associate on BlackRock's High Yield Portfolio Management team. Ms. Stropoli holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, City College.