DALLAS, December 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Highlander Partners, LP (“Horštak”), a Dallasprivate investment company, today announced the acquisition Baby Carrier Ergo, Inc.(“Ergobaby” or “Company”) of Versatile compass (NYSE: CODI). Founded in 2003 with headquarters in Los Angeles, CaliforniaErgobaby is the world leader in the market of premium baby carriers. The company’s ergonomically designed products provide superior comfort and ergonomics for the baby and caregiver. Through its global workforce of 170 employees, Ergobaby reaches customers through more than 1,800 retail doors and maintains distribution in more than 75 countries.
Ergobaby’s portfolio of premium brands includes three different market leaders:
- Ergobaby: the leading brand that has become synonymous with premium baby carriers;
- Tula: Known for functional baby carriers with expressive prints, inclusive sizes and artistic craftsmanship; and
- Belly Bandit: A brand focused on maternity and childbirth solutions that offers solutions during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.
The company’s comprehensive product line includes ergonomically designed baby carriers, covers, strollers, bouncers, high chairs, support bands and maternity and postpartum clothing, and accessories for feeding, sleeping and nursing. The company’s product line is designed to support parents and babies through every stage of pregnancy and early development.
Jeff L. Hullpresident and chief executive officer Highlander Partners commented, “This acquisition further underscores Highlander’s focus on investing in category-leading branded consumer product companies. As the No. 1 baby carrier brand globally, Ergobaby has tremendous growth opportunities driven by product innovation, market expansion and increased consumer awareness.” Additionally, we have a strong track record of applying a “buy and build” approach to our investments and see significant M&A opportunities that would complement Ergobaby’s portfolio of parenting solutions and business strategy to better served its customers in the broader juvenile product market.”
Jason FrameCEO of Ergobaby, added: “We are excited about our new partnership with Highlander and will benefit from their expertise in consumer products brands. The management team is energized and our roadmap is full of new opportunities. Our brands enjoy exceptional consumer awareness, and in we are well positioned to continue our historic success for the foreseeable future.”
Robert W. Baird & Co acted as exclusive financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as legal counsel for CODI. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP acted as Highlander’s legal counsel.
About Ergobaby
Founded by a mother in 2003, Ergobaby is founded on the belief that there is magic in every little parenting triumph, even during the not-so-joyous chores of raising your baby. Through award-winning baby carriers, strollers, bouncers and more, Ergobaby is committed to providing parents with a foundation to thrive with products that are designed for comfort and convenience. For more information, visit www.ergobaby.com.
About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners, LP is a Dallasprivate equity firm based in more than 3 billion dollars into assets under management and distributes own equity capital. The firm focuses on investing in companies in targeted industries where the firm’s principals have significant operating and investment experience. Highlander Partners applies a buy-and-build investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. Additional information about Highlander at www.highlander-partners.com.
