


Canadian private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners has sold educational materials supplier Carson-Dellosa Publishing LLC to Guardian Capital Partners. The announcement was made by investment bank Lincoln International, Birch Hill’s exclusive financial advisor in the sale. It did not disclose the deal’s financial terms or closing date. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Carson-Dellosa is a provider of K-8 supplemental education content for parents, teachers and students. Birch Hill Partner John Loh served as the company’s chairman.
PRESS RELEASE
Lincoln International represents Birch Hill Equity Partners in its sale of Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC to Guardian Capital Partners
Lincoln International (“Lincoln”), a leading global mid-market investment bank, is pleased to announce that Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC (“Carson-Dellosa” or the “Company”), a portfolio company of Birch Hill Equity Partners (“Birch Hill”), has been sold to Guardian Capital Partners (“Guardian”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Carson-Dellosa, headquartered in Greensboro, NC, is a leading provider of K-8 supplemental education content for parents, teachers and students with an established portfolio of five market-leading brands known for high quality, rigorous educational materials. With 35+ years of experience in the consumer educational products market, the Company offers digital and print workbooks, test-prep, hands-on learning materials and classroom décor and resources to solve critical needs for parents and teachers across students’ “annual journey.” Carson-Dellosa’s products are used in over 1,000 schools and can be purchased at over 10,000 retail locations in addition to its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform.
Birch Hill Partner, John Loh, commented, “Lincoln’s senior-level attention, thoughtful advice and steadfast commitment throughout the entire sale process were unsurpassed. Lincoln’s ability to convey the Company’s unique value drivers and competitive advantages to potential acquirers was critical to our successful outcome.”
Al Greco, CEO of Carson-Dellosa, added, “Lincoln’s industry expertise and disciplined process execution allowed them to share our exciting story and generate significant interest. Their hands-on, focused approach was imperative in allowing us to achieve this result.”
“The teams at Birch Hill and Carson-Dellosa were both incredible to work with, and we’re excited to see the new partnership between Guardian and Carson-Dellosa flourish going forward,” said Scott Twibell, Managing Director and Co-Head, Technology & Media at Lincoln International.
Lincoln acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Birch Hill in this transaction, working closely with Carson-Dellosa’s senior management team and shareholders throughout the sale process. This included providing advisory expertise and managing the preparatory, marketing, negotiation and due diligence phases of the transaction. The sale also represents Lincoln’s third completed exclusive sell-side assignment on behalf of Birch Hill since 2013, having previously led the sales of Novadent Inc. (2015) and Carmanah Design and Manufacturing Inc. (2013).”
About Lincoln International
Lincoln International specializes in merger and acquisition advisory services, debt advisory services, private capital raising and restructuring advice on mid-market transactions. Lincoln International also provides fairness opinions, valuations and pension advisory services on a wide range of transaction sizes. With sixteen offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe, Lincoln International has strong local knowledge and contacts in key global economies. The firm provides clients with senior-level attention, in-depth industry expertise and integrated resources. By being focused and independent, Lincoln International serves its clients without conflicts of interest.
More information about Lincoln International can be obtained at www.lincolninternational.com
Photo courtesy of Carson-Dellosa Publishing