Fulcrum Capital Partners acquires Athletica Sport Systems

Canadian private equity firm Fulcrum Capital Partners has acquired Athletica Sport Systems Inc, a Waterloo, Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of arena services and products, including dasher board systems for hockey arenas and multi-sport athletic facilities. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed. Robert Naegele Jr, who founded Athletica in 1996, will continue to be involved with the business. Andrew McRae, Atheltica’s CEO, said the partnership with Fulcrum will support the company’s “next phase of growth.” Athletica is the eighth platform investment of Fulcrum Capital Partners V, which raised $344 million in 2015.

PRESS RELEASE

Fulcrum Capital Partners Acquires Athletica Sport Systems

April 23. 2018

Fulcrum Capital Partners (“Fulcrum”), a private equity firm focused on the Canadian middle market, announced the acquisition of Athletica Sport Systems (“Athletica”). Athletica is a leader in arena services and products, including its market-leading dasher board systems for hockey arenas and multi-sport athletic facilities.

“We are thrilled to announce this transaction and partnership with Fulcrum,” said Andrew McRae, CEO of Athletica. “Fulcrum has a long history of value creation by assisting businesses such as ours to execute strategic goals. We look forward to working with Fulcrum to pave the way for Athletica’s next phase of growth.”

Robert Naegele Jr., a driving force behind Athletica’s success, will continue to be involved with the company, contributing his vast knowledge in the sport of hockey and the business.

Paul Eldridge, a Partner at Fulcrum, said, “The company’s reputation for superior customer service, safety and industry-leading solutions make Athletica an exciting investment for Fulcrum. We plan to build upon the solid foundation created by the team at Athletica.”

The investment was made by Fulcrum Capital’s Private Equity Fund V and marks the eighth platform investment made from Fund V, which closed in July 2015.

For Immediate Release
For more information, please contact:

Fulcrum Capital Partners
Phone: 416.864.2761
E-mail: info@fulcrumcapital.ca

Photo courtesy of Athletica Sport Systems Inc