Lariat-backed LaMi Holdings merges with ATA Retail Services

Lariat Partners-backed LaMi Holdings LLC merged with ATA Retail Services LLC. The combined entity is a provider of impulse purchase programs to retailers.

PRESS RELEASE

DENVER– Lariat Partners, a Denver-based private equity firm, has announced that its partner company, LaMi Holdings, LLC (LaMi), has merged with ATA Retail Services, LLC (ATA).  The combined entity is the leading provider of sourcing, fulfillment and merchandising labor of impulse programs to retailers in North America.

“The partnership with Lariat provided the necessary growth and strategic insight to complete a true merger of equals. In 2015, LaMi invested in a new, state-of-the-art automated warehouse and brought its Asian sourcing partner in-house.  Coupled with planned investments in new mobile technology uniting the combined 2,200 field merchandisers, this transaction will allow our merged entity to further provide an enhanced customer experience,” said Michael Dion (CEO of LaMi).  “Ty Bennett (CEO of ATA) and the ATA team share a common vision with the team at LaMi; to provide the most comprehensive suite of solutions and best possible service to our customers. That foundation and culture will endure as we grow into the future.”

“I’m excited for our next phase of growth as partners with LaMi,” said Ty Bennett.  “Combined we will be able to make infrastructure and growth investments that wouldn’t be possible for either company alone.  With more than 15,000 retail doors in 49 states in the US and throughout Canada, we believe the value proposition to our customers is unmatched. This merger unites a talented field team to deliver consistent merchandising programs for our nationwide customers.  By arming them with state of the art mobile technology, our company becomes an even more powerful solution to fulfill our customers’ visions,” said Michael Dion.

Jay Coughlon, Managing Partner for Lariat Partners, said, “ATA and LaMi provide a turnkey solution within a dynamic retail environment.  The combined entity reduces customers’ expenses by removing all sourcing, fulfillment, merchandising and inventory costs, while driving high-margin revenues.  Our value proposition greatly enhances same-store sales and return on capital.  We’ve been thrilled with our partnership with LaMi and are equally as excited to work with Ty and the  ATA team.”

About ATA Retail Services
Founded in 1991, ATA Retail Services has retail stores in the United States and Canada and employs a workforce of approximately 1,800 employees. The company operates distribution centers with over 180,000 square feet of space in Nashville, Tennessee and Hayward, California. These two strategic locations allow ATA to maximize efficiencies and to better support its customers from coast to coast.

About LaMi Holdings, LLC
Founded in 1978 with one item, LaMi is now the leading provider of impulse programs to grocery and other retail channels in the United States. Headquartered in Huntingdon Valley, PA and operating from a 135,000 square foot fully-automated distribution center in Cinnaminson, NJ, LaMi services blue chip grocery and other retail customers throughout the United States.

About Lariat Partners
Denver-based Lariat Partners is a private equity firm focused on redefining the private equity experience with entrepreneurs in the lower-middle market. With its People First, Strategy Second relationship philosophy and its CORE Investment Strategy targeting COnsolidations, COnsumables and recurring revenue businesses, Lariat offers a differentiated approach to partnering with entrepreneurs and growing their middle market businesses. The firm targets companies across a number of industries, including Specialty Agriculture, Energy & Environmental Services, Consumer Products and Maritime Services.  For more information, visit www.lariatpartners.net.