Merit Capital Exits Dr. Comfort

DJO Global, a portfolio company of Blackstone Capital Partners, acquired Dr. Comfort from Merit Capital Partners. Specifics of the transaction were not disclosed. Merit Managing Director Tom Campion worked on the transaction.

PRESS RELEASE:

Merit Capital Partners successfully exited its investment in Dr. Comfort. DJO Global, Inc., a portfolio company of Blackstone Capital Partners, recently acquired Dr. Comfort. Headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin, Dr. Comfort is a leading manufacturer and marketer of therapeutic footwear and related products for the growing diabetes care market. The Company offers its products through a wide variety of sales channels: podiatry practices, orthotic and prosthetic centers, home medical equipment providers and independent pharmacies.

In February 2006, Merit participated in the recapitalization of Dr. Comfort. The recapitalization provided the owner and founder with partial liquidity and the financial resources to continue the Company’s rapid growth. During Merit’s investment period, management executed outstanding operational and sales strategies, growing sales approximately 400% and establishing Dr. Comfort as the market leader in the U.S. diabetic footwear market. Management’s development of an attractive, broad, high-quality product line and their innovative sales and marketing drove this exceptional growth. Management also expanded the diabetic footwear market by increasing awareness of diabetic footwear’s ability to prevent potentially serious diabetic complications.

Eric Lorenz, President of Dr. Comfort, commented, “Merit provided us with strong support to assist us to carry out our long-term growth strategy. Merit was an excellent partner throughout their entire investment period, and we enjoyed working with them.”

Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the recapitalization of Dr. Comfort. Please contact Tom Campion for additional information.