Pegasus Capital Advisors has sold Cannondale Bicycle Corp. to Dorel Industries Ltd. (TSX: DII.A, DII.B), for between $190 million and $200 million in cash. Pegasus had acquired the bicycle maker in 2003.
PRESS RELEASE
Dorel Industries Ltd. (TSX: DII.A, DII.B;) today announced it has acquired the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high-end bicycles. Headquartered in
The total value of the all-cash transaction will be US$190 to US$200 million, subject to Cannondale's earnings results for the year ending June 30, 2008. The transaction, which will be immediately accretive to Dorel's earnings, is being financed through debt. Cannondale and Sugoi are being purchased from an affiliate of Pegasus Capital Advisors, which acquired the company in 2003. 2007 sales for Cannondale and Sugoi were approximately $200 million.
Dorel President and CEO, Martin Schwartz stated that in light of the acquisition the Company's Recreational/Leisure segment is being split into two distinct operating divisions. A new Dorel Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBD) division, the Cannondale Sports Group, is being created and will focus exclusively on this category with premium-oriented brands. Backed by Dorel's extensive resources, the Cannondale Sports Group will build on Cannondale's strengths to grow significantly within the IBD channel. “Our intention is to build a world-class company that dealers will want to buy from,” said Mr. Schwartz. Pacific Cycle will become a stand-alone division with an exclusive focus on mass merchant customers.
“The Cannondale purchase is consistent with Dorel's plan to concentrate on its core businesses. Since buying Pacific Cycle in 2004 we have learned a great deal about the bicycle industry and have found it to be a true value driver for Dorel. We are committed to pursuing this sector, and this important transaction will position us globally in a most material way. Dorel recognizes the importance and potential of the Independent Bicycle Dealer channel and is purchasing Cannondale as the first step to become the world's number one IBD player. Cannondale will be the crown jewel of this new Dorel division, which will seek additional such growth opportunities.”
Note: Please refer to the separate release issued today “Dorel Creates Two Distinct Bicycle Divisions Following Cannondale Acquisition”.
“We're excited about the future for Cannondale and our retailers. Cannondale's goal is to be the number one supplier to the IBD channel. Dorel's vast resources and experience provide us with long term stability and the ability to accelerate our goals for growth with our retailers,” stated Matt Mannelly, President and CEO of Cannondale.
A history of innovation, a record of wins
Cannondale has come a long way since its establishment in 1971, when it introduced the cycling industry's first bicycle trailer. The company grew quickly, adding cycling apparel and accessory lines while earning a strong reputation for innovation and quality. Cannondale raised the cycling world's eyebrows by equipping its bicycles with handcrafted aluminum frames that were both lighter and more flex-resistant than the steel models that dominated the industry at the time.
Many of the ideas that keep Cannondale products on the cutting edge come from the sponsored athletes on the Company's professional racing teams. Cannondale has an outstanding heritage in competitive cycling and has consistently been on the leading edge of sports marketing. Cannondale bikes have been powered to multiple stage wins in the Tour De France and have won 4 overall Giro d'Italia titles alongside countless World Cup Wins and World Championship titles off road. Today Cannondale continues to push the envelope in bicycle innovation and material expertise and is the bike of choice for the Liquigas Pro Cycling Team, Cannondale Vredestein professional mountain bike team, along with mountain bike legend Tinker Juarez and a host of other world class professional cyclists and triathletes.
Mr. Schwartz stated that Dorel's Recreational/Leisure segment has an enormous opportunity to capitalize on the changing mindsets and trends around the world. “Increasingly, people are actively engaged in seeking healthier lifestyles; are concerned about the environment, and want to do something about it; and desire sustainability at all levels. We sincerely believe our products can help meet these objectives. This transaction underlines our plan to further unlock value within the Company, concentrating on the Recreational/Leisure and Juvenile segments which provide the greatest potential.”
Profile
Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a global consumer products company engaged in the designing, manufacturing and marketing of a diverse portfolio of powerful consumer brands, sold through its Juvenile, Recreational/Leisure and Home Furnishings segments. Headquartered in Montreal and with significant operations in the United States and Europe, Dorel employs approximately 4,700 people in 15 countries. Annual sales are US$1.8 billion and are made in over 60 countries worldwide.
US operations include Dorel Juvenile Group, which markets the Cosco and Safety 1st brands as well as Eddie Bauer and Disney Baby licensed products; Pacific Cycle, which markets several brands including Schwinn, Mongoose, GT, InSTEP, Playsafe and Roadmaster; and Ameriwood Industries, which markets ready-to-assemble furniture products under the Ameriwood, Carina, SystemBuild, Altra Furniture and Ridgewood brands; Cosco Home & Office, which markets home/office products under the Cosco brand and Samsonite license as well as home healthcare products under the Cosco Ability Essentials and Adepta brands. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada, Ridgewood Industries and Dorel Home Products. Dorel Europe markets juvenile products throughout Europe, under the Bebe Confort, Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, Safety 1st, Babideal, Mon Bebe and Baby Relax brands. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel is the majority owner of In Good Care (IGC), a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products in Australia, whose two principal brands are Bertini and Mother's Choice. Dorel also has eight offices in China, headquartered in Shanghai, which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company's Asian supplier chain.
Cannondale profile
Founded in 1971, Cannondale is a global designer, developer and manufacturer of high performance bicycles apparel and accessories. With a strong reputation for continuous innovation and quality the company is headquartered in Bethel, Connecticut, USA with offices in Canada, Holland, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, and a manufacturing facility in Bedford, Pennsylvania.
About Pegasus Capital Advisors
Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. is a private equity fund manager that provides creative capital solutions to middle market companies across a wide variety of industries. Established in 1995, Pegasus manages over $1.8 billion in assets through several private equity funds and has made close to 70 investments since its inception. It is currently pursuing initiatives in several key sectors, including renewable and conventional energy, all-natural human and pet foods, alternative building materials, LED lighting, homeland security, niche consumer products and business services, as well as investments associated with sustainable business solutions for companies in other industries. The firm employs over 50 investment and advisory professionals working out of main offices in Cos Cob, CT and New York City. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
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