Riverside’s Outward Hound acquires Bionic Pet Products

Outward Hound, a portfolio company of The Riverside Company, has bought Bionic Pet Products, a maker of dog toys. No financial terms were disclosed. Jones Day and Deloitte advised Riverside on the transaction.

PRESS RELEASE

The Riverside Company has acquired Bionic Pet Products (Bionic) as an add-on to its Outward Hound (fka Kyjen) platform. Outward Hound aims to be a world leader focused on creating the most meaningful pet product experiences for pets and their owners. Bionic makes highly durable dog toys while Outward Hound makes a wide variety of interactive dog toys.

“Bionic has built a strong reputation for having some of the most durable toys available, which complements Outward Hound’s broad portfolio of dog toy and accessory offerings,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “We’re excited about adding these impressive products to the Outward Hound portfolio.”

The Bionic acquisition provides Outward Hound with competitive entry into a new product segment and furthers the company’s mission of improving the lives of pets and pet parents everywhere.

“We’re excited about bringing Bionic’s fantastic products to millions of new consumers,” said Riverside Vice President Steve Rice. “Bionic offers some of the most durable and fun dog toys in the market today and will add an exciting new dimension to the Outward Hound portfolio.”

Bionic dog toys are designed and guaranteed for indestructibility and are made from Bionic Rubber, a proprietary formulation that uses only FDA food-grade materials. Bionic Rubber floats, is dishwasher safe and is 100% recyclable. Bionic products are the first dog toys that appeal to both dogs and their owners with durable material, innovative shapes and fun designs.

“The Bionic brand is synonymous with indestructible dog products that can withstand even the most aggressive chewers. Bionic is an ideal, synergistic partner for Outward Hound that strengthens our position as a leading pet company creating innovative products that engage and excite both dogs and their owners. With this partnership, Fido has truly met his match and together we will Raise the Woof,” said Outward Hound CWO (Chief Woof Officer) Kyle Hansen.

Bionic President Steve Luhrs is looking forward to working with Outward Hound.

“Through years of testing we’ve created the most durable dog toys using proprietary materials, shapes, designs and manufacturing techniques that put Bionic at the front of the pack. We are excited about joining the Outward Hound team and continuing to delight our customers with fun and innovative products,” said Luhrs.

Partner Joe Lee, Senior Associate Kevin Kumar, and Operating Partner Bill White worked with Schlachet and Rice on the transaction for Riverside and Origination Principal Scott Gilbertson sourced the deal. Riverside was advised by Jones Day and Deloitte.

About The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing businesses valued at up to $250 million (€200 million in Europe). Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 370 transactions. The firm’s international portfolio includes more than 75 companies.