Private Equity Investments for Lower-Middle-Market Companies

Private Equity Investments for Lower-Middle-Market Companies

Private Equity Investments for Lower-Middle-Market Companies

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Longstreth Sporting Goods announces the acquisition of Kimsports CC, headquartered in Knysna, South Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
Contact: Nicole Ratke
412-897-9368

SPRING CITY, PA. – Longstreth Sporting Goods announces the acquisition of Kimsports CC, headquartered in Knysna, South Africa. Kimsports is the leading supplier of field hockey equipment in South Africa. Founded 29 years ago, Shane Schonegevel grew the business out of a family sports retail store. Both businesses will operate in their current capacity under the Longstreth umbrella, and Mr. Schonegevel will continue to lead the Kimsports operations in South Africa.

Kimsports imports and sells branded hockey equipment in South Africa, primarily under market leading brands such as Gryphon, OBO, Adidas, JDH and Voodoo. Kimsports operates in a manner very similar to Longstreth with a multi-channel sales approach combining wholesale, direct to schools/clubs, and a growing ecommerce business at https://planethockey.co.za/.

Longstreth is the preeminent supplier of field hockey equipment in the United States, catering to young female athletes through a vibrant website and retail location, selling direct to universities and institutions, and wholesale to other retailers. Longstreth specifically remains steadfast in its commitment to offer players choice and access to the best equipment available in the sport by continuing to bring to the United States leading international field hockey brands. Additionally, Longstreth owns Cultor Pty Ltd in Australia, which develops and sells hockey products under top international hockey brand names Gryphon and Voodoo.

“This is a really exciting step for our organization,” said John Schaefer, CEO of Longstreth Sporting Goods. “Shane has built such a strong team, and business in South Africa, with a commitment and mission very similar to Longstreth – to provide world class customer service and equipment to athletes at all levels of play. We both share representation of Gryphon and OBO in our markets, which will continue to underpin our local presence and provide a strong foundation for our commitment to our customers.”

Shane Schonegevel said, “Joining with Longstreth and Cultor provides a strong long-term home for myself, my people and of course the business. I look forward to working with Jonathon Petterson (Managing Director of Cultor), as well as the Longstreth team, in sharing best practices and figuring out the best approaches for all our markets so we continue to offer top notch solutions to our customers. I am really excited about the future for Kimsports as a key part in the Longstreth organization.”

“Combining with Kimsports adds a 3rd important country for our hockey brands into Longstreth, as South Africa, the United States and of course Australia are all key markets for Gryphon, Voodoo and Paradox. This acquisition builds on our combination with Longstreth earlier in 2024 and strengthens the combined home for all of our employees,” adds Jonathon Petterson of Cultor.

Longstreth has a strong capital base led by Roebling Capital Partners, and has combined with Max Field Hockey, Cultor and now Kimsports over the last year. Longstreth will continue to look for investments that will enhance operations in the U.S. as well as in the fragmented international field hockey marketplace.

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About Longstreth Sporting Goods: Longstreth Sporting Goods has been dedicated for more than 40 years to encouraging and developing women’s sports, specializing in field hockey. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia, PA, Longstreth provides players, schools and teams, and retailers across the United States with the best equipment and service in the industry. Visit www.longstreth.com to see the full selection of products. Longstreth is a portfolio company of Roebling Capital Partners, a private equity fund out of Cincinnati, OH focused on the lower middle market.

About Kimsports CC: Kimsports was founded in 1995 and currently operates out of Knysna, South Africa. Kimsports, also doing business as OBO SA, imports and distributes internationally branded field hockey products to the South African market. Kimsports primarily offers Gryphon, OBO, Adidas and JDH products and sells wholesale, direct to schools/clubs and through a website www.planethockey.co.za.

About Cultor Pty Ltd: Cultor / Gryphon was founded and still has headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. Under Peter Haselhurst, Gryphon helped pioneered the development of composite hockey sticks in the early 1990s. Fast-forward over 40 years and the brand is still pushing the limits in a dynamic global market, proudly displaying its Australian heritage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Carlson is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Roebling Capital Partners, a lower-middle-market private equity investment firm.

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Private equity investments for
lower-middle-market companies

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Company Name
Longstreth Sporting Goods

Website
longstrethfieldhockey.com

Location
Philadelphia, PA

Categories
Active, Value-Added Distribution

Date of Close
August 31, 2023

Longstreth Sporting Goods

Longstreth Sporting Goods is a value-added, omni-channel women’s field hockey equipment distributor that carries impressive brand equity and name recognition in the sector. The Company employs 20 full time employees and has been committed to supporting the development of domestic field hockey for over 40 years. The Company’s omni-channel sales approach boasts revenue streams from E-commerce, Wholesale, Group Sales, and Retail customers. 

Investment Thesis

  • Incredibly strong business model boasting high margins
  • Impressive management team (including middle management)
  • Opportunities for expansion into other sports and internationally
  • Longstreth’s position as the key player in a niche market
  • A very strong risk-adjusted return profile  

RVA™ Approach

  • Investing in eCommerce infrastructure to facilitate continued eCommerce revenue growth
  • Fragmented market prime for inorganic growth
  • Enhancements to operational capabilities to drive further efficiencies
The Porch Swing Company

Company Name
The Porch Swing Company

Website
theporchswingcompany.com

Location
Tampa, FL

Categories
Active, Consumer Products

Date of Close
February 18, 2022

The Porch Swing Company

The Porch Swing Company is one of the largest ecommerce retailers of porch swings and outdoor patio furniture in the U.S. The company’s products are superior-quality, easy-to-assemble, Amish-crafted outdoor furniture, including porch swings, swing beds, gliders, rocking chairs, and more.

Transaction Dynamics
Partnership with the founder to recapitalize the business and position it for future growth. Additionally, RCP partnered with Cincinnati-based operating partners to bolster the day-to-day operational management function. Both the founder and the operating partners made notable investments in the company as part of the transaction.

Investment Thesis
  • Elegant business model and value proposition that enable the company to scale easily and rapidly, without being burdened by significant warehousing space or inventory constraints
  • First-mover advantage and strong barriers to entry given legacy relationships with high-quality, reliable, Amish craftspeople
  • Opportunity to easily expand product offering and optimizing sourcing

RVA™ Approach

  • Investing in R&D to expand product offering and reduce seasonality
  • Improving systems and processes through implementing new technologies
  • Bolstering management infrastructure with key personnel additions
  • Accelerating growth via meaningful investment in sales, marketing, and advertising

Company Name
Teron Lighting, Inc. (TLI, LLC)

Website
teronlighting.com

Location
Cincinnati, OH

Categories
Active, Light Manufacturing

Date of Close
April 16, 2021

Teron Lighting

Cincinnati-based TLI, LLC is a nationally recognized leader in manufacturing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly lighting products. With over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of commercial-grade lighting fixtures, TLI is positioned for substantial growth in product and market initiatives.

Transaction Dynamics
RCP provided a solution to the legacy ownership group whereby they could transition out of the business and retire. We partnered with new and existing management, who have notable equity consideration, to align interests and propel growth into the future.

Investment Thesis
  • Compelling value proposition given the TLI’s ability to produce bespoke, American-made products, which are increasingly rare in the sector
  • Strong national manufacturers’ representative network
  • In-house testing and engineering capabilities
  • Diverse end market and customer base
  • Multiple avenues of growth yet to be pursued
RVA™ Approach
  • Top-grading management
  • Improving systems and processes
  • Investing further in engineering capabilities
  • Pursuing add-on acquisitions
  • Initiating a full-scale, ongoing marketing campaign to bolster the brand

“My brother Michael and I wanted to ensure that the company, and every employee, are protected through this transition. I am happy to have Roebling behind us because they will stand behind the growth and the team.”

– David Bellos, Co-owner and Legacy CEO
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All Claims Repairs & Consultants

Company Name
All Claims Repairs, LLC

Website
allclaimsrepairs.com

Location
Deerfield Beach, FL

Categories
Active, Business Services

Date of Close
December 20, 2020

All Claims Repairs

All Claims Repairs is a licensed and insured general contractor specializing in water extraction, mold remediation, and water and fire damage restoration. The company also provides consulting services such as expert testimony and umpiring services to litigated claims. The company works with residential and commercial property owners, insurance companies, and insurance claims professionals to evaluate and restore damaged properties.

Transaction Dynamics
Partnership with the existing owners to recapitalize the business to accelerate growth. The owners/management made a significant investment in the company as part of the transaction.

Investment Thesis

  • Unique value proposition in the industry, providing a full-service offering including both consulting and restoration services to key markets in Florida
  • Strong brand equity in the market
  • Nimble, flexible operations that enable the company to provide a multitude of value-added services to a diverse array of customers
  • Recession-resistant, non-cyclical business model

RVA™ Approach

  • Meaningful investment in the sales and marketing function to further diversify end markets
  • Adding key management members
  • Adding valuable advisory board members

“When we decided to expand our services, we went looking for a financial partner who could help us get to the next level. Roebling’s philosophy mirrored ours. They approached the partnership with a focus on maintaining our culture and preserving our legacy while we collectively push toward expansion into new territories. We are extremely excited to work with the Roebling team to take All Claims to the next level of growth.” ”

– Tony Allogia, President
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Chemlock Nutrition Logo

Company Name
Chemlock Nutrition

Website
chemlocknutrition.com

Location
Cincinnati, OH

Categories
Active, Value-Added Distribution

Date of Close
June 14, 2021

Chemlock Nutrition

Chemlock Nutrition formulates and provides high-purity, specialty feed additives for end-use in the livestock feed industry. Since entering the industry in 2013, Chemlock is one of the fastest-growing feed additive and ingredient companies in the U.S., having more than tripled its revenue in the last three years.

Transaction Dynamics
Partnership with the founders/owners to recapitalize the company and position it for sustained long-term growth. The founders made a significant investment in the company as part of the transaction and will continue in their existing capacity going forward. 

Investment Thesis

  • The company takes a chemistry-first approach, enabling it to possess a strong position in the market, primarily from a product quality and innovation perspective
  • Attractive growth story, value proposition, and management dynamics
  • Expansive and diverse end markets, some of which are untapped
  • Meaningful continued equity and operational participation from the founders

RVA™ Approach

  • Enhancing systems and inventory management
  • Expanding proprietary product offering through concerted, meaningful investment in R&D
  • Further diversifying customer and end-market base
  • Augmenting the sales and marketing function

“Our business is growing so rapidly that it has outgrown the size of our team. With the addition of outside capital, we can fund more research and staff that will help us close the gap between current meat/dairy production limitations and evolving consumer demand/climate change.”

– Kris Mehan, COO
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