Press Release
Gridiron Capital Acquires McKenzie Sports Products, Inc.
NEW CANAAN, Conn., September, 2006 — Gridiron Capital, LLC has, along with management, acquired Granite Quarry, NC headquartered McKenzie Sports Products, Inc. The investment was made to acquire the company and provide capital for further organic growth and potential acquisitions. McKenzie Sports Products, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells taxidermy forms and supplies used to mount trophies harvested by hunters and fishermen.
“McKenzie Sports Products is the industry leader in taxidermy forms and supplies used by taxidermists and fits with Gridiron’s overall strategy of investing in industry-leading businesses where we can help bring them to the next level,” said Gridiron Capital’s Managing Partner Tom Burger. “McKenzie is the leader in the industry and has the most extensive line of high-quality products — from big game, exotics and small game to birds and fish. We are very pleased to be partnering with management and are strongly committed to building on the Company’s long history of success in providing taxidermists and sportsmen with the very best.”
“We are excited to be working with the Gridiron team,” commented Kevin McKenzie, President and CEO of McKenzie Sports Products. “With Gridiron’s active support, we look forward to expanding our product offerings while continuing to provide top-quality products and excellent customer service for taxidermists and their customers.”
Founded in 1973 by experienced taxidermist and hunter Larry McKenzie, the company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad array of anatomically correct taxidermy forms. The taxidermy forms are sold exclusively through the company’s retail catalogue. It also sells additional parts, supplies, accessories and training materials to create one-stop convenience for the taxidermist. Additional information may be found at www.mckenziesp.com.
Gridiron Capital, LLC, headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a private equity firm focused on creating value by acquiring and building middle-market manufacturing, service and specialty consumer companies in the United States and Canada. The firm’s principals have historically achieved superior investment returns by employing a combination of strategic, operating and financial experience to provide portfolio companies with competitive advantages. Gridiron’s principals work closely with management teams to develop strategies for portfolio companies, as well as providing resources to execute business plans and build industry-leading companies. More information about Gridiron is available on the firm’s website at www.gridironcapital.com.