Hilco Vision, a portfolio company of Blue Point Capital Partners, has acquired Jonathan Paul Eyewear. This is the fifth add-on acquisition by the company since being acquired by Blue Point in May 2014.
The acquisition of Jonathan Paul expands Hilco’s product line into sunglasses designed to fit over prescription eyewear and Jonathan Paul Fitovers is one of the leading brands in this category. The company’s products are distributed in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Hong Kong and China. Jonathan Paul is headquartered in Austin (www.fitovers.com).
“In partnership with Blue Point, Hilco Vision continues to identify complementary products to add to its product mix and strengthens its geographic presence,” said John LeMay, a Partner with Blue Point. “The acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear follows three acquisitions completed in Europe in the last 18 months, and builds on Hilco’s momentum to deliver on its promise to be a global partner to its customers worldwide.”
In September 2016, Hilco Vision acquired Optiplus and Proteye. Optiplus is a distributor of eyewear accessories, professional tools and lens-care in the Netherlands and is based northeast of Amsterdam in Leek (www.optiplus.nl). Proteye is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of prescription industrial safety eyewear, sports frames and swimming goggles. The company is based southwest of Rotterdam in Middelburg (www.proteye.nl/en/). In August 2015, Hilco Vision closed on its first two add-ons when it acquired Breitfeld & Schliekert and Lexxoo International.
As a result of these acquisitions, Hilco Vision is today a designer, manufacturer and distributor of eyewear and eye care accessories, supplies and equipment. The company supplies more than 30,000 SKUs to more than 25,000 domestic and international customers. Hilco Vision is led by its CEO Ross Brownlee, and is headquartered southwest of Boston in Plainville, MA, with additional operations in Canada, China, Europe and Australia (www.hilco.com).
“We are extremely excited about the acquisition of such an innovative brand, recognized for its originality, functionality and design,” said Mr. Brownlee.
Blue Point Capital Partners is a lower middle market private equity firm that invests in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses generating $20 million to $200 million in revenue. The firm has over $800 million in committed capital and has offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle, and Shanghai (www.bluepointcapital.com).
© 2016 Private Equity Professional
November 29, 2016
