The Riverside Company has made a minority investment in Bentley Laboratories, a formulator and outsourced manufacturer of products for the beauty and over-the-counter pharmaceutical industries.
Bentley’s product portfolio includes creams, lotions, gels, powders and fragrances used for skin care, hair care, cosmetics, and bath and body products. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Bentley has a laboratory and research department which develops formulations for customers. Bentley was founded in 1982 and is led by CEO Brian Fitzpatrick and President Greg Torchiana. The company is headquartered just outside of New York in Edison, NJ (www.bentleylabs.com).
“Unlike many contract manufacturers that simply fill orders, Bentley is able to help formulate and develop products as well,” said Riverside Managing Partner Hal Greenberg. “We see many compelling avenues for growth at Bentley.”
The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on investing in and acquiring growing businesses valued at up to $300 million. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 420 transactions. The firm’s international portfolio includes more than 80 companies. Riverside is headquartered in New York with additional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London (www.riversidecompany.com).
In the past few years, Bentley has invested significantly in IT, equipment, management and training. “Riverside is eager to work with the company to accelerate its expansion through both organic growth and add-on acquisitions,” said Riverside Partner Michael Kessler.
Working with Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Kessler on the transaction for Riverside were Vice President Jay Reynolds and Associate Director, Origination Cheryl Strom.
Loeb & Loeb (www.loeb.com) provided legal advice to Riverside and WeiserMazars (www.weisermazars.com) provided accounting services.
New York-based investment bank Carriage Hill (www.carriagehill.com) advised Bentley and Giordano Halleran & Ciesla (www.ghclaw.com) provided legal services.
© 2016 Private Equity Professional • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 3-31-16
