Hammond, Kennedy, Whitney & Company (HKW) has acquired Indigo Wild, a manufacturer and distributor of bath, skin, home, and cleaning products.
Indigo Wild sells its products through grocery, specialty, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer channels. Company-owned brand names include Zum which is best known for its Zum Bar goat’s milk soap. Indigo Wild was founded in 1996 by Emily Voth and is headquartered in Kansas City (www.indigowild.com).
“We are so excited about our future with HKW, their knowledge and experience in the consumer products category can place more plant-based products in the hands of more people, and continue spreading the Indigo Wild mojo,” said Ms. Voth. “HKW is a great group with a partnership mentality. They respect the verve of Zum peeps, our culture, and the power of plants that create the Zum Magic; which is the primary reason we partnered with them.”
“Indigo Wild represents an ideal fit for HKW and our investment approach,” said John Carsello, a Partner at HKW. “The business aligns seamlessly into HKW’s health and wellness sector focus and also has a tremendous track record of growth, customer loyalty, and product innovation. Indigo Wild is led by a passionate and spirited founder in Emily Voth, her impressive management team, and a host of innovative employees. We are thrilled Emily chose to partner with HKW as Indigo Wild enters its next phase in the health and wellness sector.”
Hammond, Kennedy, Whitney & Company invests in companies with revenues between $20 million and $200 million and EBITDAs between $2 million and $20 million. Since 1982, HKW has completed 57 platform management buyouts of small middle-market companies throughout North America as well as 62 add-on acquisitions. The firm was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Indianapolis with an additional office in New York (www.hkwinc.com).
“We look forward to supporting Indigo Wild with resources and capital to pursue their growth plans in the personal care and home cleaning category. Indigo Wild has a great opportunity to continue expanding their loyal customer following,” said Chris Eline, a Principal at HKW.
Taft Stettinius & Hollister (www.taftlaw.com) provided legal services to HKW on this transaction.
© 2018 Private Equity Professional | August 20, 2018
