Highlander Partners has acquired Ergo Baby from publicly traded Compass Diversified.
Ergobaby specializes in ergonomic juvenile products, including baby carriers, strollers, wraps, and nursing pillows. The company’s product offerings include the Omni 360 Baby Carrier, which allows for multiple carrying positions, and the Metro+ Stroller, a compact travel stroller that fits in airplane overhead bins and is designed for city streets.
Ergobaby’s product lines are organized into three key brands: Ergobaby, known for versatile and durable baby carriers like the Adapt and Omni series; Tula, renowned for carriers that showcase artisanal prints and customizable sizing; and Belly Bandit, focused on maternity and postpartum care with recovery belts, leggings, and nursing bras.
Ergobaby, led by CEO Jason Frame, was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, The company operates in more than 75 countries, reaching customers through 1,800 retail locations.
“We are excited about the new partnership with Highlander and will benefit from their expertise within branded consumer products,” said Mr. Frame. “The management team is energized, and our pipeline is full of new opportunities. Our brands enjoy exceptional consumer awareness, and we are well-positioned to continue our historical success in the foreseeable future.”
“This acquisition further emphasizes Highlander’s focus on investing in category-leading branded consumer product companies,” said Jeff Hull, the president and CEO of Highlander. “As the #1 baby carrier brand globally, Ergobaby has tremendous growth opportunities driven by product innovation, market expansion, and increased consumer awareness. In addition, we have a strong track record of implementing a ‘buy and build’ approach with our investments and see significant M&A opportunities that would complement Ergobaby’s parenting portfolio and business strategy to better serve its customers in the broader juvenile products market.”
Dallas-headquartered Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment strategy that invests in businesses operating in sectors where its principals have expertise, including consumer products, food, and manufacturing.
Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) is a private equity firm specializing in acquisitions, buyouts, and middle-market investments. The firm invests between $75 million and $700 million in companies that have EBITDA of at least $10 million. Sectors of interest include niche industrial or branded consumer companies that are headquartered in North America. Compass went public in 2006 and is based in Westport, Connecticut.
Robert W. Baird was the financial advisor to Compass Diversified on this transaction.
© 2025 Private Equity Professional | January 7, 2025
