Backyard Discovery, a provider of outdoor recreation products and a portfolio company of Baird Capital Partners, has acquired GoConfigure, a provider of delivery, installation and maintenance services.
GoConfigure (GCI) provides delivery, installation and maintenance services to retailers and OEMs nationwide, with a particular focus on fitness equipment, wooden swing sets, wooden sheds, basketball goals, game tables, trampolines and gun safes. The company is base in Lisle, IL (www.gciteam.com).
“This acquisition combines GCI’s nationwide installation network and robust customer service platform with BYD’s proprietary consumer product offering,” said Gordon Liao, Vice President at Baird Capital Partners. ”We see this as unique in the consumer products world and as a major strategic advantage for the company.”
Backyard Discovery (BYD) is a global consumer products company with nationwide installation capabilities. BYD was established in 2007 through the Baird Capital Partners-backed merger of Backyard Adventures and Leisure Time Products, two outdoor recreation product providers. In the past two years, BYD acquired SHEDS USA and Classic Manor Builders to become a leader in the wooden sheds category. The company’s products are marketed under the following brand names: Create-N-Adventure, Adventure Playsets, Backyard Adventure, Leisure Time Products and Backyard Builders. BYD products are sold through nationwide retailers including Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Toys-R-Us, BJ’s and through independent dealers across the country. Backyard Discovery is based in Pittsburg, KS (www.swingsetsonline.com).
“We have had a long-standing relationship with GCI and are excited about the opportunity to broaden our reach,” said Ron Scripsick, CEO of BYD. “We look forward to building upon the significant opportunities between us and providing the best customer service for both the retail channel and end consumer.”
Baird Capital Partners invests in lower middle-market companies in the manufactured products, healthcare and business services sectors. The firm invests from $15 million to $35 million in companies with enterprise values of $25 to $125 million and EBITDAs greater than $5 million. Baird Capital Partners was founded in 1989 and is based in Chicago, IL (www.bairdcapitalpartners.com).
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 11-26-12
