Roark Capital Group has acquired Massage Envy, a provider of massage therapy and facial treatments. “Massage Envy is consistent with our strategy to invest in market-leading franchises with strong brands and differentiated service offerings. We believe Massage Envy has significant opportunities to enhance its leadership position in the spa and massage industry,” said Neal Aronson, Roark Capital’s managing partner.
Massage Envy is a provider of therapeutic massage that provides professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles, at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy has more than 1.25 million members spread across 800 locations in 45 states. In 2012, Massage Envy franchisees will provide more than 16 million massage and facial treatments to members and guests. The company is based in Scottsdale, AZ (www.MassageEnvy.com).
“We are thrilled to have Roark as a partner as we continue to grow the Massage Envy brand,” said Dave Crisalli, Massage Envy’s President & CEO. “Roark’s strong operational approach and deep consumer and franchise experience makes them an ideal partner for our leadership team, regional developers, franchisees and team members.”
Roark Capital Group invests in business and consumer service companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $1 billion. Sectors of interest include franchise, direct marketing, business services and financial services. The firm has more than $3 billion of equity capital under management and is located in Atlanta, GA (www.roarkcapital.com).
With this acquisition, Roark and its affiliates have made 22 investments in franchise businesses that collectively have more than 4,100 franchisees, 11,000 locations and $10 billion in system-wide revenues across 50 states and 56 countries. Its current franchise/multi-unit portfolio includes Arby’s, Auntie Anne’s, Batteries Plus, Bosley’s Pet Food Plus, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Corner Bakery, FASTSIGNS, Il Fornaio, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Money Mailer, Pet Valu, Primrose Schools, Schlotzsky’s, Wingstop and the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets.
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 10-1-12
