Boston, MA – Capstone Partners LLC, a leading investment banking firm, announced that it has successfully advised Master Cutlery Inc. on its recapitalization by Champlain Capital Partners. Capstone Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Master Cutlery on this transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed.
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, Master Cutlery is a prominent designer and manufacturer of crossbows, hunting knives, military & tactical gear, and self defense and collectibles products. The company has a reputation for quality and innovation with a strong IP portfolio and boasts over 6,000 active SKUs that make up 19 proprietary brands and seven licensed brands, including Elk Ridge, MTech, Elite Tactical, Tac-Force, Survivor, Perfect Point and Top Chef, among several others. Through warehouse locations in California & New Jersey, Master Cutlery sells across the U.S. and internationally to customers in Europe, Asia and Australia through a robust distributor and retailer network.
Champlain Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and middle market, niche businesses in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution and non-financial services. The firm is led by investment professionals and operating executives with deep experience and a commitment to working with owners and management teams of small and middle-market companies to help them build their businesses.
Master Cutlery President, Victor Lee, said that the clear strength of the company is its branding and innovation and sterling reputation for quality at an affordable price point, adding “We see so much potential in the company and look forward to building our brand and expanding our market presence with the assistance of our new partners at Champlain Capital.”
“We are very proud to have worked with Master Cutlery on this transaction,” said John Ferrara, Founder & President of Capstone Partners. “Champlain has deep experience in consumer products and is a strong partner for growing the business. Master Cutlery is a premier innovator in the space and provides an opportunity for Champlain Capital to leverage and expand end-markets, create operating efficiencies and serve both vendors and customers with elevated service. The company is well positioned to benefit from healthy industry dynamics in outdoor sports, recreational hunting and outdoor activities and the survival and tactical sectors, and we wish them continued success.”
Awards & Accolades
- 2015: M&A Deal of the Year
