News

Audax Private Equity has acquired Beloit, Wisconsin-based PlayMonster LLC, a maker of games and toys. The seller was Topspin Partners. No financial terms were disclosed. Robert W. Baird & Co. served as financial adviser to PlayMonster while Ropes & Gray served as counsel to Audax.

PRESS RELEASE

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Audax Private Equity (“Audax”) announced that it has acquired PlayMonster, LLC (“PlayMonster”) from Topspin Partners. PlayMonster, headquartered in Beloit, WI, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of games and toys. The Company’s portfolio of games and toys for children and adults features brands such as Yeti in My Spaghetti, 5 Second Rule, My Fairy Garden, and Relative Insanity. PlayMonster products are distributed through mass, e-commerce, and specialty retailer channels across the U.S. and U.K.

Geoffrey S. Rehnert, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Audax, said, “PlayMonster has earned an outstanding reputation in the toy and games market by delivering innovative brands to the mass, e-commerce, and specialty retailer segments. We look forward to working with Bob Wann and the PlayMonster team to continue building a leading platform through organic growth and add-on acquisitions.”

Bob Wann, CEO of PlayMonster, said, “We are excited to partner with Audax for the next stage of our growth. Audax brings expertise and resources that will help us continue to build our market position through strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.”

Robert W. Baird & Co. served as financial advisor to PlayMonster. Ropes & Gray served as counsel to Audax.

ABOUT AUDAX PRIVATE EQUITY
Since its founding in 1999, Audax has been focused on building leading middle market companies. Audax has invested $5 billion in 119 platforms and 715 add-on companies. Through its disciplined Buy & Build approach, Audax seeks to help platform companies execute add-on acquisitions that fuel revenue growth, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value. Audax Group is an alternative asset management firm specializing in investments in middle market companies. With offices in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, Audax Group has over $13 billion in assets under management across its Private Equity, Mezzanine, and Senior Debt businesses. For more information, visit the Audax Group website, www.audaxgroup.com.