News

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners has acquired Willowbrook, Illinois-based Club Champion, a provider of custom fitting services and golf equipment in the U.S. No financial terms were disclosed. Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised LLCP on the deal.

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES — Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, announced that it has partnered with management to acquire Club Champion, LLC (“Club Champion” or the “Company”). Club Champion is a leading provider of custom fitting services and golf equipment in the US. The Company currently operates 47 stores across 25 states with plans to continue its rapid expansion. Club Champion is headquartered in Willowbrook, IL.

The investment in Club Champion will be made by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners VI, L.P. According to Robert Poletti, Partner of LLCP, “We are excited to partner with the management team of Club Champion who have led the Company’s tremendous growth over the past several years and solidified the Company’s position as a market leader in the club fitting industry. With its growing presence and strong brand recognition, Club Champion will continue to spearhead the use of custom fitting and precision club building to help golfers maximize their results on the golf course. We look forward to working with the Company to deliver a successful outcome for all.”

Joe Lee, CEO of Club Champion, commented, “My team and I are thrilled to partner with LLCP as Club Champion seeks to continue to expand its store base and bolster its market-leading position. LLCP’s experience with similar business models will be a valuable asset to our continued development, and I look forward to the next chapter of growth for Club Champion.”

LLCP was advised by Kirkland & Ellis LLP. North Point Advisors served as financial advisor to the sellers of Club Champion.

For more information, visit http://www.llcp.com.

About Levine Leichtman Capital Partners
LLCP is a Los Angeles, California based private investment firm that has managed approximately $10.2 billion of institutional capital since its inception. LLCP invests in middle market companies located in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. LLCP is currently making new investments through Levine Leichtman Capital Partners VI, L.P., LLCP Lower Middle Market Fund, L.P., Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Europe, L.P. and Levine Leichtman Strategic Capital, LLC. LLCP has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, London, Stockholm and The Hague.