New York, New York, February 5, 2008
SJ Partners through its affiliate SJ Capital Partners III LLC has acquired European Soaps, Ltd (“Soaps” or the “Company”).
European Soaps is the nation’s largest wholesaler of French made soaps to independent gift stores. The Company’s primarily sells its own Pré de Provence brand; it also distributes select Italian and German personal care brands.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Joining the board of directors and also investing was Robert Phillips, the former President of Unilever Personal Products and former CEO of Clairol, Inc. Debt financing was provided by Tenth Street Capital.
About SJ Partners, LLC
SJ Partners (SJP) acquires and advises middle market businesses. SJ Partners invests in consumer and services companies with $1-10 million in cash flow. Industries of particular interest include business services and consumer products. SJP also provides select investment banking services.
SJP’s resources provide a deep base of operating and research knowledge. SJP’s founder and CEO Scott Johnson was trained as an equity analyst and was a member of a #2 rated Institutional Investor rated equity research team at Merrill Lynch. The firm also benefits from its affiliated relationship with the NPD Group, one of the nation’s largest private consumer market research companies. Lastly, SJP works with a set of operating partners who each have over 20 years of experience in the distribution, consumer and services industries.
About European Soaps LLC
Headquartered in Seattle, WA, European Soaps LLC (www.europeansoaps.com) has been formed to acquire European Soaps Ltd.
European Soaps Ltd. was founded over forty years ago and is the leading supplier of European made soaps to the nation’s independent gift stores. European Soaps primarily sells products under its own Pré de Provence brand; it also sells select German and Italian personal care products.
For More Information:
Scott Johnson SJ Partners, LLC
212-362-1530