Sponsor Group Finalizes Debt Financing for Acquisition of J.McLaughlin
ORIX Leveraged Finance Provides Senior Debt Facility to Support Sponsor Group’s Acquisition of J.McLaughlin
December 13, 2011
Business Wire
ORIX Leveraged Finance announced today the closing of a senior debt facility to J.McLaughlin. Proceeds were used to finance the previously announced acquisition of J.McLaughlin by private equity sponsors JH Partners, the Highland Consumer Fund, and Palladin Capital Group as well as provide liquidity for the Company’s future growth. ORIX Leveraged Finance was the sole financing party to the transaction and is an equity co-investor.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., J.McLaughlin is an American brand that represents a sought-after preppy lifestyle. J.McLaughlin sells only its branded, proprietary designs and has a unique aesthetic which combines traditional styling and impeccable craftsmanship with flair and an element of surprise. The company currently has 52 stores in 18 states across the eastern half of the United States.
The investment underscores ORIX Leveraged Finance’s commitment to provide acquisition and growth capital to well-managed privately held companies that offer a compelling product or service, and possess franchise value.
Chris Smith, president and CEO of ORIX Corporate Capital, said, “We are pleased to provide acquisition financing support to a very strong syndicate of highly experienced consumer brand and retail-focused investors. We look forward to supporting J.McLaughlin’s founders and management team, and the ownership group, through the next growth phase.”
Jeff Hansen, partner at JH Partners, stated, “We’re excited to have ORIX Leveraged Finance as an investment partner. They moved quickly to close the transaction and provided a flexible financing structure that will support J.McLaughlin’s future growth.”
Tom Stemberg, a managing general partner of the Highland Consumer Fund, noted, “ORIX Leveraged Finance delivered an attractive financing package that demonstrated a strong understanding of our vision for the business.”
Mark Schwartz, CEO of Palladin Capital Group, added, “ORIX Leveraged Finance is a great partner that focuses on meeting the needs of operating companies and equity sponsors; it is always a pleasure working with them.”
About ORIX Leveraged Finance
ORIX Leveraged Finance, a business unit of ORIX USA Corporation, provides debt and equity capital to well-managed small and mid-sized businesses in all industry sectors throughout the United States. ORIX USA Corporation ( www.orix.com ) is a diversified services financial firm with more than 1,400 employees and with operations or investments across the corporate, real estate and public finance markets as well as advisory and asset management services. ORIX USA is the U. S. subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, a publicly owned, international financial services company established in 1964 with headquarters in Tokyo and operations in 27 countries. ORIX Corporation is listed on the Tokyo (8591) and New York (NYSE:IX) stock exchanges.
About J.McLaughlin
Founded in 1977 by brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin with one shop on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the brand has grown to 52 freestanding stores across the Eastern half of the U.S. From the moment the doors opened J.McLaughlin established itself as a classic American brand featuring a flair for bold colors and signature prints. The brand’s unique aesthetic combines traditional styling and impeccable craftsmanship with an element of whimsy for both women and men. The current store base includes locations on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach; Madison Avenue, New York City; Lexington Avenue, New York City; East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich; M Street, Georgetown; and Charles Street, Boston; with new locations in Lake Forest, Illinois; Birmingham, Michigan; Kiawah, South Carolina; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; among others. ( www.jmclaughlin.com )