Livingstone advises Leapfrog Brands on investment from Palladin Consumer Retail Partners
Livingstone is pleased to announce an investment in Leapfrog Brands, LLC (“Leapfrog” or the “Company”) from Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, LLC (“Palladin”). Livingstone acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the Company. The transaction closed on December 31, 2020, and its terms were not disclosed.
Leapfrog was founded in 2009 by its current management team to design, develop, and distribute new and innovative products that bring meaningful delight and value to their customers. Today, the Company is a leading designer and provider of beverageware, including portable water bottles and coffee mugs, food storage containers, bakeware, and a variety of other pioneering products that “leapfrog” what already exists in the market for home, office, and travel use.
Leapfrog’s products are distributed under three well-known brands – Ello, for style and substance, Zulu, designed for fueling athletes, and Pogo, keeping up with family life on the go — primarily through major retail chains and direct-to-consumers through leading e-commerce platforms.
Palladin is a private equity firm with extensive experience investing in and building leading retail and consumer brands. Founded in 1998, the firm prides itself on working closely with management teams to create value through strategic and operational initiatives. Its principals have previously held CEO and other senior executive roles at several wholesale, retail, and related companies and have invested in, financed, or managed over 100 public and private companies.
Leapfrog engaged Livingstone to identify and secure a transaction with the best partner to support both the next phase of the Company’s growth and Leapfrog’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service.
Kurt Sward, Co-Founder of Leapfrog, commented, “We are very excited about the transaction with Palladin. Their investment and experience will further strengthen our growth trajectory.” Rick Ellison, Co-Founder of Leapfrog, added, “Livingstone was critical in achieving this outcome. They worked tirelessly on our behalf from day one through closing.”
Livingstone Partner Andrew Bozzelli commented, “Leapfrog differentiates itself via its core competencies in innovation, product design & development, quality, and customer service. It was a pleasure representing Leapfrog on this transaction, and we are excited for their future with Palladin.”
“The Leapfrog transaction highlights another successful outcome for our founder- and entrepreneur-owned clients. It was a pleasure working with the Leapfrog team, and we congratulate them on their next chapter with an excellent partner in Palladin,” stated Patrick Hopkins, Director at Livingstone.
Nixon Peabody LLP served as legal counsel to the Company. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to Palladin.
