Consumer Products & Services

DAK Has The Experience You Need

Over 40 years and hundreds of successful transactions, DAK has developed exceptional relationships with potential buyers, sellers, and other experts in the consumer products and services space – both domestically and internationally. DAK has earned a reputation for partnering with middle-market business owners, gaining a deep understanding of their company and goals, and rolling up our sleeves to achieve the best possible result. Whether your goal is to better understand the current value of your business and how to increase that value, to grow through accretive acquisitions, or to find the ideal buyer, DAK is your “go-to-resource” every step of the way.

  • Food & Beverage
  • Apparel & Textile Products
  • Household Goods
  • Health, Wellness & Nutrition
  • Toys & Collectibles
  • Consumer Electronics

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Click to view some of DAK’s Successful Consumer Transactions:

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Idan Foods has been acquired by Woodland Foods

Idan Foods, headquartered in Hawthorne, NJ., is a manufacturer and developer of breading and batters, coating systems, baking mixes, and seasonings. With a strong portfolio of branded offerings, custom solution development services for customers, and a strong focus on high quality products and customer service. 

DAK led a sell-side process for Idan Foods by positioning their 46-year legacy of high-quality offerings that are perfect for high-growth foodservice operators, large established foodservice distributors, and innovative industrial customers throughout the United States which were key characteristics attractive to Woodland Foods.

This acquisition allows Woodland Foods to further develop strong customer relations to expand and increase its already extensive channel reach, culinary capabilities, and global sourcing approach.

The Atlantic Club (TAC) has been acquired by Genesis Health Clubs

The Atlantic Club (TAC) is an award-winning Health, Fitness, Wellness Center, and Spa nestled on a 42-acre campus in Manasquan, NJ, with a satellite campus in Red Bank, NJ. The Manasquan facility is known for its comprehensive services that include a state-of- the art fitness center.

DAK created a competitive process, identifying a number of high-quality acquirers for TAC. Genesis Health Clubs emerged as the ideal partner to join forces with The Atlantic Club, bringing more solutions to existing clients and will continue to provide the same great product they’ve enjoyed for years.

This transaction has provided TAC the opportunity to gain a strategic partner to accelerate their vision of growth.

Cambridge Silversmiths, Ltd., Inc. has been sold to Lenox Corporation

Cambridge is the industry leader for design and innovation of flatware and tabletop accessories ranking #1 as the national flatware brand and the #3 national tabletop brand. Cambridge was acquired by Lenox Corporation, an American company and market leader in tableware and giftware.

DAK led a competitive, sell-side process for Cambridge, identifying several exceptional acquirers of which Lenox Corporation emerged as the superior partner. By positioning the combination of Cambridge’s trusted brand equity, large product portfolio and knowledge, DAK achieved an outstanding outcome for the company’s shareholders.

The transaction capitalizes on Cambridge Silversmiths leadership position in the flatware and tabletop industry’s and will enhance the depth of products and customers for Lenox.

Jimmy’s Cookies has acquired Ecce Panis, Inc. from Campbell Soup Company

Jimmy’s Cookies, a leading manufacturer of gourmet cookies and cookie dough, has acquired Ecce Panis, Inc., an artisan bread brand and its bakery operations in South River, NJ, from Campbell Soup Company.

DAK served as the exclusive investment banker and financial advisor to Jimmy’s Cookies initiating and managing the entire acquisition process.

This acquisition will expand Jimmy’s Cookies product line while supporting future growth, providing customers with a full range of premium baked goods. In addition, the acquisition of the 113,000 ft. state of the art bakery facility will provide significant additional capacity for growing premium cookie products.

Levain Bakery has received an investment from The Stripes Group

Since its founding in 1994, Levain Bakery has grown into a neighborhood institution for locals and an international destination for world travelers. Providing a vast array of freshly baked delectables, the Company has expanded from its Upper West Side, New York City headquarters to three other retail locations and has also established an online presence. Committed to the finest natural ingredients and a superb customer experience, Levain Bakery delivers the ultimate cookie.

Levain Bakery was approached by Stripes Group with an attractive offer for a controlling equity investment in the Company. The founding owners were interested in getting outside resources to help grow the company, allow them to cut back their time invested in running the operation and to take money off the table to ensure their financial future.

DAK made a compelling case to Stripes, highlighting the premium priced product, enthusiastic customer base including a celebrity and world-wide following and the substantial opportunity for strategic geographic expansion.

DAK successfully negotiated significantly improved pricing and much more favorable terms compared to Stripes initial offer, and guided the company to a successful closing.

Princeton Artist Brush Company has been acquired by Pacon Corporation

Princeton Artist Brush Co. is the number one manufacturer and distributor of fine art brushes in North America. Princeton was acquired by Pacon Corporation, the parent company of Strathmore Artist Papers, a supplier of fine papers to the artist community for over 125 years.

DAK served as the exclusive investment banker and financial advisor to Princeton Artist Brush Co., managing the divestiture process. Princeton had received an indication of interest from Pacon prior to engaging DAK. By emphasizing the synergies that could result from this highly strategic transaction, DAK was able to achieve a double-digit increase on the initial offer.

The combination of Princeton Artist Brush and Strathmore creates a one-stop shopping experience for the artist community by delivering to customers exceptional artist brushes, the highest quality paper and a focus on providing outstanding customer service. This combination serves to strengthen relationships with the customer while simultaneously creating operational efficiencies.

DAK Represented Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Peekay Boutiques

Peekay Boutiques, Inc. is a Seattle-based public company that operates more than 45 boutiques selling lingerie and women’s wellness and sexual health products. DAK represented the official committee of unsecured creditors (UCC) of Peekay.

A private equity firm borrowed heavily in order to acquire the profitable Peekay in an effort to build a national franchise. The company went public but for years was not able to service the debt burden placed on it. Peekay Boutiques, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11. DAK was retained by the UCC for both investment banking and financial advisory services. DAK participated in a marketing process which resulted in a wide range of potential strategic and financial buyers.

There was significant buyer interest expressed, however the stalking horse credit bid submitted by the Term A Lenders was determined to be the highest and best price for substantially all of the Company’s assets.

La Cena Fine Foods has been acquired by Diaz Foods

La Cena Fine Foods, Ltd., a distributor of branded products to the Caribbean and Hispanic market in the northeastern United States for more than 50 years, has been acquired by Diaz Foods, a leading marketer of specialty foods based in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of the acquisition, La Cena distributed more than 500 authentic food products, drinks, condiments and spices appealing to a wide range of traditional tastes.

DAK led a competitive sell-side process for La Cena, receiving several offers. In its extensive marketing materials, DAK highlighted La Cena’s long history and an unparalleled reputation for high quality branded Caribbean food as well as its strong distribution network throughout the northeastern United States. These key characteristics were particularly attractive to Diaz as an important component of their growth plan.

The acquisition marks a significant step in the expansion strategy of Diaz Foods, a privately-held company with over $200 million in revenue. Diaz was able to introduce the La Cena family of brands into its existing distribution network of more than 24 states. At the same time, Diaz was able to distribute its 5,000 product offerings throughout the northeast. The La Cena acquisition allowed Diaz to effectively service the northeast while simultaneously expanding its product offerings.

E-Z DO, Inc has been acquired by a Private Buyer

E-Z DO, Inc., a leading vendor of home storage products to the mass merchant channel since 1973, has been acquired by a highly strategic private company buyer.

E-Z DO engaged DAK to identify a strategic acquirer who would accelerate the Company’s growth. DAK ran a comprehensive global search garnering several interested parties.

The transaction was critical to E-Z DO’s growth strategy, providing numerous manufacturing and distribution synergies, while also providing a great opportunity for the buyer to grow its business while expanding the availability of E-Z DO’s high-quality products in the marketplace.

Alexander Doll Company has obtained financing from Sterling National Bank

Alexander Sterling

DAK had a long relationship with Alexander Doll advising them with multiple transactions. Alexander Doll Company, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a full line of play, baby and collectible dolls. The Madame Alexander brand name is an iconic brand universally accepted as the premier choice for play, baby and collectible dolls. For over 80 years, Alexander Doll Company has established an exceptional reputation for its high-end collectible dolls by maintaining a tradition of designing charming and elegant dolls.

DAK was initially engaged to assist the company with restructuring their banking facility with Webster Bank. DAK successfully negotiated a restructured facility curing defaults and permitting the company to focus on resuming focus on business operations.

In order to maintain growth, DAK was re-engaged by Alexander Doll Company to refinance the company’s debt with a new lender that would assist the company with its expansion strategy. DAK successfully led the refinancing of the debt with Sterling Bank.

DAK was subsequently engaged by the Alexander Doll Company to assess its strategic options for an exit. In a highly strategic transaction, the DAK team led the sale of the company to Kahn Lucas, a manufacturer and distributor of children’s clothing. The highly complementary transaction resulted in the successful monetizing of the iconic Madame Alexander brand.

Alexander Doll Company has had their business and select assets acquired by Kahn Lucas

Alexander Kahn Lucas

DAK had a long relationship with Alexander Doll advising them with multiple transactions. Alexander Doll Company, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a full line of play, baby and collectible dolls. The Madame Alexander brand name is an iconic brand universally accepted as the premier choice for play, baby and collectible dolls. For over 80 years, Alexander Doll Company has established an exceptional reputation for its high-end collectible dolls by maintaining a tradition of designing charming and elegant dolls.

DAK was initially engaged to assist the company with restructuring their banking facility with Webster Bank. DAK successfully negotiated a restructured facility curing defaults and permitting the company to focus on resuming focus on business operations.

In order to maintain growth, DAK was re-engaged by Alexander Doll Company to refinance the company’s debt with a new lender that would assist the company with its expansion strategy. DAK successfully led the refinancing of the debt with Sterling Bank.

DAK was subsequently engaged by the Alexander Doll Company to assess its strategic options for an exit. In a highly strategic transaction, the DAK team led the sale of the company to Kahn Lucas, a manufacturer and distributor of children’s clothing. The highly complementary transaction resulted in the successful monetizing of the iconic Madame Alexander brand.

Beacon Looms has been acquired by 1888 Mills

Beacon Looms, an innovative producer of home window treatments sold through mass-market retailers, has been acquired by 1888 Mills, a manufacturer of home textiles.

DAK was engaged by Beacon Looms to explore its options for an exit via strategic sale. The DAK team advised Beacon on its acquisition by 1888 Mills. The transaction capitalized on Beacon’s 97-year legacy and offered the buyer additional product lines and global sourcing capabilities.

This transaction allowed for 1888 Mills to further expand their product reach while giving Beacon access to a growing, global operation.

Professional Lamps, Inc. has been acquired by Pureland Supply

Pureland

Professional Lamps, Inc., a distributor of high-performance OEM and replacement bulbs and lamps for audio-visual equipment, has been acquired by Pureland Supply, a regional distributor of replacement projector lamps to Schools, Churches, Businesses, and individuals.

DAK advised PLI in its strategic acquisition by Pureland Supply, a distributor of replacement lamps for large-scale projectors. DAK positioned PLI to highlight their extensive product line and customers.

This transaction gave Pureland Supply the opportunity to expand their product offering and acquire a new group of customers.

Alexander Doll Company has restructured with a line of credit from Webster Bank

Alexander Webster

DAK had a long relationship with Alexander Doll advising them with multiple transactions. Alexander Doll Company, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a full line of play, baby and collectible dolls. The Madame Alexander brand name is an iconic brand universally accepted as the premier choice for play, baby and collectible dolls. For over 80 years, Alexander Doll Company has established an exceptional reputation for its high-end collectible dolls by maintaining a tradition of designing charming and elegant dolls.

DAK was initially engaged to assist the company with restructuring their banking facility with Webster Bank. DAK successfully negotiated a restructured facility curing defaults and permitting the company to focus on resuming focus on business operations.

In order to maintain growth, DAK was re-engaged by Alexander Doll Company to refinance the company’s debt with a new lender that would assist the company with its expansion strategy. DAK successfully led the refinancing of the debt with Sterling Bank.

DAK was subsequently engaged by the Alexander Doll Company to assess its strategic options for an exit. In a highly strategic transaction, the DAK team led the sale of the company to Kahn Lucas, a manufacturer and distributor of children’s clothing. The highly complementary transaction resulted in the successful monetizing of the iconic Madame Alexander brand.

Ronson Consumer Products Corporation has had substantially all assets acquired by Zippo Manufacturing Company

Ronson Zippo

Ronson Consumer Products Corporation (NASDAQ: RONC), a leading worldwide manufacturer of various lighters, butane-fueled torches and flame accessories, has been acquired by Zippo Manufacturing Company, the leading U.S. manufacturer of reusable metal lighters.

DAK advised Ronson on the strategic sale of substantially all its consumer product assets to Zippo Manufacturing Company. This transaction combined two major competitors in a highly accretive combination.

This transaction ensured Ronson’s product line will continue to be marketed and sold under the Ronson name, but financially supported by Zippo. The deal also provided an opportunity for Zippo to expand their businesses and leverage Ronson’s competitive position in the lighter and fuels markets.

Inspired Studios, Inc. has had substantially all of the assets acquired by Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA)

Gaiam

Inspired Studios, one of the oldest family-owned independent music, book and video production and distribution companies in North America, has been acquired by Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA), an international alternative media service and online community focusing on pseudoscience and yoga.

DAK advised Inspired on the sale of substantially all of its assets to Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA), a lifestyle media company resulting in a successful strategic acquisition for the buyer. The DAK group led a broad process and highlighted the Inspired Studios’ extensive and diverse content library covering a broad range of categories.

The acquisition increased Gaiam’s audio content library and its competitive positioning in the marketplace.

Greene Uniform Company, Inc. has been acquired by Flynn O’Hara’s School Uniforms, Inc.

Green Flynn

Greene Uniform Company, Inc., a mid-Atlantic based manufacturer and distributor of uniforms and athletic apparel for parochial and public schools has been acquired by Flynn O’Hara’s School Uniforms, Inc., one of the largest suppliers of school uniforms in the United States.

DAK acted as a financial advisor and initiated Greene Uniform’s sale by capitalizing on wide product selection, outstanding customer service and their entrenched relationships with over 250 schools in the region.

This acquisition allowed for Flynn O’Hara to further penetrate their key mid-Atlantic presence and acquired multiple new retail locations.

Century Cookies, a division of Boca Foods, Inc. has had certain assets acquired by Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT)

century cookies kraft

Century Cookies, dba Boca Foods, is a manufacturer of French-style, butter-based cookies and other sweet specialties that are sold to retail bakeries, retail bakery distributors, supermarkets, club stores, mass merchants and mail order customers.

DAK advised Century Cookies during the sale process. During the competitive search, it became clear that two buyers would be the ideal fit; one to acquire the manufacturing facility and one to acquire the IP and trademarks.

Silver Lake Cookie Company, a Long Island-based fresh cookies, crackers, pretzels, and other dry bakery products, acquired the manufacturing assets of Century Cookies in order to expand their business.

Kraft Foods, Inc. (NYSE: KFT), an American grocery manufacturing and processing conglomerate acquired the recipes, intellectual property and trademarks, including its Boca Foods trademark.

Century Cookies has had certain assets acquired by Silver Lake Cookie Company, Inc.

Century Cookies Silver Lake

Century Cookies, dba Boca Foods, is a manufacturer of French-style, butter-based cookies and other sweet specialties that are sold to retail bakeries, retail bakery distributors, supermarkets, club stores, mass merchants and mail order customers.

DAK advised Century Cookies during the sale process. During the competitive search, it became clear that two buyers would be the ideal fit; one to acquire the manufacturing facility and one to acquire the IP and trademarks.

Silver Lake Cookie Company, a Long Island-based fresh cookies, crackers, pretzels, and other dry bakery products, acquired the manufacturing assets of Century Cookies in order to expand their business.

Kraft Foods, Inc. (NYSE: KFT), an American grocery manufacturing and processing conglomerate acquired the recipes, intellectual property and trademarks, including its Boca Foods trademark.

Judith Jack has been acquired by Victoria & Co., a subsidiary of Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY)

Judith Jack JAG

Judith Jack, a manufacturer and distributor of women’s jewelry, including marcasite and sterling silver products., has been acquired by Victoria & Co., a subsidiary of Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY), is a leader in the apparel industry that designs and markets a broad array of men’s, women’s and junior’s sportswear and moderately priced suits, dresses and casualwear.

DAK advised Judith Jack in its sale to Jones Apparel Group (NYSE: JNY).

Jones Apparel’s acquisition of Judith Jack adds one of the premier designer brand names in the jewelry industry to their brand portfolio and helps to expand the reach of Victoria & CO into new market segments for incremental growth.

VCI – Emergency Vehicle Specialists recapitalized by Tightrope Capital & NewSpring Capital

VCI is the preeminent full lifecycle sales and service provider of emergency ambulance solutions to first aid squads, EMS organizations, fire departments, hospital organizations, municipalities, and private medical transport companies in the Mid-Atlantic Region. VCI was recapitalized by private equity firms Tightrope Capital Partners and NewSpring Capital.

DAK led a competitive, sell-side process for VCI, generating multiple offers from a wide range of strategic buyers and financial sponsors. By positioning the combination of VCI’s market leadership position, comprehensive services offering, strong manufacturer relationships, and robust backlog, DAK achieved an outstanding outcome for the company’s shareholders.

The acquisition provides the shareholders of VCI an opportunity to accelerate its growth strategy by expanding its core ambulance business, building out the value-added segments of conversions and remounts, implementing operational improvements, and pursuing acquisitions with the help of its new partners. Tightrope and NewSpring have an opportunity to leverage VCI’s strong management team and operating platform to build a multi-regional player in emergency ambulance solutions.

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