NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Private investment firm Bregal Partners has formed Arcus Hunting LLC to serve as an acquisition and organic growth platform in the bowhunting and archery accessories category. Arcus Hunting has completed its first investment through the acquisition of Dead Down Wind LLC, a leading scent control brand, with best-in-category products to mitigate a hunter's scent signature while in the field.
“Consistent with our broader focus on enthusiast consumer brands, we have been developing for the better part of a year a targeted microtheme to build a leading branded player in the fragmented and growing bowhunting and archery consumables and accessories industry. We are thrilled to announce the formation of Arcus Hunting and to take the first step in our aggressive growth plan through the acquisition of Dead Down Wind," said Scott Perekslis, Managing Partner and co-founder of Bregal Partners. “We believe the enthusiast nature of the category, the strong brand loyalty, and the growth of bowhunting and archery make this industry especially attractive.”
Perekslis added, “Through our investment in Dead Down Wind, we gain a compelling entry point into a fragmented, enthusiast space. Scent elimination is used by more than 70% of bowhunters and is a key element of a successful hunt. DDW offers the most effective products in the category and exemplifies the product leadership, innovation, and compelling consumer value proposition that we are seeking in Arcus Hunting. We are actively engaged in the pursuit of additional investment opportunities, with particular focus on complementary brands in scents and lures, food attractants, targets, decoys, and related categories."
Gary Reed, President of Dead Down Wind, noted “This is an extremely exciting time for Dead Down Wind. We had our choice of partners and it was important for me to find someone who was knowledgeable, had a passion for the industry, and a reputation for shooting straight and doing what they said they would do. My team and I look forward to the partnership with Bregal and to building on DDW’s heritage as Arcus executes its strategy of assembling a portfolio of complementary leading brands that enhance a hunter's experience in the field."
Harris Williams acted as financial advisor to Bregal Partners and Arcus Hunting in the transaction, and Sidley Austin LLP served as their legal advisor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About Dead Down Wind
Dead Down Wind is a leading scent control brand, with products specifically formulated to reduce odor signatures to the lowest possible level. DDW’s science-based broad spectrum approach offers the widest range of predator cue protection in scent control. From deodorizing laundry detergent that breaks down biofilms and blood stains to scent-eliminating personal care products to field sprays that further eliminate telltale odors, DDW offers a broad range of category leading products. DDW is based in Missouri. Real Science, Real Results.
About Arcus Hunting
Arcus Hunting is an acquisition and organic growth platform seeking to build a strong portfolio of leading brands in the bowhunting and archery consumables and accessories category. Through its subsidiary Dead Down Wind, Arcus manufactures and markets a range of leading products in the scent control subcategory. Arcus is actively seeking additional opportunities for investment in the scent control, scents and lures, food attractants, targets, decoys, and related consumables categories.
About Bregal Partners
Bregal Partners is a private investment firm that invests alongside management teams to build industry leading companies in the middle market. Areas of focus include branded consumer products, food, energy services, and healthcare. With $500 million of committed capital funded by a sixth-generation family foundation with roots back to 1841, Bregal Partners brings experience, stability, and a long-term outlook to all of its investment activities. Bregal Partners is part of Bregal Investments, a global family of investment vehicles that has invested more than $9 billion since 2002. For more information on Bregal Partners, please visit our website, www.bregalpartners.com.
