MIAMI, FL – (April 30, 2007) Trivest Partners, L.P. (“Trivest”) today announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Twin-Star International, Inc. (“Twin-Star” or the “Company”), a rapidly growing consumer products company headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida. Trivest acquired the majority stake from Twin-Star’s founders Mark Asofsky and Michael D. Horvitz who are maintaining a significant ownership interest in the Company and will continue to lead Twin-Star’s daily operations. The Twin-Star transaction represents Trivest’s third platform investment over the past six months.
With nearly $100 million in revenues, Twin-Star is the recognized leader in decorative electric fireplaces and bathroom vanity products marketed under the ChimneyFreeTM, ClassicFlameTM, AntiquaTM and TresantiTM brand names. The Company’s award winning products are sold to a diverse base of retailers including retail home centers, wholesale clubs, hardware stores and various specialty and furniture retailers. Twin-Star’s line of electric fireplaces offers consumers a “green” alternative to traditional wood and gas fireplaces in terms of energy efficiency, safety and cleanliness.
Michael D. Horvitz, Twin-Star’s President stated, “As we look to expand the breadth of the product line, Trivest’s considerable experience in the consumer products arena should benefit both our employees and value added retail partners.” In addition, “Aligning ourselves with a proven financial partner such as Trivest provides a solid foundation to sustain our growth well into the future” said Mark Asofsky, Twin-Star founder and Senior Vice President.
Troy D. Templeton, Trivest’s Managing Partner stated, “The Twin-Star transaction is consistent with Trivest’s long-standing investment strategy to acquire well run, founder-owned businesses in the Southeastern United States. The Company exhibited a number of similar characteristics to other successful Trivest consumer product investments including Aero Products International, Directed Electronics and Banana Boat. In addition, Trivest viewed Twin-Star’s sourcing and procurement operations in China among the most sophisticated and scalable it has seen over the Firm’s 25 years history.”
Trivest Fund III, a $316 million private investment vehicle, provided equity for the Twin-Star transaction along with financing from CIBC World Markets, BNP Paribas, Churchill Capital and Societe Generale. Fort Lauderdale-based Farlie Turner & Company acted as the advisor on the transaction. James E. Minarik, President and CEO of Directed Electronics will join the Twin-Star Board of Directors along with Troy D. Templeton (as Chairman), Mark Asofsky, Michael D. Horvitz and Jamie E. Elias.
Trivest Partners, L.P., a private investment firm, is a leading provider of equity for middle market corporate acquisitions, recapitalizations and growth capital financings. Since its founding in 1981, Trivest has sponsored more than 130 acquisitions and recapitalizations, totaling more than $3.0 billion in value. For more information, please visit www.trivest.com and www.twinstarhome.com
