NEW YORK & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CI Capital Partners, a North American private investment firm, announced today that it has acquired Galls, LLC, a $163 million revenue, full service marketer and distributor of public safety, first responder and private security products, from ARAMARK Corporation. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1967, the Lexington, Kentucky based Galls markets and sells uniforms, duty gear, footwear, medical supplies and other products used by law enforcement, fire safety, emergency medical, private security and corrections personnel. The Company has built its reputation by providing customers with the industry’s broadest offering of well-recognized products, fast delivery and a high level of customer service including the ability to customize uniforms to meet demanding specifications. Galls markets and sells products to a diverse mix of end users ranging from individual police officers and firefighters, to the nation’s largest public safety agencies. Galls markets its products through an internationally-recognized catalog, a fully integrated e-commerce platform, highly trained inside and outside sales forces, and nine retail service center locations.
“Galls has distinguished itself in its product niche and has built a loyal customer base through its commitment to quality and a strong customer service focus,” said Steven M. Lefkowitz, President of CI Capital. “We are excited to make this investment in an excellent platform with a long and successful history. We look forward to partnering with Larry Dismukes and his seasoned management team to capitalize on opportunities for strategic growth initiatives,” said Mr. Lefkowitz.
Larry Dismukes, President of Galls said, “We are thrilled to complete a transaction that will provide Galls with the ability to continue its internal growth as well as pursue attractive acquisition opportunities. CI Capital has a long track record of growing distribution businesses and we are excited to build significant value at Galls.”
“The company’s highly recognizable brand and leading industry presence uniquely positions it for further growth by expanding into new markets and reaching out to new customers,” added Thomas Ritchie, Managing Director at CI Capital. “The public safety products distribution sector remains highly fragmented, and we look forward to supporting Galls as an active industry consolidator.”
PNC Business Credit provided financing for the transaction.
Stephens Inc. acted as financial advisor to ARAMARK. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP provided legal counsel to ARAMARK and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal counsel to CI Capital.
About CI Capital Partners
CI Capital Partners is a North American private equity firm focused on building and expanding leading middle market businesses. The firm targets industries that are ripe for consolidation and seeks to substantially scale businesses through organic growth and acquisitions. Since its founding in 1993, the firm and its portfolio companies have made over 95 acquisitions representing over $5 billion in enterprise value. CI Capital's existing portfolio consists of companies which collectively generate annual revenue of approximately $4.0 billion, EBITDA of $350 million, and have more than 14,000 employees. To learn more about CI Capital Partners, please visit www.cicapllc.com.
About Galls, LLC
Galls sells a wide variety of uniforms and professional gear for law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and others who ensure individuals’ safety and security. Based in Lexington, KY, Galls serves more than one million customers per year, delivering to more than 100 countries. Learn more about Galls at www.galls.com.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines.