LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brentwood Associates, a leading consumer-focused private equity investment firm, announced it has partnered with Z Gallerie, a leading lifestyle retailer offering a variety of unique home goods, including furniture, artwork, lighting, tabletop items, textiles and decorative accessories. Z Gallerie is headquartered in Gardena, California, and led by its three founders, Joe Zeiden, Carole Malfatti and Mike Zeiden.
Founded in 1979, Z Gallerie is focused on designing and sourcing proprietary products that encompass the best design ideas from around the world. Z Gallerie attracts both affluent and aspirational customers who furnish and accessorize their homes with the company’s distinct merchandise offerings that are both fashionable and stunning. Currently, the company operates 55 retail locations across 20 states, and has a rapidly growing e-commerce business through www.zgallerie.com.
Commenting on the Brentwood partnership, Mike Zeiden said, “Joe, Carole and I, along with our dedicated team of employees, are proud of what we have achieved over the last 35 years and we are excited to partner with a value-added team like Brentwood who understands our brand, unique position in the market and can help us continue to grow our business across multiple channels of distribution.” Mike Zeiden continued, “Brentwood’s experience and success in both the direct-to-consumer and retail channels will be a tremendous resource for Z Gallerie as we expand our brand and work towards achieving our full potential.”
“Z Gallerie is a differentiated retailer in the home furnishings market with a very unique merchandise assortment. We see a significant opportunity to accelerate growth of the current retail store base, while also dramatically increasing the company’s direct marketing efforts, both online and offline,” said Steve Moore, a partner at Brentwood. “We’ve known Joe, Carole and Mike for several years and we look forward to working closely with them to build on their impressive 35-year track record.”
“Z Gallerie is a great example of a company with an enthusiastic culture and strong management team delivering unique, on-trend product with a compelling value proposition. We are very excited to be partnering with the company and we plan to leverage the strength of the brand to execute on a significant growth strategy,” said Roger Goddu, partner with Brentwood Associates.
Z Gallerie was advised by BMO Capital Markets, and its legal counsel was Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Brentwood was represented by Greenberg Traurig, LLP on the transaction and Kirkland & Ellis LLP on the debt financing. KKR’s credit business and KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc. provided debt financing supporting the acquisition.
ABOUT Z GALLERIE
Founded in 1979 by siblings Joe Zeiden, Carole Malfatti and Mike Zeiden, Z Gallerie (www.zgallerie.com) began as a small poster shop in Sherman Oaks, California. The founders operated the store during the day and framed posters at night in their parents’ garage. Thirty-five years later, their stores now carry a full assortment of exclusive, fashion-forward home furnishings, including art and accessories, at affordable price points. With 55 locations across the United States and an online presence at www.zgallerie.com, the company is still led by Joe, Carole and Mike, and continues to inspire those who are excited by interior design. The company is headquartered in Gardena, California and has a buying office in Berkeley, California.
ABOUT BRENTWOOD ASSOCIATES
Brentwood Associates is a leading consumer-focused private equity investment firm with over $1 billion of capital under management and a 30-year history of investing in leading middle-market growth companies. Brentwood focuses on investments in growing businesses where it is able to leverage its extensive experience in areas such as: specialty retail; branded consumer products; consumer services; direct marketing, including direct mail and e-commerce; education; health and wellness; and restaurants. Since 1984, Brentwood’s dedicated private equity team has invested in 46 portfolio companies with an aggregate transaction value of over $5 billion. With significant experience in both investing and brand building, Brentwood is a value-added partner with entrepreneurs and executives building world-class companies. For more information about Brentwood, please visit www.brentwood.com.
