Outward Hound Recapitalizes with J.W. Childs Associates

Outward Hound® has entered into a partnership with consumer products and retail expert J.W. Childs Associates in a deal announced in December.

J.W. Childs has a successful portfolio of current and exited investments that include notable successful brands including Meow Mix, Hartz, Pinnacle Foods, Kosta Browne, Mattress Firm, Bass Pro Shops, RevZilla.com and many more.

 “Outward Hound will continue creating innovative products in the pet space and could not be more excited about our new partnership with J.W. Childs that will take us to the next level with both our retail partners and consumers,” said Outward Hound® Founder & CWO (Chief Woof Officer) Kyle Hansen. “We completed four acquisitions over the last 3 years including Petstages, Dublin Dog, Nina Ottosson and Bionic with the goal now of expanding our portfolio even more in current and new categories.”

 “We’re excited about our investment in Outward Hound® and the fantastic leadership team that has built one of the fastest growing brands in the pet space,” said J.W. Childs Partner David Fiorentino. “The innovative product portfolio in multiple categories create exciting opportunities to deliver great products for pet parents around the world and accelerate growth.”  

 Four executives from J.W. Childs will join the Outward Hound Board of Directors: Partners David Fiorentino and Adam Suttin, Vice President Kyle Casella and Operating Partner Philip Damiano.

Philip Damiano Operating Partner at J.W. Childs and former CEO of Idea Paint, COO of Velcro and President of Esselte, a Rubbermaid Company will be appointed Chairman of the Board, working closely with Mr. Hansen and management.

Philip commented, “I’ve been actively involved in numerous brands over the last three decades and am extremely impressed with the best-in-class performance the Outward Hound® management team has delivered.  I’m excited to be working closely with Kyle and the great team as they continue to grow and develop the Outward Hound® brand portfolio around the world.”

About Outward Hound 

Outward Hound® creates meaningful innovations with the best team in the industry that solve big problems for pet parents and is a leader in dog & cat supplies sold around the world. Outward Hound is an award-winning innovator, manufacturer and distributor of the highest quality toys, games, gear, collars, and feeders under the Outward Hound, Petstages, Bionic, Nina Ottosson and Dublin Dog brands.

For more information, please visit www.outwardhound.com and check out how we Raise The Woof on Facebook or Instagram every day.

About J.W. Childs Associates 

 J.W. Childs is a Boston-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market growth companies. Since inception in 1995, J.W. Childs has invested in excess of $3.5 billion of equity capital in 48 companies across the consumer, specialty retail and healthcare industries. The firm’s success has been built on its industry focus and the extensive operating expertise of its partners. For more information, please visit www.jwchilds.com.