The Riverside Company is to sell its investment in Blue Microphones, a Westlake Village, California-based manufacturer of high-performance microphones, to Logitech (NASDAQ: LOGI).
Riverside invested in the company back in 2013.
Blue began production in 1995 and in 2005 introduced a professional USB microphone, which was adopted by many consumers for home recording, podcasting and chat. It has since developed many consumer audio products and currently offers more than 30 distinct products for consumers and professionals.
THE PRESS RELEASE
The Riverside Company Records a Win
Firm Plans to Sell Blue Microphones, a Global Innovator in Microphone Technology and Design
The Riverside Company has signed a definitive agreement to sell its investment in Blue Microphones (Blue) to Logitech (NASDAQ: LOGI). The Westlake Village, California-based company began production in 1995 as a manufacturer of high-performance microphones used by some of the most famous musicians in the world.
Riverside invested in the company back in 2013. The company’s studio recording heritage resonates with consumers across a broad spectrum of applications that aspire to use professional-quality products.
“Blue’s already-premier consumer brand and innovative product offering were very attractive upon our initial investment,” said Riverside Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “Working with a stellar management team, we were able to help Blue’s annual sales grow in excess of 20 percent and increase earnings nearly four times under Riverside’s ownership.”
In 2005, Blue introduced the first professional USB microphone, which was adopted by many consumers for home recording, podcasting and chat. It has since developed many consumer audio products and currently offers more than 30 distinct products for consumers and professionals.
“At the start of our investment, Blue was a leader in music recording, video recording and digital content creation like podcasting and YouTube applications, but has now successfully become a leader in the rapidly growing broadcast, gaming, game streaming and eSports applications,” said Riverside Partner Brian Sauer. “Riverside helped Blue improve sourcing and production, build its brand around the world, expand distribution and launch new products.”
Working with Schlachet and Sauer on the deal for Riverside were Operating Partner Bill White, Associate Sara Mostatabi and Finance Director Gary Schlegel. Jeremy Holland, Managing Partner of Origination, sourced the initial investment for Riverside, and Managing Director Brian Bunker helped perform due diligence on the original transaction.
Intrepid Investment Bankers, Jones Day and Deloitte advised Riverside on the transaction.