HandStands® Car Air Freshener Company To Be Acquired by Energizer

DRAPER, Utah, May 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HandStands, the market share leader* in the domestic automobile air freshener segment, announced today that the company has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Energizer Holdings, Inc. ("Energizer") (NYSE: ENR).  

Founded in 1983, and headquartered in Draper, Utah, HandStands is a leading designer and marketer of automotive fragrance and appearance products.  HandStands offers innovative products driven by deep consumer insights through well recognized brands such as Refresh Your Car!®, California Scents®, Driven®, Bahama & Co.®, LEXOL® and Eagle One® which can be found in Mass, Grocery, Hardware and Automotive Parts retailers throughout the world.  This combination of innovative product offerings and strong category leadership has allowed HandStands to achieve consistent top line growth in recent years, and establish itself as a partner of choice for retailers in the U.S. automotive fragrance category.

Chris Anderson, HandStands' CEO, stated, "Over the past several years, HandStands has become a leader in the Automotive Fragrance and Appearance markets through consistent organic growth, combined with three highly-complementary strategic acquisitions.  HandStands and Energizer share a win-win culture, along with a long-term commitment to innovation.  These shared traits, combined with the ability to leverage Energizer's strong consumer insights, industry-leading innovation and global reach, positions HandStands' brands for continued growth."

Russ Wilson, Trivest Partner and HandStands Chairman, added, "We have been privileged to partner with the talented HandStands team over the past three years.  HandStands' focus on innovation, and partnership oriented approach with customers and suppliers, created a strong foundation for success. In addition to achieving organic growth, the HandStands team efficiently acquired and integrated complementary brand assets, more than doubling the Company's revenue, EBITDA and addressable market.  Energizer, with its global platform, is an ideal partner for HandStands to further capitalize on the Company's leading market position, and execute on future growth opportunities."  

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.  The acquisition is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2016.  Sawaya Segalas & Co., LLC, acted as exclusive financial advisor and Greenberg Traurig LLP acted as legal counsel to HandStands on the transaction.  Citi acted as exclusive financial advisor and Bryan Cave LLP acted as legal counsel to Energizer on the transaction.

About Energizer Holdings, Inc.:

Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries and portable lighting products and is anchored by its two globally recognized brands Energizer® and EVEREADY®. As a global leader in power solutions, our mission is to lead the charge to connect our brands, our people and the products we offer to the world better than anyone else. Visit www.energizerholdings.com for more details.

About Trivest:

Trivest Partners is a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with founder/family owned businesses in the United States and Canada.  Since its founding in 1981, Trivest has completed more than 225 transactions, totaling in excess of $5.5 billion in value.  For more information, visit www.trivest.com.

*Source: NPD Group, 52 WE 1/2/2016 –Retail Tracking Service

SOURCE HandStands