American Capital's Portfolio Company Potpourri Group Acquires Cuddledown

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- American Capital, Ltd. (Nasdaq: ACAS) ("American Capital") announced today that in December 2012 its portfolio company Potpourri Group, Inc. ("PGI") acquired Cuddledown, Inc., a leading multi-channel retailer of high-end bedding related products.  PGI is a multi-brand direct marketer offering a broad product line of distinctive home decor, casual apparel, gifts and unique accessories through catalogs and the internet. 

"Cuddledown's product offering and merchandising expertise in the high-end bedding market makes the company an excellent addition to PGI's diverse product mix and will give PGI the opportunity to expand into the bedding product sector," said Brian Graff, American Capital Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Director.

American Capital first invested in PGI in 2005.  Formed in 1998, Chelmsford, MA-headquartered PGI is a catalog company with 13 diverse brands catering primarily to women.  Through its portfolio, PGI offers a broad product line of distinctive home decor, casual apparel, gifts and accessories that are unique or difficult to find in other outlets. 

Cuddledown sells high quality synthetic and down-filled comforters, pillows, sheeting and sleepwear.  The company was founded in 1973 and is based in Yarmouth, ME. 

"PGI's management team has significant experience successfully integrating additional brands into its portfolio, fueling organic revenue growth and realizing considerable cost savings," said Helen Yang, American Capital Principal, Buyouts Group.  "PGI's portfolio of 13 diverse brands caters to one of the largest, fastest growing and attractive demographics in the country: middle-to-upper-middle income female baby boomers.  The addition of Cuddledown adds valuable diversification to PGI's current merchandise mix and its similar customer demographics are expected to promote future growth." 

"We have developed a great relationship with American Capital since their initial investment in 2005 and look forward to continuing to work together on this exciting opportunity for PGI," said PGI President and CEO Jonathan Fleischmann. 

ABOUT AMERICAN CAPITAL
American Capital is a publicly traded private equity firm and global asset manager.  American Capital, both directly and through its asset management business, originates, underwrites and manages investments in middle market private equity, leveraged finance, real estate and structured products.  American Capital manages $18.6 billion of assets, including assets on its balance sheet and fee earning assets under management by affiliated managers, with $118 billion of total assets under management (including levered assets).  From its eight offices in the U.S. and Europe, American Capital and its affiliate, European Capital, will consider investment opportunities from $10 million to $500 million.  For further information, please refer to www.AmericanCapital.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The statements regarding expected results of American Capital are subject to various factors and uncertainties, including the uncertainties associated with the timing of transaction closings, changes in interest rates, availability of transactions, changes in regional, national or international economic conditions, or changes in the conditions of the industries in which American Capital has made investments.

Contact: 
Brian Graff, Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Director (212) 213-2009
Helen Yang, Principal, Buyouts Group (212) 213-2009

SOURCE American Capital, Ltd.