Huron Wall Decor Platform Acquires Complementary Wall Decor Business

DETROIT, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Huron Capital Partners LLC announced today that its portfolio company, Artissimo Designs, Inc. ("Artissimo"), has acquired Lot 26 Studio, Inc. ("Lot 26") a leading adhesive wall decor company.  Lot 26 designs and markets adhesive wall decor, commonly referred to as decals.  The partnership allows Lot 26 to continue to focus on its industry leading design, innovation and customer relationships, while leveraging Artissimo's sales force, purchasing, content relationships and reputation for exceptional customer service.  

Ken Floyd, CEO of Artissimo noted that, "We couldn't be more excited to add two seasoned wall decor executives such as Wayne Hueners and Ann Marie Mendlow to our team.  Their design innovation, reputation and drive will help propel Artissimo to even greater heights."  Ken added, "This is the first add-on acquisition that Artissimo has made and we are grateful for the advice and support provided by Huron throughout the process."  

Huron originally invested in Artissimo in July 2010, and was drawn to Artissimo due to its industry leading position, innovative design capabilities, and exceptional customer service.  "We have been actively looking for ways to deploy more capital behind our top-performing team at Artissimo.  While we have looked at many opportunities over the past year, Lot 26 was the most compelling because of its industry reputation, cultural fit with Artissimo and strategic customer opportunities," said Huron Principal Jeremy Busch.

Since the time of Huron's investment, gross margins have improved meaningfully as a result of operational improvements and the addition of a Huron Operating Partner with a strong background in the consumer products industry.  Meanwhile, the launch of Artissimo Sports has been extremely successful, incorporating wall decor licenses from all major North American professional and collegiate athletic programs.

About Huron Capital Partners LLC

Huron Capital is a leading private equity firm investing in lower middle-market companies.  The firm typically invests between $10 million and $70 million in equity to sponsor buyouts, growth initiatives, corporate spin-offs and recapitalizations of growth-oriented niche manufacturing, specialty service, and value-added distribution companies having revenues up to $200 million. Huron's strategy is to combine its operational approach, capital, and transaction experience with proven management teams who have the vision, experience, and commitment to grow their businesses.

Since its founding in 1999, Huron has acquired or invested in 51 companies with aggregate revenues approaching $1 billion.  Investments have been made in the USA and Canada in a variety of areas, including print solutions & document management, education, healthcare products & services, specialty chemicals, specialty packaging, consumer products, home décor, food products, engineering services, office furniture components, and laboratory testing. Huron Capital currently manages over $600 million in committed equity through three private equity funds, and has offices based in Detroit and Toronto.  The firm has consistently generated top-quartile returns for its limited partners. For more information, please visit us at www.huroncapital.com.

SOURCE Huron Capital Partners LLC