Bridges Consumer Healthcare Acquires KT Tape to Expand OTC Brand Portfolio
Deal News | Jan 16, 2025 | Charlesbank Capital
Bridges Consumer Healthcare LLC, a consumer healthcare platform backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners, has announced the acquisition of KT Tape, a leading kinesiology tape brand known for providing drug-free pain relief and support. This acquisition is part of Bridges' strategy to diversify and strengthen its portfolio of specialty over-the-counter (OTC) brands. KT Tape, founded in 2008 and previously partnered with Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, is a recognized brand in the kinesiology tape market, endorsed by athletic organizations such as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. This acquisition signifies the fourth major addition to Bridges' portfolio, enabling them to explore further M&A opportunities and drive significant growth through demand generation, product innovation, and omnichannel distribution. Legal advisors for Bridges in this transaction were Weil, Gotshal and Manges, while Houlihan Lokey, Latham & Watkins, RSM US, and Andersen advised KT Tape and Palladin.
Sectors
- Consumer Healthcare
- Private Equity
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- United States – The companies involved, including Bridges Consumer Healthcare and KT Tape, as well as the advisory firms, are based in the United States.
Industry
- Consumer Healthcare – The article discusses the acquisition within the consumer healthcare sector, highlighting Bridges Consumer Healthcare's focus on OTC and personal care brands.
- Private Equity – Charlesbank Capital Partners, a private equity firm, is involved in the acquisition, backing Bridges Consumer Healthcare's growth strategy.
- Legal Advisory – Legal advisory firms including Weil, Gotshal and Manges, and Latham & Watkins played a significant role in the M&A transaction.
Financials
- Not disclosed – The terms of the acquisition transaction were not publicly disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridges Consumer Healthcare LLC | Acquirer | Company | A consumer healthcare platform backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners focused on OTC brands. |
| Charlesbank Capital Partners | Private Equity Firm | Company | The private equity firm backing Bridges Consumer Healthcare, facilitating its growth strategy. |
| KT Tape | Target | Company | A leading kinesiology tape brand providing drug-free pain relief solutions. |
| Palladin Consumer Retail Partners | Seller | Company | An investment firm that partnered with KT Tape since 2014. |
| Weil, Gotshal and Manges | Legal Advisor | Company | Served as legal counsel to Bridges and Charlesbank in the acquisition. |
| Houlihan Lokey | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to KT Tape and Palladin during the acquisition. |
| Latham & Watkins | Legal Advisor | Company | Advised KT Tape and Palladin in the acquisition deal. |
| RSM US | Advisor | Company | Advised KT Tape and Palladin in the acquisition process. |
| Andersen | Advisor | Company | Advised KT Tape and Palladin in the acquisition process. |