Capezio Acquisition Secured with Backcast Partners Support
Deal News | Apr 24, 2025 | Backcast Partners LLC
Backcast Partners, a private investment firm specializing in debt and equity capital for middle-market companies, has announced its support for the acquisition of Ballet Makers Inc. (Capezio) by Argand Partners LP. The investment includes structuring and agenting Capezio's senior secured debt and preferred equity. Capezio, a renowned dance shoe and apparel manufacturer, has been held by the Terlizzi and Giacoio families for nearly 140 years, who will retain a stake in the company. Key family members, including CEO Michael Terlizzi, will remain active in the company. Argand Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, worked with Backcast to close the transaction. This acquisition highlights Capezio's potential for global growth. Backcast Partners has a noteworthy history of supporting similar companies and brings $1.3 billion in assets under management.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Dance Apparel Manufacturing
- Debt and Equity Capital
Geography
- United States – Capezio is headquartered in Totowa, NJ, and Backcast Partners operates out of New York City and Millburn, NJ.
Industry
- Private Equity – Involves the acquisition of Capezio by Argand Partners, a private equity firm.
- Dance Apparel Manufacturing – Capezio is a leading manufacturer of dance shoes and related apparel.
- Debt and Equity Capital – Backcast Partners provides capital solutions through senior secured debt and preferred equity arrangements.
Financials
- $1.3 billion – Assets under management by Backcast Partners.
- $7.5 million to $50 million – EBITDA range for companies typically supported by Backcast Partners.
- $20 million to $150 million – Investment range per transaction targeted by Backcast Partners.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backcast Partners LLC | Private investment firm providing capital | Company | Specializes in debt and equity capital for middle-market companies. |
| Ballet Makers Inc. (Capezio) | Target company | Company | A leading manufacturer of dance shoes and related apparel, established in 1887. |
| Argand Partners LP | Acquirer | Company | A middle-market private equity firm. |
| Terlizzi and Giacoio families | Selling company | People | Previous owners of Capezio will retain an ownership stake. |
| Michael Terlizzi | CEO of Capezio | Person | CEO and member of the Terlizzi family involved in the transaction. |
| Joyce Schnoedl | Partner at Argand Partners | Person | Involved in structuring the investment with Backcast. |
| Mark Gudis | Managing Partner at Backcast Partners | Person | Responsible for overseeing Backcast's support in the transaction. |
| McGuireWoods LLP | Legal advisor | Company | Represented Backcast Partners in the transaction. |