Wasserstein & Co., LP, on behalf of its private equity fund Wasserstein Partners III, today announced that it has acquired Paris Presents, Inc. from funds advised by private equity firm Mason Wells. Ontario Pension Board (OPB) and Northwestern Mutual are co-investing in the transaction alongside Wasserstein.
Headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois, Paris Presents is the leading provider of branded cosmetic and bath accessories to mass merchants, drug stores, specialty beauty stores and online retailers. The Company’s industry leading brands include Real Techniques, Eco Tools and Body Benefits. The Company’s products are sold throughout the U.S. and in over 20 international markets.
George Majoros, Co-Managing Partner of Wasserstein & Co., said, “We are delighted with our acquisition of Paris Presents. The Company’s brands and products are leaders in their industry, and the management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Patrick O’Brien, is exceptionally strong. We are excited to partner with management to accelerate the Company’s impressive domestic and international growth, and support its long success of product innovation and leadership.”
Patrick O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said, “We are looking forward to the next chapter of our growth story with our new partnership with Wasserstein & Co. While we have enjoyed considerable growth and success over the past years, we are very excited about the Company’s future prospects, and our new relationship with Wasserstein & Co.”