Private equity firm Hammond, Kennedy, Whitney & Company Inc. (HKW) jumps into the beauty sector with the acquisition of Indigo Wild, a Kansas City, MO-based manufacturer and distributor of bath, skin, home, and cleaning products.
WHO: Indigo Wild, headquartered in Kansas City, MO, is a manufacturer and distributor of bath, skin, home, and cleaning products, including the Zum product line, best known for its popular Zum Bar goat’s milk soap. Indigo Wild, founded in 1996 by Emily Voth, distributes its products through 4,400 grocery and specialty retailers, along with e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels.
HKW is a private equity firm founded in 1903 with offices in Indianapolis and New York. Since 1982, HKW has sponsored 58 platform transactions of lower middle-market companies throughout North America, as well as 62 add-on acquisitions.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “We are so excited about our future with HKW, their knowledge and experience in the consumer products category can place more plant-based products in the hands of more people… and continue spreading the Indigo Wild mojo,” Voth said in a statement. “HKW is a great group with a partnership mentality. They respect the verve of Zum peeps, our culture, and the power of plants that create the Zum Magic; which is the primary reason we partnered with them.”
John Carsello, partner at HKW, added: “Indigo Wild represents an ideal fit for HKW and our investment approach. The business aligns seamlessly into HKW’s health and wellness sector focus and also has a tremendous track record of growth, customer loyalty, and product innovation. Indigo Wild is led by a passionate and spirited founder in Emily Voth, her impressive management team, and a host of innovative employees. We are thrilled Emily chose to partner with HKW as Indigo Wild enters its next phase in the health and wellness sector.”
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