Pump It Up Announces New Ownership, Seals CEO Appointment Equity Deal Creates Management Shift to Take 152-Unit Party Chain to Next Level

Pump It Up was aquired by Tregaron Capital, positioning the 152-unit party chain for continued domination of the marketplace, the unveiling of new proprietary programs and explosive nationwide growth. Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of interactive, indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties went from sales of $3 million in 2003 to sales of more than $55 million in 2006 and with the nation's first program to combat childhood obesity combining fitness and fun in an inflatable environment, as well as a new spin-off concept for younger children called Pump It Up, Jr., this California-based company, now infused with capital from Tregaron, is primed for explosive growth and further saturation of the $200 billion youth recreation market.

Pleasanton, CA (PRWEB) March 24, 2007 -- Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of interactive, indoor inflatable playgrounds for private parties, announced today that it has sold a controlling interest of the company to Tregaron Capital, positioning the 152-unit chain for continued domination of the marketplace.

Based in Palo Alto, CA, Tregaron Capital Company LLC is a private investment company that acquires, manages and builds small to mid-sized companies with established operating histories in niche industries. As part of the transaction, Tregaron Capital has retained Gordon Keil as the President and CEO to run day-to-day operations of the business. Keil, approaching his one-year anniversary as interim CEO of Pump It Up, is the former CEO of Huntington Learning Centers and a noted expert in growing companies and managing franchise systems.

Meanwhile, Pump It Up founders Brenda Dronkers and Terry Dillenburg will serve as expert consultants and have retained a substantial portion of the company's ownership. Dronkers founded the company in 2000 and brought Dillenburg in as a partner in 2002. With 152 units operating and 75 more in development, Pump It Up's system-wide revenues topped $55 million 2006.

"Brenda and Terry's drive and tenacity made Pump It Up the first, the biggest and the best in the industry," Keil said. "Overcoming the challenges of establishing a concept from infancy, they had the vision to get us to a very good place. We'll still benefit from their wisdom and talent as expert consultants, while Tregaron provides precisely the kind of long-term investment strategy and management skills to fuel continued nationwide expansion and build on the success of existing Pump It Up locations."

The infusion of capital will allow Pump It Up to enhance its current infrastructure with the addition of a few key employees, which translates into more support for franchisees at the home office.
"Pump It Up is a strong concept with huge potential to fill marketplace demand. Our investment in the company is reflective of its solid franchise base and proven management team and business model," said JR Matthews, Managing Director of Tregaron Capital. "We look forward to partnering with Gordon Keil and the management team to position Pump It Up for its next phase of growth."

As CEO of Huntington Learning Centers, Keil spearheaded rapid nationwide franchise growth and worked closely with franchisees to re-ignite their enthusiasm for the concept and confidence in company management. Before joining Huntington, Keil served as COO of Party City and, similarly, dealt primarily with franchise owners to create franchisee task forces and councils to give them a voice. With his appointment to CEO, Dronkers plans to shift her focus to consulting the franchise system on creative marketing and promotions and launching new concepts - her true passions.
"Tregaron's principals bring to Pump It Up a wealth of skills, experience, and energy that will enable fast and confident decision making and meaningful support in continuing to build the Pump It Up brand throughout the country," she said. "Their team has a proven track record of high standards, expecting management to perform at the highest standard, and to increase the value of all of our franchise locations. Together with Gordon's leadership, they can take our franchisees to even greater heights."

About Pump It Up
Pump It Up's inflatable party zone was created as a fun, safe, clean place for children and adults to enjoy. Private parties for birthdays, team, school events, etc. are available to everyone from toddlers to adults and must be reserved in advance. Trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services. Pump It Up is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA with more than 148 locations in 37 states and 77 more in development. For more information, please visit www.pumpitupparty.com

About Tregaron Capital
Based in Palo Alto, CA, Tregaron invests in small to mid-sized companies with EBITDA between $2 and $10 million. The firm's focus is on providing capital for growth and owner liquidity as well as strategic support to achieve the next level of success. Tregaron has particular expertise in the following industries: Business Services, Financial Services, Direct Marketing, Technology, Publishing, and Healthcare. Tregaron also has extensive experience with companies in financial and strategic restructuring. For more information please visit www.tregaroncapital.com

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