Dobbs Equity completes recapitalization of The Universal Group Corporation
Memphis, TN (PRWEB) September 12, 2014 -- Dobbs Equity Partners, LLC (“Dobbs”) is pleased to announce the completion of the recapitalization of The Universal Group Corporation (“Universal”), a leading distributor of leaf springs and suspension components to the truck and trailer industry. Universal has served a diversified customer base including axle and trailer manufacturers, spring repair shops and national parts warehouses for more than 35 years. As a part of the transaction, the business will go forward as The Universal Group LLC and continue to be led by Annik and Nick Smith.
The Smiths have spent their entire professional careers with Universal- first, starting in entry level positions, then rising through the ranks to the top positions in the company, and subsequently buying the company outright. The recapitalization transaction with Dobbs provides partial liquidity to the Smiths while allowing them to maintain a meaningful economic stake in the business. In addition, the Smiths will continue in their roles as President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. The Dobbs family has a long and successful history of partnering with founder owned businesses to provide growth capital, owner liquidity and strategic and operational advice.
Annik Smith, shareholder and President of Universal, remarked “We are pleased to partner with Dobbs to continue building on the foundation Nick and I have established over the last 25 years. The Dobbs relationship offers stability to our customers and employees while providing meaningful capital for future growth.”
“We are very excited to partner with the Smiths and the entire Universal team. We have a rich history with distribution businesses, particularly in the automotive industry, and look forward to expanding Universal’s product offerings and geographic reach.” said John H. Dobbs, Jr., President of Dobbs.
About The Universal Group, LLC
Originally founded in 1979, The Universal Group is a leading distributor of leaf springs and suspension components to axle and trailer manufacturers, spring repair shops and national parts warehouses throughout North America. Universal is comprised of three operating divisions, including Original Equipment Manufacturers, Aftermarket and Flexiride®. Flexiride® is a proprietary rubber torsion axle system developed for higher value towable trailers.
About Dobbs Equity Partners, LLC
Dobbs Equity Partners, LLC is the investment vehicle of the John H. Dobbs, Jr. family. The Dobbs family has been partnering with management teams for more than 90 years to build outstanding businesses. Its investment team is highly experienced in financial, strategic and operational disciplines and working with talented management teams to prudently grow their businesses. The Dobbs family of operating companies includes medical devices, aftermarket automotive parts, psychiatric care facilities, commercial insurance brokerage as well as other industries.
For more information, please contact-
Arturo Carrillo
acarrillo(at)dobbsequity(dot)com
+1 (901) 552-4891
Rick Greene
rdgreene(at)dobbsequity(dot)com
+1 (901) 552-4932
Arturo Carrillo, Dobbs Equity Partners LLC, http://www.dobbsequity.com, +1 (901) 552-4891, [email protected]
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