January 2015.  Outward Hound, a portfolio company of The Riverside Company, has acquired Bionic Pet Products, a maker of dog toys, as an add-on to its Outward Hound platform company. Peakstone initiated and led this transaction. This is the first add-on acquisition for Outward Hound since being acquired by Riverside in August 2013.

Outward Hound, formerly known as Kyjen Company, is a designer and distributor of branded dog toys based in Centennial, CO.

“The Bionic brand is synonymous with indestructible dog products that can withstand even the most aggressive chewers. Bionic is an ideal, synergistic partner for Outward Hound that strengthens our position as a leading pet company creating innovative products that engage and excite both dogs and their owners,” said Kyle Hansen of Outward Hound.

“We’re excited about bringing Bionic’s fantastic products to millions of new consumers,” said Riverside Vice President Steve Rice. “Bionic offers some of the most durable and fun dog toys in the market today and will add an exciting new dimension to the Outward Hound portfolio.”

Brad Curtis, who leads Peakstone’s  pet and animal care practice, led the transaction. Peakstone continues to focus on the pet products space and will be in attendance at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando in March to continue to work with clients in the sector seeking strategic options and growth capital solutions.

Peakstone continues to be one of the most active independent investment banks focused on the pet products industry, having closed numerous transactions in the sector.

The Riverside Company

The Riverside Company acquires businesses that have valuations of up to $250 million. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 370 transactions and the firm’s international portfolio includes more than 75 companies. Riverside is headquartered in New York with additional offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London.

About The Peakstone Group

Peakstone is an investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising for middle market clients.  The Peakstone team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, please visit our website, www.peakstone.com