Published: January 31, 2012
Galls and Quartermaster Merge to Create Leading Distributor and Marketer of Public Safety Products
LEXINGTON, Ky. & CERRITOS, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Galls, LLC, a full service marketer and distributor of public safety,
first responder and private security products, announced today that it
has merged with Cerritos, California based Quartermaster, Inc. Terms of
the transaction were not disclosed.
Galls was acquired by New York-based private equity firm CI Capital
Partners in September, 2011, as a platform investment in the public
safety products market.
For over 37 years, Quartermaster has been a leading national
multi-channel specialty distributor of public safety products. Its "head
to toe" uniform and equipment solutions include duty gear, uniforms,
casual duty and tactical apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Quartermaster serves approximately 100,000 customers nationally ranging
from private security, to federal, state and local law enforcement, to
the U.S. Military. Quartermaster markets its products through a
multi-channel selling strategy which includes dedicated salespeople, a
highly efficient e-commerce platform, well-known seasonal product
catalogs and four retail service center locations.
Bob San Julian, Chief Executive Officer of Galls said, "We are very
excited to announce the merger of these two industry leaders.
Quartermaster's large customer base will benefit from Galls' broad
product offering, high level of customer service, and East Coast
distribution capabilities. In turn, Quartermaster's highly recognizable
private label brand, long-standing relationships with key suppliers, and
established West Coast distribution presence will be instrumental as we
compete for customers in the public safety products sector."
Jim Duncan, current Chief Executive Officer of Quartermaster, will
become President of the combined company. Mr. Duncan commented,
"Quartermaster has achieved tremendous success on its own since 1974. As
we look toward our future growth, we realize that joining forces with
Galls and forming a national distribution platform is the best means of
serving our customers. Galls and Quartermaster share a commitment to the
highest standards of quality and customer service, making Galls an ideal
partner for us going forward."
"When we closed the acquisition of Galls last fall, it was our goal to
build and position this business for long-term growth and profitability,
both organically and through strategic acquisitions," said Thomas
Ritchie, Managing Director at CI Capital Partners. "Quartermaster's
strong brand recognition, marketing capabilities, and experienced sales
organization make it an exceptional combination with the Galls platform."
PNC Business Credit, AEA Mezzanine and PennantPark Investment
Corporation provided financing for the transaction.
Stephens Inc. acted as financial advisor to Quartermaster. Honigman
Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP provided legal counsel to Quartermaster and
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal counsel to
Galls.
About Galls, LLC
Galls markets and distributes a wide variety of uniforms and
professional gear for law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical
technicians (EMTs), and others who ensure individuals' safety and
security. Based in Lexington, KY, Galls serves more than one million
customers per year, delivering to more than 100 countries. Learn more
about Galls at www.galls.com.
About Quartermaster, Inc.
Quartermaster, Inc. markets and distributes uniforms and equipment to
law enforcement, military, EMT, security and other public safety
professionals, companies, organizations and government agencies, both
domestic and international. Headquartered in Cerritos, CA, Quartermaster
is the largest distributor to the private security industry and services
100,000 active customers. To learn more about Quartermaster, please
visit www.qmuniforms.com.
About CI Capital Partners
CI Capital Partners is a North American private investment firm focused
on building and expanding leading middle market businesses. The firm
targets industries that are ripe for consolidation and seeks to
substantially scale businesses through organic growth and acquisitions.
Since its founding in 1993, the firm and its portfolio companies have
made over 100 acquisitions representing over $6 billion in enterprise
value. CI Capital's existing portfolio consists of companies which
collectively generate annual revenue of approximately $5 billion, EBITDA
of approximately $400 million, and have approximately 15,000 employees.
To learn more about CI Capital Partners, please visit www.cicapllc.com.

Kekst and Company
Melissa Sheer, 212-521-4800
melissa-sheer@kekst.com
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