Intrepid Investment Bankers (“Intrepid”), a Los Angeles based middle-market investment bank, announced today that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Entertainment Earth, Inc. (“EE” or the “Company”) on its partnership with Vancouver, Canada-based private equity firm IVEST Consumer Partners (“IVEST”) and Chicago, Illinois-based private equity firm Equity Group Investments (“EGI”).
Founded in 1996 by brothers Jason and Aaron Labowitz, EE is one of the largest and longest-operating specialty distributors and online retailers of licensed merchandise and entertainment-based toys, collectibles, and other enthusiast products. Born out of their desire to serve the needs of passionate fans like themselves, the Company has since grown into an industry staple, recognized and respected by commercial and consumer constituents globally, through its popular website, print catalog, and prominent convention presence. EE’s constant innovation, unique end-user connectivity, pure authenticity, and groundbreaking best practices that include a first-of-its-kind pre-order model and Mint Condition Guarantee™ have made it the go-to home for enthusiasts and those looking to serve them for the last twenty-five years.
“We sell fun, and we’re excited to have found partners who are eager to do the same!” said EE Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Aaron Labowitz. “Intrepid played an extremely important role in our transaction process to help us find the perfect partner to continue our rapid growth. Their understanding of our business, ability to tell our story, and deep expertise in the M&A process and negotiation were critical to bringing us to a successful close.”
“As we studied the collectible landscape, Entertainment Earth impressed us with its unique customer and partner-first approach and its data-driven innovation to address the market,” said George Jones, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IVEST. “We are very excited to be partnering with Aaron and Jason to build upon their success and support the Entertainment Earth management team as they address the tremendous growth potential that exists for the Company. I also want to thank Intrepid for introducing us to this exceptional investment opportunity.”
“We were very impressed with how Aaron and Jason built their remarkable business and team over the years to enable EE to become a clear market leader in the collectibles category serving both wholesale and direct customers,” said Brian Levin, Director at Intrepid. “We believe that IVEST and EGI are the right partners for the Company as it continues to accelerate its growth and drive excitement and innovation in the category.”