Adolph Kiefer & Associates acquired The Lifeguard Store, effectively bringing together two of the largest suppliers of lifeguard equipment and swim gear.
Prairie Capital Advisors, a middle-market investment bank, represented The Lifeguard Store in the sale of the company to Adolph Kiefer & Associates.
For the buyers, this means an increased penetration into the lifeguard supply and swimwear market.
Bloomington, Ill.-based Lifeguard Store was founded in 1990, becoming the largest distributor of lifeguard equipment, safety products and swimwear. It is also the leading outfitter of swim gear and supplies to the competitive swimming market, offering brands such as Speedo, TYR, Adidas, Dolfin, Nike and its own private-label line, Rise Aquatics.
Adolph Kiefer is one of the industry’s most storied companies. U.S. Olympian Adolph “Sonny” Kiefer founded the company in 1947 and is credited for inventing the nylon swim suit, as well as foam kickboards and rescue belts used by lifeguards today. He sold the company in 2011 and passed away in 2017.
“We believe the combination of The Lifeguard Store and Adolph Kiefer & Associates brings together two strong teams that are passionate about the industry and well positioned for continued growth,” Tom DeSimone, vice president of Prairie, stated in a press release.
