North Castle Partners Invests in Ignite USA, LLC

Partnering with CEO to Accelerate Growth of Innovative Developer and Marketer of Thermal Mugs and Hydration Bottles

North Castle Partners and its co-investors announced today that they have completed an investment of growth capital in Ignite USA, LLC (“Ignite”), a leading developer and marketer of reusable, environmentally friendly thermal mugs and hydration bottles. North Castle is a leading private equity firm focused on investments in consumer-driven companies that promote Healthy, Active and Sustainable Living. The terms of the investment, which is being made in partnership with CEO Sami El-Saden, were not disclosed.

Through its Contigo and Avex brands, Ignite has successfully created a diverse portfolio of innovative products that appeal to an extremely loyal and expanding consumer base. Ignite has a strong global presence and currently sells its products in over 50 countries across club, mass, sporting goods, specialty, direct-to-consumer, and exclusive strategic partnerships.

“North Castle’s mission is to invest in companies that provide high quality, innovative products which promote healthy and sustainable living,” said Alison Minter, a North Castle Managing Director. “We intend to support the acceleration of Ignite’s growth by leveraging our experience with innovation-driven product businesses, such as Cascade Sports and Octane Fitness, as well as companies with mass market distribution and channel expansion experience, including Atkins Nutritional, Enzymatic Therapy, Flatout Flatbread, Leiner Health Products, and Avalon Natural Brands. We are proud to welcome Sami and the Ignite team into the North Castle family.”

“I am excited to partner with North Castle and to leverage North Castle’s expertise and resources in building consumer product businesses and brands to take our company to its next level,” said Sami El-Saden, CEO. “I was impressed by their knowledge of the industry, their values and commitment to partnership, and the expertise of their team in the areas of strategy and brand as we grow in both the mass and specialty markets.”

“We are excited to partner with another impressive entrepreneur in the second investment from our NCP V fund. We look forward to working with Sami and the Ignite team in building a global leader in two of the fastest growing segments of the housewares industry,” said Chip Baird, North Castle’s Managing Partner.