Safe-Guard Products International, provider of branded protection products for the automotive, RV, powersports and marine industries, announced that it has closed on a majority investment from Hellman & Friedman, one of the world’s largest private equity firms.
The partnership is set to propel Safe-Guard’s growth and solidify its position as the premier provider of finance and insurance products and solutions in the sector, the company said in a release. Stone Point Capital, a longstanding investor in Safe-Guard, will continue to partner with the company and participate on Safe-Guard’s board.
Safe-Guard’s management team will continue to drive the success of the business for the benefit of its partners, their customers and other stakeholders. In connection with the transaction, Randy Barkowitz is assuming a board-level leadership role as full-time executive chairman, while David Pryor is continuing in his role as president and assuming the responsibility of chief executive officer of Safe-Guard.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hellman & Friedman as our new majority investor,” said Barkowitz. “Safe-Guard’s commitment to excellence remains steadfast. With Hellman & Friedman’s backing and Stone Point’s continued support, we are positioned to deliver even more innovative solutions, superior service and unmatched value to our partners and their customers.”
Hellman & Friedman, known for its focus on helping industry leaders reach new heights, fully embraces Safe-Guard’s unique strategy and the strength of its management team, Safe-Guard said. The investment highlights Hellman & Friedman’s commitment to supporting Safe-Guard in delivering F&I products, dealer service, customer satisfaction and technology solutions. Through this investment, Safe-Guard will gain additional resources to invest in its people, processes and technology.
“Safe-Guard is a differentiated provider of private label protection products, offering value to dealers, strategic partners and consumers,” said Hunter Philbrick, partner at Hellman & Friedman. “The business has built an impressive reputation for its high-quality products and service, and we are excited to partner with the talented management team and provide additional firepower to support the company’s strategic priorities. We see several significant growth opportunities and look forward to working together to realize the immense potential ahead.”