Blue Sage Capital Exits VMI

AUSTIN, Texas – Blue Sage Capital is pleased to announce it has completed the sale of one of its portfolio companies, Visual Merchandising, Inc., to Noa Visual Group, S.L.

Visual Merchandising, Inc. (“VMI”), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a state-of-the-art designer, manufacturer, and distributor of custom mannequins, forms, and other visual merchandising products to the global retail industry. With a number one market share position in the U.S., VMI markets its products under the brands of Fusion Specialties, Inc. and Goldsmith, Inc. VMI’s customers include Nike, J. Crew, Kate Spade, The North Face, and J.C. Penney.

Jim McBride, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Blue Sage, served on the VMI Board of Directors and was integrally involved with the VMI management team, “VMI presented a unique opportunity to invest in a leading company in a truly niche industry.”

Blue Sage initially invested in VMI in 2007 and completed the acquisition of Goldsmith, Inc. in 2009 during the downturn to strategically expand VMI’s product offering. Over its hold, Blue Sage partnered with management to initiate new product development, migrate to more cost efficient production facilities, and improve international distribution. McBride added, “It was a pleasure to work with Derek Johnson and the VMI team. We wish VMI continued success through this merger with Noa Visual Group.”

Derek Johnson, CEO of VMI, said, “Blue Sage was an invaluable asset to our team as we navigated through a paralyzing global recession. Because of their unwavering support, we were able to dramatically improve our performance and operationally transform the company.”

This transaction marks Blue Sage’s third exit in the last year. Blue Sage also sold Ashbrook-Simon Hartley, a leading wastewater equipment company, and R360 Environmental Solutions, a multi-regional, environmental services company that processes wastes related to the energy industry.

Blue Sage and other stakeholders were advised by St. Charles Capital during the sale process.

About Blue Sage Capital

Blue Sage Capital is an Austin, Texas-based private equity firm specializing in growth, recapitalization and buyout financings of smaller middle market companies based in Texas and the Southwest. Most of Blue Sage's investments are in established, profitable companies with $10 million to $100 million of revenue and $3 million to $10 million of cash flow at the time of investment. Blue Sage invests in a variety of industries, with each initial investment typically ranging from $10 million to $20 million.

For more information regarding Blue Sage, please visit www.bluesage.com or contact Peter Huff at 512.536.1901.