[American Motorcyclist Association] - RevZilla announces strategic alliance with AMA

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The following is an industry press release...

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Feb. 10, 2016) - The founders and equity holders of RevZilla Motorsports, LLC and investment funds managed by J.W. Childs Associates, LP have agreed to be joint equity holders of a newly formed holding company with investments in both RevZilla and Cycle Gear, Inc., two of the nation’s leading retailers of apparel, accessories and parts for motorcycle enthusiasts. RevZilla and Cycle Gear will continue to operate as independent sister companies with headquarters in Philadelphia, Pa., and Benicia, Calif., respectively.

RevZilla, founded in 2007 by Anthony Bucci, Nick Auger and Matt Kull, is a rapidly growing, eCommerce retailer that provides motorcycle enthusiasts with premium apparel, accessories, and parts. The company is known for an award-winning customer experience and informative content utilized regularly by 182,000+ followers on the company’s YouTube channel.

Cycle Gear, founded in 1974, is an omni-channel retailer dedicated to motorcycle riders and enthusiasts, operating more than 100 stores across the nation. Acquired by J.W. Childs in January 2015, Cycle Gear will continue to make numerous investments to elevate its long-standing brand and increase its national retail presence across the United States.

The new company, along with additional equity capital from J.W. Childs, will drive further growth through infrastructure and technology investments, broader product assortments, and best-in-class editorial content which will enhance the experience for all motorcycle enthusiasts, including customers of both companies.

Each of the three RevZilla founders will maintain their executive leadership positions at RevZilla. Anthony Bucci, Co-Founder and CEO, and Matt Kull, Co-Founder and COO, will join the Board of Directors of the newly formed holding company along with Joseph M. Fortunato, Executive Chairman of Cycle Gear.

“We’re excited about leveraging our digital acumen and leadership skills to continue to accelerate RevZilla’s impact,” said Anthony Bucci. “We now also have an exciting larger opportunity for our culture and ethos to have a broader effect on the modern motorcyclist.”

The financial terms were not disclosed. The closing of the transaction is subject to standard closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

About RevZilla.com
With an award-winning customer experience powered by internally developed technology and content, RevZilla.com is the premiere online destination for the modern rider. RevZilla was founded in 2007 by Anthony Bucci, Nick Auger and Matthew Kull when they recognized that their complementary skills in internet technology and marketing, coupled with a shared passion for motorcycles, lent itself well to developing new ways to serve the power sports industry which was ripe for disruption. For more information, visit www.revzilla.com.

About Cycle Gear
Founded in 1974, Cycle Gear is an omni-channel national retailer dedicated to motorsports riders and enthusiasts. The company operates 113 stores in 34 states, has a significant and growing online business, and distributes more than 13 million catalogs annually. Cycle Gear is known for a differentiated store experience, with retail locations designed for and staffed by motorcycle enthusiasts, and is highly engaged with its customer base, sponsoring more than 1,000 bike nights and over 150 events and community rides annually. Cycle Gear is headquartered in Benicia, California. For more information, visit www.cyclegear.com.

About J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.
J.W. Childs is a Boston-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market growth companies. Since inception in 1995, J.W. Childs has invested in excess of $3 billion of equity capital in more than 40 best-in-class companies across the consumer, specialty retail and healthcare industries. The firm’s success has been built on its industry focus and the extensive operating expertise of its partners. For more information, please visit www.jwchilds.com.





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