Case Study

Overview

• CPO Commerce is a leading online retailer of power tools and outdoor equipment.

• The company partners with leading brands to offer co-branded webstores that provide consumers access to not only top selling products but also more specialized offerings not widely available online, including refurbished and distressed product inventory, in a brand centric manner.

• CPO turns the process of liquidating refurbished, distressed, and obsolete inventory into a predictable and budgetable process that does not undermine channel integrity, making CPO the most trusted partner for tool manufacturers to sell directly to the consumer.

Situation

• Over a period of 10 years, CPO had grown into the leading online retailer in its segment with a very limited capital investment.

• As competition for the company’s core product segment was increasing online, CPO determined that it needed to expand its owned distribution assets and management team to effectively compete in an evolving category.

• CPO was interested in testing the market for a full sale before considering equity dilution given recent transaction comps.

• Cascadia was hired pursuant to inbound interest from a strategic buyer.

Cascadia Process

• Cascadia worked to support the existing sale process while performing a market test for additional buyers at more attractive valuations.

• After the catalyzing buyer elected not to complete the transaction on attractive terms and conditions, Cascadia approached a broad set of tool industry participants.

• Based on interest from United Stationers, Cascadia worked with management and shareholders to craft a win-win deal for both sides.

• Deal provides significant upside for selling shareholder assuming financial plan is achieved.

• Total return to shareholders was competitive to other market comps with higher levels of profitability.