San Francisco Equity Partners Announces Sale of Method

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--San Francisco Equity Partners (“SFEP”), a private equity firm exclusively focused on middle market consumer growth companies, today announced the sale of Method^TM, the leading innovator in premium, eco-friendly household and personal care products, to Europe-based eco-pioneer Ecover. The transaction will create the world’s largest green cleaning company, with global distribution and unmatched capabilities in green product development, innovation and manufacturing.

“Our investment in Method demonstrates SFEP’s ability to identify emerging consumer brands with immense potential and to work closely with management teams to drive sustained profitable growth. This transaction represents a great outcome for the company and its employees and concludes a highly successful investment for SFEP.”

Method was founded in 2000 by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry with the goal of transforming the household cleaner from a toxic chemical that hides under the sink to an all-natural, biodegradable and stylish countertop accessory. Today, Method can be found in more than 40,000 retail locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Since SFEP’s initial investment, Method’s sales have grown over 400 percent and the company has emerged as the largest and fastest-growing green home care brand in the world.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Method’s founders, management team and employees in building one of the world’s premier consumer brands,” said Scott Potter, Managing Partner at SFEP. “Our investment in Method demonstrates SFEP’s ability to identify emerging consumer brands with immense potential and to work closely with management teams to drive sustained profitable growth. This transaction represents a great outcome for the company and its employees and concludes a highly successful investment for SFEP.”

“This transition marks a new chapter in the evolution of our business,” said Eric Ryan, Method’s Co-Founder and Chief Brand Architect. “Our partnership with SFEP was integral to Method’s rapid growth and success. Their expertise and support have been instrumental in helping Method drive brand strategy, increase distribution, dramatically enhance margin structure, and develop our management team. They have been ideal partners.”

Sawaya Segalas & Co., LLC, a leading consumer-focused investment banking firm, acted as exclusive financial advisor to Method in connection with the transaction.

About San Francisco Equity Partners

San Francisco Equity Partners is a private equity firm exclusively focused on lower middle market consumer growth companies. SFEP partners with consumer brands that have reached an inflection point in their development, where they can benefit not only from growth capital, but also from SFEP’s deep operational, financial, and industry experience. For more information please visit www.sfequitypartners.com

About Method

Founded in 2000, Method is the pioneer of premium planet-friendly and design-driven home, fabric and personal care products. Formulated with naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients, Method cleaners put the hurt on dirt without doing harm to people, creatures or the planet. Today, Method can be found in more than 40,000 retail locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Major national retailers include Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers and Kroger. For more information, visit www.methodhome.com.

About Ecover

Founded in 1980, Ecover is a leading European manufacturer and marketer of green household cleaning products. Ecover distributes its products through a variety of channels internationally. Ecover manufactures a variety of products including laundry detergent, stain remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, all-purpose cleaner as well as a number of other household products. Ecover currently operates out of two state-of-the-art, eco-friendly manufacturing facilities in Belgium and France.