Case Studies
BCI Burke
Company Overview
BCI Burke is a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial playground equipment. Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Burke makes play systems, fitness and recreation products for schools, municipalities, churches, children’s museums, childcare centers and housing associations nationwide.
Opportunities
- Built on Burke’s reputation for quality, new product development capabilities, differentiated single brand strategy, and strong sales representative relationships to drive share gain in the large and attractive playground equipment market
- Partner with a strong management team to sponsor a buyout of Burke from its previous private equity investor
Key ValuFactors Initiatives
- Constructed and implemented a strategy to improve production efficiency, expand products offering, and geographic reach
- Invested meaningfully in technology and facilities to drive capacity expansion
- Optimized the sales rep network by partnering with reps in new geographies and selectively upgrading reps in existing geographies
- Expanded into new product categories, including outdoor musical instruments and outdoor fitness
- Completed the first two add-on acquisitions in the Company’s 100-year history
Outcome
Halifax and management grew Burke’s EBITDA by ~150% through organic measures and acquisitions.
In December 2021, Halifax successfully exited the investment through a sale to management and a financial sponsor. Management continued to operate the business following Halifax’s divestiture.
“Halifax’s extensive financial and operational resources as well as their proven ability to work alongside management teams made them the right partner for our next phase of growth.”