Benford Capital Partners (“Benford Capital” or “BCP”) is pleased to announce the sale of Ray Allen Manufacturing (“Ray Allen” or the “Company”), the leading manufacturer and direct marketer of professional K9 training products, to Brighton Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity group. The transaction closed on May 24^th, 2024.

Founded in 1948, Ray Allen manufactures and markets military-grade K9 training gear. It offers a diversified suite of high-end products including leads, collars, harnesses, muzzles, and bite work gear. The Company maintains key customer relationships across law enforcement, military, homeland security, correctional, professional and drug enforcement fields.

Ray Allen President, JD Snowden, who will continue to lead the Company, said, “Benford Capital proved to be a value-added partner for our team for over a decade. The BCP team remained committed to maintaining Ray Allen’s legacy while providing the resources to expand the product offering, drive constant improvements in e-commerce, and grow the customer base.  Benford Capital was consistently in alignment with our vision and provided the resources and support to achieve our goals.”

Edward Benford, Managing Director at Benford Capital, stated “Ray Allen has been the industry leader in professional K-9 training products for more than 75 years. We are proud to have supported the Company’s growth while preserving its unique culture and heritage. Over the course of our investment, we worked closely with management to diversify the customer base, build the e-commerce business, and complete two add-on acquisitions. We look forward to following Ray Allen’s continued success with Brighton Partners.”

Mesirow Investment Banking served as the exclusive financial advisor to Ray Allen; Ice Miller served as legal counsel. Learn more about Ray Allen at https://www.rayallen.com.

About Benford Capital Partners

Founded in 2004, Benford Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on buying and building leading lower middle market companies in partnership with founders and management. Since inception, Benford Capital has acquired more than 50 companies and currently owns 15 platform companies. BCP’s industry areas of focus include industrial technology, food and consumer products, agricultural products and services, and B2B e-commerce. BCP is currently investing from its $200 million Fund II and has approximately $350 million of total capital under management. For more information, please visit www.benfordcapital.com.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact Edward Benford (ed@benfordcapital.com) or Benjamin Riefe (ben@benfordcapital.com).