Pine Tree Equity Invests in BPI Sports

Pine Tree Equity III, LP (“Pine Tree Equity”), a private equity firm based in Miami, FL, is pleased to announce that it has made a minority investment in BPI Sports (“BPI” or the “Company”) in February 2014.  The Company, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Hollywood, FL, is a leading developer, formulator and marketer of branded sports nutrition supplements, primarily for athletes and bodybuilders, sold through leading specialty retailers and distributors.  For additional information, please visit www.bpisports.net.

The Company operates in the fragmented and large nutritional supplement market, which was estimated at approximately $32.5 billion in revenue for 2012 by Nutrition Business Journal.  The $4.0 billion sports nutrition category has represented the fastest growing sub-segment (i.e., 9.0% annually) of the broader nutritional supplement market since 2007 and is projected to grow faster than the overall supplement market through 2017.  Growth has been driven by several factors, including increased consumer focus on active and healthy lifestyles and enhanced awareness of the benefits of nutritional supplements.

Pine Tree Equity made a minority investment in partnership with the two founders that remain in legal and operating control of the business.  Their dedication, leadership and vision have driven them to become the fastest growing sports nutrition company.  The capital will allow them to continue their exceptionally strong history of expanding their product line, marketing platform and retail penetration.  BPI marks Pine Tree Equity’s 24th investment since Pine Tree Equity’s inception in 2007.