Arlington Heights, IL, January 20--Sport Court International, the producer of high-performance sports and residential court flooring systems, and Connor Sports Flooring Corporation, am industry leader in hardwood sports flooring solutions, have merged to create Connor Sport Court International.
The merger, which was finalized today, will redefine the marketplace by diversifying and expanding the combined product lines and distribution channels of both companies.
The acquisition of Connor Sports Flooring by The Riverside Company, the leading private equity firm specializing in investments at the smaller end of the middle market and Sport Court's owner, brought the companies together as their first acquisition of 2005.
The sales channels of both organizations now will be able to provide a comprehensive selection of high-performance sports flooring by combining their product lines. In addition, these products will be well positioned to meet evolving customer needs as they increasingly look for suppliers that offer tailored solutions and a wide selection.
"This merger is a perfect match," said Charlie Graves, CEO of Sport Court International, and CEO of the new entity. "Sport Court is dominating the market in outdoor game court and synthetic sport surfaces, and Connor has a great history as the market leader and innovator in the hardwood sports flooring industry. Together we are going to transform this market and establish our new organization as the top producer of sports surfacing and flooring."
Although they have combined to become Connor Sport Court International., the Salt Lake City-based Sport Court International and Chicago-based Connor Sports Flooring both will maintain staffing at their respective headquarters and Connor's production facility in Amasa, Mich.
"By combining Sport Court and Connor, we've created the leader in both the institutional and residential markets," said Will Bixby, Partner in Riverside's Dallas office and the lead transactor on this deal. "The combined company will be able to offer both the institutional and the residential customers an even better product and service offering. Now, many NBA stars will be playing on Connor's wood floors professionally, and practicing on Sport Court game courts in their own backyards."
