FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JH Partners Invests in Kate Somerville Skincare
SAN FRANCISCO - May 8, 2007 - JH Partners, a San-Francisco-based private equity firm, announced it has made an investment in the Los Angeles-based companies Kate Somerville Skincare and Skin Health Experts through a newly incorporated entity, Kate Somerville Holdings, LLC.
Both companies were founded by skincare industry veteran Kate Somerville, who opened the Skin Health Experts medi-skin clinic in 2004 in a private bungalow on Melrose Place. The clinic is designed to provide the most advanced clinical skincare in a calming, comfortable setting and has attracted a loyal following among many celebrity clients. Following the early success of Skin Health Experts clinic, Kate launched her own signature line of skincare products under the Kate Somerville Skincare brand in November of 2006. Kate Somerville offers a full suite of skin treatments and is currently sold in high-end spas, select retail boutiques, via direct-marketing television and online at www.katesomerville.com.
"Kate Somerville Skincare represents a unique opportunity to invest in a rapidly growing personal care company with true multi-channel distribution potential," said John Hansen, president of JH Partners. "We look forward to working with Katie and her team as they continue to grow the business."
"I am so happy to have found a talented team of investors that believe in my dream and have the experience and expertise to help further my vision," expressed Kate Somerville, president of the companies. "My team and I feel blessed to partner with JH, and we look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation."
JH Partners purchased its stake from Doyle and Kim Rose, angel investors who helped successfully manage the Kate Somerville brand through its initial growth phase.
"Kim and I want to sincerely thank Katie and the dedicated team of professionals at both companies for helping to create such an incredible brand over the last three years," said Doyle Rose. "We leave knowing that JH Partners is the perfect company to take Kate Somerville to the next level."
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Kate Somerville Skincare Kate Somerville Skincare is dedicated to helping individuals of all skin types obtain healthy skin. The company's current product offering includes cleansers, moisturizers, treatments, sunscreen, body and nutrition. Kate Somerville products are sold in select independent boutiques, premium wholesale accounts, via direct-response television on QVC and online at www.katesomerville.com.
About Skin Health Experts Skin Health Experts is a comprehensive, result-driven medi-skincare center nestled inside a peaceful, private bungalow on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. Treatments are designed to address the health and welfare of the skin at every level. By combining high-tech strategies with innovative techniques, signature services are customized for each client based on a consultation and personal goals. Additional information may be found at www.katesomerville.com/clinic/clinic.htm.
About JH Partners JH Partners is a San Francisco-based private equity firm focused on investments in growth-oriented middle market consumer products and services companies. The firm distinguishes itself among private equity firms in that each of its principals has senior-level operating experience building middle-market consumer-related businesses. JH Partners has been instrumental in aiding the growth of powerful consumer brands, including Bare Escentuals, Jurlique, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Design Within Reach and Frette, among others. In 2006, the firm raised $350 million in its second institutional fund to follow its inaugural $200 million institutional fund from 2004. Additional information may be found at www.jhpartners.com.
