Outward Hound designs and develops plush toys, travel gears, and games and puzzle toys for dogs. Its dog games and puzzles include agility kits/obstacle courses, plastic games/puzzles, slo-bowl slow feeders, rubber games/puzzles, and launchers and exercise games. The company provides plush puppies that include egg babies puzzle toys, extra large toys, fire hose toys, invincible, latex squawkers, minis for small dogs, shake and tug products, squeaker mats, tuff guys, water bottle toys, and classic and other toys; auto travel gears, backpacks for dogs, carriers for small dogs, food storage products, life jackets, leash accessories, shade shelters, treat and training bags, and pooch pickups; and holiday dog toys that include bottle buddies, Halloween, hedgehogs, antler headbands, festive collars, Christmas hats, and stockings. Its products are available online and through pet supply stores. The company is based in Centennial, Colorado. (Bloomberg)
CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS
10/18/2018: Company acquires Planet Dog.
BDC Credit Reporter View
The only BDC with exposure to the Company is Fidus Investment (FDUS), which financed the buyout by J.W. Childs in late 2017. Based on valuations through June 2018, performance appears to be as planned. With the October 2018 acquisition of Planet Dog, the Company appears to be in a growth mode. The acquisition is the third since the change of ownership. This may result in equity upside for FDUS, which has invested $0.750mn in the equity of the PE owned Company.(Updated October 18, 2018)
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
IVQ 2017: FDUS provides debt and equity financing to support acquisition of Company by J.W. Childs from Riverside Company.