Bridges Consumer Healthcare has acquired KT Tape, a leading kinesiology tape brand, to strengthen its portfolio of over-the-counter pain relief solutions and drive growth through innovation and expanded distribution.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Expansion: The acquisition bolsters Bridges’ specialty OTC portfolio, complementing existing brands like ThermaCare and Absorbine Jr., while positioning the company for organic growth and future acquisitions.
- Innovation and Market Reach: KT Tape brings innovative, drug-free pain relief solutions and a strong customer base, including partnerships with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, to the Bridges platform.
- Shared Vision for Growth: Both companies emphasize collaboration, innovation, and expanding consumer access to health solutions as core drivers of their partnership.
Bridges Consumer Healthcare LLC, a consumer healthcare platform made up of nine over-the-counter (OTC) and personal care brands, announced the acquisition of KT Tape (KT), a kinesiology tape brand designed to provide drug-free pain relief and support for muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The strategic move diversifies and strengthens Bridges’ portfolio of specialty OTC brands, increasing the Company’s scale and positioning Bridges for accelerated organic growth and further add-on opportunities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2008, KT Tape providwa drug-free, innovative solutions to prevent and relieve pain and promote recovery. The company partnered with Palladin Consumer Retail Partners (Palladin) in 2014 and has earned high customer advocacy with products that appeal to all consumers from professional athletes to those seeking effective relief from everyday pain and soreness. KT is used by notable athletic organizations including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The addition of KT to Bridges represents the next phase of growth for the brand, with further investment in demand generation, product innovation, and omnichannel distribution as part of the Bridges platform. KT is also the fourth acquisition completed since the inception of Bridges and opens the door for additional opportunities for accretive M&A, according to the company.
“We are excited to join forces with KT Tape to advance our shared goal of delivering innovative over-the-counter healthcare solutions to improve our customers’ everyday health and quality of life,” says John Speranza, CEO at Bridges Consumer Healthcare. “KT’s innovative solutions enhance Bridges’ already-strong position in pain relief, alongside our current brands in the external pain category, ThermaCare and Absorbine Jr. As we begin executing on our vision for growth, we look forward to exploring partnerships with similar brands that can help us scale further.”
“Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter for KT, positioning us to reach more customers and continue to drive meaningful innovation through the added scale of the Bridges platform,” says Jessica Klodnicki, CEO at KT Tape. “We have been impressed by Bridges’ leadership and depth of expertise across several consumer health verticals, as well as the Company’s steadfast focus on its customers. We are thrilled to have found another collaborative strategic partner that shares a similar vision for the future of our business.”
“Since its formation, Bridges has demonstrated a strong track record of growth, scaling both organically and through M&A, and we are thrilled to welcome another marquee brand like KT to the Bridges family,” says Jesse Ge, principal at Charlesbank. “This marks an exciting milestone for the Bridges team, as they continue to build a leading consumer healthcare company.”
Mark Schwartz, CEO of Palladin, adds, “It has been a pleasure working with the founders of KT, Jessica and the entire leadership team to build a leading consumer product company providing health and wellness solutions for athletes at all levels. We’re confident that Bridges will be a good platform for KT’s next stage of growth.”
