CHARLESBANK CAPITAL PARTNERS MAKES INVESTMENT IN TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY
Charlesbank Capital Partners announced that it has made an investment in Trojan Battery Company, a leading global manufacturer of deep-cycle lead acid batteries. Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Trojan has been owned by the Godber family since its founding in 1925. The transaction, which was funded with both equity and debt, introduces the first outside equity for the company, with the management team making a notable co-investment and the Godber family maintaining a significant ownership position. GE Antares Capital provided the debt portion of the financing.
“Trojan sees diverse opportunities to continue to grow our business and increase market share with Charlesbank as our new partner,” said Jeff Elder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trojan Battery. “Trojan takes pride in cultivating strong relationships with our customers and we are pleased to have raised capital that will help Trojan expand and meet its full potential. Charlesbank’s experienced team will be a valuable strategic resource as
we move ahead in establishing our U.S.-based manufacturing facility for AGM batteries and our continued global expansion.”
Trojan Battery is a global leader in energy storage solutions and the world’s largest manufacturer of deep-cycle lead acid batteries in its target markets. Built on proven deep-cycle technology, Trojan batteries are designed to meet the complex energy storage requirements for numerous applications in the fleet golf, utility electric vehicle, aerial work platform, floor cleaning, renewable energy, backup power, recreational vehicle, material handling and transportation markets. The company’s products are produced in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in California and Georgia and are sold in more than 120 countries through Trojan’s global network of over 50 distributors, as well as over 100 direct customers, including vehicle and equipment OEMs.
Trojan pioneered the development of deep-cycle battery technology for the golf industry in 1952, successfully introducing mobilization to the game of golf. For Trojan, this began a legacy of leadership and innovation that prevails today in the global, deep-cycle markets spanning a wide range of applications.
“We are very pleased to partner with this talented management team to help continue to grow the business and build on the 88-year legacy of the Godber family,” said Ryan Carroll, Charlesbank Managing Director. “Trojan has a well-respected brand in the battery industry and a reputation for high quality and technology leadership. With this excellent foundation we believe the business is well-developed to grow in its existing markets as well as in newer markets such as renewable energy, transportation and back-up power.”
