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In May 2008, FdG Associates, through FdG Capital Partners II, co-invested alongside affiliates of AEA Investors in the purchase of Implus Footcare from FdG Capital Partners, which had led the recapitalization of Implus in 2001. Implus designs, markets and distributes insoles, foot care devices, traction devices, socks, shoe care products and shoe laces under four primary brand names (Sof Sole, AirPlus, Sof Comfort, Yaktrax and Sneakerballs) and several private-label brands. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Implus holds the leading market share in the specialty footwear market (primarily athletic footwear retailers, sporting goods stores and other shoe stores) and the number two position in the food, drug and mass channel.
Since the original recapitalization, Implus has executed on its "one-stop shop, ankle-down" strategy to expand its product offering beyond insoles, both organically and through acquisitions, to include shoe care products, shoe laces, traction devices, shoe deodorizers and socks. In support of this strategy, the Company acquired Yaktrax in May 2006 and Sneakerballs in July 2007.
In the specialty market, the Company's strategy capitalizes on its leading market position in insoles to dominate the shoe accessories category. In the food, drug and mass market, the Company's focus is on expanding the number of Implus products carried in each store and the number of stores in its store base.
The Company has grown and will continue to grow by adding products, both organically and via acquisition, that fit within its now broader strategy which includes sports medicine and other sports accessory categories in addition to its historic "ankle down" focus.
