Houlihan Lokey Advises "I and love and you"

Houlihan Lokey's Consumer, Food & Retail Group is pleased to announce that "I and love and you," a portfolio company of Winona Capital Management and Revelry Brands, has received a significant growth investment from L Catterton, the largest consumer-focused private equity firm in the world. L Catterton's investment will be used to further accelerate the growth and expansion of "I and love and you" nationally. Terms of the transaction, which closed on April 3, 2017, were not disclosed.

Based in Boulder, Colorado, "I and love and you" (ILY) is one of the fastest-growing premium dog and cat food brands in grocery stores across the country. ILY offers a full assortment of natural dog and cat foods & treats that are among the highest quality in the industry. All products are made with real meat, fish, or poultry and contain no grains, fillers, or artificial ingredients. All food recipes are approved by a holistic veterinarian for uncompromising quality. Both of ILY's flagship lines of kibble, Naked Essentials and Nude Food, have earned a five-star rating from DogFoodAdvisor.com. ILY symbolizes the deep bond of love between a pet and pet parent, and everything the company does helps nourish that love. ILY is lovingly made in America with handpicked ingredients from around the world and can be conveniently found at grocery stores or online.

L Catterton, formed in 2016 through the partnership of Catterton, LVMH, and Groupe Arnault, is the largest consumer-focused private equity firm in the world, operating multiple funds out of seventeen offices across five continents. Since its founding in 1989, L Catterton has leveraged its category insight, strategic and operating skills, and network of industry contacts to establish one of the strongest private equity investment track records in the middle market. L Catterton builds on this heritage and the strong track record of LVMH and Groupe Arnault's existing European and Asian private equity and real estate operations conducted under the L Capital and L Real Estate franchises. L Catterton invests in all major consumer segments, including food and beverage, retail and restaurants, beauty and wellness, fashion and accessories, consumer products and services, consumer health, and media and marketing services, as well as real estate projects anchored by luxury retail.

Winona Capital Management provides acquisition and growth capital in lower middle-market consumer and retail companies that have attractive revenue and brand enhancement opportunities. Winona Capital Management partners with high energy, passionate executives who have a shared focus on building great brands with sustained growth over long-term investment horizons and manages more than $300 million on behalf of its family office and institutional investors.

Revelry Brands is an investment firm focused on providing growth-stage private equity to unique, innovative businesses in the natural food and consumer products categories. Its companies have management teams with proven track records, innovative offerings, and authentic stories that translate into successful lifestyle brands. Revelry Brands' commitment to investing hands-on operational expertise alongside its investment capital allows it to work with exceptional people and companies that are truly looking for a partner.