Stout announced that Design Specialties, LLC (Design Specialties), a portfolio company of Blackthorne Partners (Blackthorne), has been acquired by GHP Group Inc. (GHP), a leading developer and distributor of seasonal products for major home centers, retailers, and online retailers. GHP is a portfolio company of Novacap. Stout served as exclusive investment banker to Design Specialties and Blackthorne in connection with this transaction.

Founded in 1983, Design Specialties is a Milwaukee-based designer and manufacturer of custom fireplace doors and screens, hearth accessories, and outdoor products. Design Specialties has cultivated a reputation of providing the highest quality fireplace doors and related products in the industry.

John Syburg and Steve Balistreri, Managing Directors at Blackthorne, said in a joint statement: “Stout did an excellent job with this transaction. We feel that Design Specialties is well positioned to continue its success and growth within the GHP family.”

John Lahti, Managing Director at Stout, added, “It was a pleasure working with Blackthorne and Design Specialties on this transaction. We are pleased with the favorable outcome for the buyer, seller and the management team.”

John Lahti, Conrad Hahne, and Jordan Baum were the investment bankers on the transaction.

Godfrey & Kahn served as legal counsel to Blackthorne and Design Specialties.

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