Key Takeaways
- • Platinum Equity has completed its acquisition of PlayPower, a leading designer and manufacturer of recreational and outdoor living systems, from previous owner Littlejohn & Co, LLC, with the deal announced on October 31, 2025.
- • PlayPower, headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, operates across diversified end markets including schools, parks and recreation facilities, commercial and industrial properties, residential communities, marine environments, and hospitality venues, with manufacturing and distribution infrastructure spanning North America and Europe.
- • Platinum Equity executives identified significant organic growth potential and M&A runway for PlayPower, positioning the acquisition as a platform for expanding into complementary product categories and adjacent market segments through add-on acquisitions.
- • The transaction underscores institutional investor appetite for outdoor recreation and wellness infrastructure assets, driven by sustained consumer demand for premium outdoor experiences and community-focused amenities.
- • Goldman Sachs provided financial advisory services to Platinum Equity, while Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal counsel; financial terms were not disclosed.
Summary
Platinum Equity announced the completion of its acquisition of PlayPower on October 31, 2025, acquiring the recreational and outdoor living systems manufacturer from Littlejohn & Co, LLC. The transaction represents a significant platform acquisition for the Los Angeles-based private equity firm, adding a diversified manufacturer with established market leadership across multiple customer segments and geographies.
PlayPower operates as a multi-brand portfolio designer and manufacturer serving fragmented end markets spanning education, municipal recreation, commercial facilities, residential communities, marine applications, and hospitality. The Huntersville, North Carolina-based company maintains an integrated manufacturing and distribution footprint across North America and Europe, positioning it to serve regional customers with localized production, reduced lead times, and regulatory compliance capabilities tailored to specific markets.
Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei framed the acquisition within the broader secular trend of increased consumer and institutional spending on outdoor wellness infrastructure, stating that "families and communities are prioritizing open-air spaces for health, wellness, and social connection." This positioning suggests Platinum Equity's thesis centers on sustained demand tailwinds for premium recreational equipment and playground solutions.
Managing Director Nathan Eldridge emphasized PlayPower's utility as a consolidation platform, noting the company's "significant runway for growth across its core categories and adjacent segments" with potential for add-on acquisitions that expand the brand portfolio into complementary markets. This language indicates Platinum Equity's intent to pursue bolt-on M&A strategy to drive both organic and inorganic expansion.
Financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed. Goldman Sachs served as financial advisor to Platinum Equity, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP providing legal counsel on the transaction.
PlayPower operates as a multi-brand portfolio designer and manufacturer serving fragmented end markets spanning education, municipal recreation, commercial facilities, residential communities, marine applications, and hospitality. The Huntersville, North Carolina-based company maintains an integrated manufacturing and distribution footprint across North America and Europe, positioning it to serve regional customers with localized production, reduced lead times, and regulatory compliance capabilities tailored to specific markets.
Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei framed the acquisition within the broader secular trend of increased consumer and institutional spending on outdoor wellness infrastructure, stating that "families and communities are prioritizing open-air spaces for health, wellness, and social connection." This positioning suggests Platinum Equity's thesis centers on sustained demand tailwinds for premium recreational equipment and playground solutions.
Managing Director Nathan Eldridge emphasized PlayPower's utility as a consolidation platform, noting the company's "significant runway for growth across its core categories and adjacent segments" with potential for add-on acquisitions that expand the brand portfolio into complementary markets. This language indicates Platinum Equity's intent to pursue bolt-on M&A strategy to drive both organic and inorganic expansion.
Financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed. Goldman Sachs served as financial advisor to Platinum Equity, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP providing legal counsel on the transaction.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.