Transaction enables Speyside to fuel the company’s next growth phase.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Speyside Equity Advisers (“Speyside”) announced that it has completed the acquisition of GSC Technologies, Inc. (“GSC”). The transaction will allow Speyside’s continued investment in GSC and fuel the company’s next growth phase. GSC is a leading manufacturer of plastic goods in North America.

“We are very excited about the GSC acquisition,” said Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside. “GSC is similar to a great deal we did in a prior fund, with similar opportunities. GSC has a great growth and value-creation plan that we look forward to facilitating.”

GSC CEO Dave Barrow noted, “My team and I look forward to working with the Speyside team to execute our strategic plan. Speyside has a strong operational background that clearly differentiates it from other investment groups. The new capitalization structure and value-creation system that Speyside brings will help us achieve our vision and drive results.”

Nick Lardo, Managing Director at Speyside, noted, “GSC is our second closed deal in Speyside Equity Fund II. We are gaining strong momentum in the fund based on increased staff, AUM, and deal activity. We see 2025 as a year full of great opportunity.”

About Speyside
Speyside is a Detroit-based private equity firm. The firm invests in middle-market, buyout transactions in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Targeted portfolio companies often possess balance sheet, legal, environmental, labor, or transactional complexity. Speyside Equity focuses on creative transaction structures and is comfortable investing in carveouts of large multinational companies, industry consolidations, family-owned businesses, bankruptcies, workouts, and other special situations. Speyside takes an operational approach to creating value in these situations. Speyside has completed 37 investments. For more information, please visit speysideequity.com.

About GSC Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1982 with a single plastic molding machine, GSC Technologies Inc. is a leading and groundbreaking manufacturer of plastic goods in North America focused on environmentally aware plastic solutions for organizing daily life today and in the future. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec/Canada), GSC designs and manufactures attractive, practical storage and organization lifestyle products for better modern living. With manufacturing plants that use contemporary equipment and technology and distribution facilities in the US, Canada, and China, GSC uses global testing and quality standards to ensure the best value, highest quality products. For more information, please visit gsctechnology.com.

Honigman LLP acted as Speyside’s legal advisor.

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SOURCE Speyside Equity

Transformative Collaborations Fuels Record-Breaking Sales Growth for Batteries Plus FranchiseePartnerships Elevate Customer Experience, Expand Service OfferingsNew Jersey Franchisee’s Store Emerges as Top Repair Destination in Network

SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Batteries Plus, the world’s leading specialty battery franchise, has achieved remarkable success through strategic partnerships with industry leaders in device protection and insurance. These collaborations have led to significant growth for franchisees over the last two years, as exemplified by Angel Cartagena’s store in Springfield, NJ.

Enhanced Customer Experience
By combining Batteries Plus’s extensive retail network and repair expertise with advanced mobile device protection programs from industry partners, Batteries Plus stores are equipped to handle subscribers’ phone protection needs, covering lost or damaged devices. This comprehensive approach has paved the way for improved customer satisfaction, ultimately increasing revenue for franchisees and strengthening brand loyalty overall.

“We’re not just fixing phones; we’re creating opportunities for customers to discover additional products and services they didn’t know they needed, from car batteries to key fobs,” Cartagena said. “This has contributed to increased ticket counts and higher margins across our business.”

Growth and Expansion
After serving with the U.S. Air Force for 37 years, Cartagena began franchising with Batteries Plus in 2008. In the 18 years since, his store has grown to become the top-performing location for repairs in the entire Batteries Plus network, with repair volumes nearly 50% higher than other stores.

Since implementing these strategic partnerships, Cartagena’s Batteries Plus location has experienced unprecedented growth:

217.7% increase in device repair sales year-over-year128.6% increase in total business sales year-over-year147.8% increase in average ticket value year-over-year10.6% increase in gross profit year-over-year

The success of these partnerships has led to significant expansion for Cartagena’s store, necessitating the hiring of three additional team members to help manage the increased volume.

“These strategic partnerships have been transformative for our business,” said Cartagena. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly in our device repair services. These collaborations have not only boosted our bottom line but also enhanced our ability to serve our community with top-notch repair solutions. It’s been great for business, allowing us to expand our team and offer more comprehensive services to our customers.”

Batteries Plus has become a global leader in supplying the battery needs of its customers for cars, boats, phones, key fobs and more. With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including cell phone repair and key fob replacement. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130. Plus, for the 30th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 53 spots over last year’s rank and even becoming one of only 49 franchise brands to be inducted into Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, ckoretos@fishmanpr.com or 847-331-1190

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SOURCE Batteries Plus

 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today at CES, MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save consumers money, and Ethika, a leading lifestyle brand driven by personal identity, announced an exciting new collaboration. Together, the two companies will be launching “ethikaX” – a collection that seamlessly merges mobile-friendly design with bold self-expression and dynamic style. This partnership represents a groundbreaking moment where mobile meets fashion, blending cutting-edge technology with style and originality.

The ethikaX line will debut in Q1 2025, featuring a range of apparel and accessories tailored for the modern, mobile lifestyle. The initial collection will include hoodies and t-shirts with phone-friendly pockets, phone cases, and even a limited-edition set of ethikaX-branded headphones.

“At MobileX, we’re passionate about empowering our customers to live untethered, connected lives,” said Peter Adderton, CEO of MobileX. “By partnering with Ethika, we’re able to bring that vision to life through thoughtfully designed apparel that embraces uniqueness and creativity while seamlessly integrating with our mobile services.”

Ethika’s commitment to celebrating individuality and self-expression across diverse cultures including motorsports, BMX, music, art and fashion aligns perfectly with MobileX’s mission to empower consumers through customizable, user-focused mobile service that ensures they only pay for what they use. The ethikaX collection will be available for purchase through the MobileX app and website, as well as select Ethika retail partners. Customers can also sign up for MobileX at these retail locations by purchasing a SIM Kit or scanning a QR code and activating with eSIM.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the innovative team at MobileX to redefine the intersection of mobile and fashion,” said Matt Cook, CEO of Ethika. “This collaboration allows us to extend the Ethika brand into new territories while continuing to celebrate those who stand out from the crowd and share our core values of quality, style and originality.”

Stay tuned for updates on ethikaX’s launch in Q1 2025 here.

 About MobileX
Headquartered in Orange County, California, MobileX is the world’s most customizable mobile carrier delivering the ultimate in choice and cost control. MobileX is a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to predict how much data customers need, dramatically reducing costs while ensuring reliable speed and service. MobileX was founded by Peter Adderton, who also founded both Boost Mobile and Digital Turbine. For more information, please visit mymobilex.com.

 About Ethika
Ethika is a leading lifestyle brand which started in San Clemente, CA and is now based in Lake Forest. Since the inception of the brand, Ethika and its team have been determined to live life, innovate, and deliver quality products, while staying true to the brand’s biggest asset – the FAMILIE. Ethika employees, friends, athletes, artists and customers are the core of the brand and the reason Ethika exists. More Ethika news, photos, and videos can be found on X (@ethika), Instagram (@ethika), and online at www.ethika.com.

Press contact:
Illume PR for MobileX
mobilex@illumepr.com

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SOURCE Mobile X Global, Inc.