Phoenix, Arizona – January 4, 2010 – Massage Envy®, the nation’s largest provider of therapeutic massage services, announced it has been acquired by Sentinel Capital Partners. Sentinel is a private equity firm that invests in promising middle-market companies in the U.S. and Canada, and it has a proven record of success investing in growing franchise businesses. Massage Envy, founded in 2002, is an exceptional growth story, with more than 600 clinics now operating in 42 states. The management team will remain in place, with David Humphrey continuing to serve as chief executive officer and David Crisalli to remain as chief operating officer.
“Our partnership with our franchisees and regional developers has not only resulted in a strong nationwide network that has brought the benefits of therapeutic massage to millions of Americans, but has also captured the interest of institutional investors,” said Humphrey. “As a result of this transaction, we see tremendous opportunities for further growth.” The company has another 211 franchise licenses in development, and serves more than 680,000 Massage Envy members nationwide.
Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® ranked Massage Envy as one of the 20 “Fastest Growing Franchises” in 2009 and number one in the “Massage Services” category. Massage Envy offers a strong business model for entrepreneurs and an investment concept that is revolutionizing the health and wellness industry.
“We seek to partner with talented management teams at market-leading businesses,” said John F. McCormack, a co-founder and senior partner at Sentinel. “David Humphrey, David Crisalli and the Massage Envy team have built an industry leader. We are very excited to be their partners as they position the company for even greater success over the long term.”
About Massage Envy
Massage Envy Limited LLC, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the U.S. Its national franchise of massage clinics is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy Spa is the company’s newest concept, featuring Murad® healthy skin facials and therapeutic massages. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has opened 607 clinics in 42 states, with new locations opening every month. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com.
About Sentinel Capital Partners
Sentinel Capital Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in buying and building smaller middle-market companies in the U.S. and Canada in partnership with management. Sentinel targets consumer products, food and restaurants, franchising, manufacturing and service businesses. Sentinel invests in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, and going-private transactions of established businesses with EBITDA of between $5 million and $35 million. More information about Sentinel can be found on the firm’s Web site, www.sentinelpartners.com.