Youth development platform Unleashed Brands acquires Water Wings
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Unleashed Brands, a youth development platform, has acquired Water Wings Swim School, CEO Michael Browning tells Axios.
Why it matters: The company continues its shopping spree after integrating Sylvan Learning over the past year.
What's next: The company is actively looking for more acquisitions to plug into its portfolio, Browning says, namely in the area of fine arts, including music, theater and dance.
- It will likely close another transaction before year's end, he says.
By the numbers: Currently Unleashed Brands has over $1 billion in system-wide revenue and has more than 1,300 locations across its brands, Browning says.
Zoom in: The Water Wings deal fulfills Unleashed Brands desire to enter the swimming category, as Axios previously reported.
- Water Wings was founded about 21 years ago, has 13 locations across several states and owns IP around what Browning characterizes as a "world class" curriculum.
Catch up quick: Unleashed Brands was acquired from AHR Growth Partners, Mantucket Capital and MPK Equity Partners by by PE firm Seidler Equity Partners in 2023 following a competitive auction process.
- Its portfolio includes Urban Air, The Little Gym, Snapology, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts.
