Tengram Capital Partners Adds to Investment Team a

WESTPORT, Conn., March 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tengram Capital Partners LLC (“TCP” or “Tengram”), a consumer-focused private equity firm, announced today that Brian Cooper has joined the firm as a Principal.  In addition, Tengram is excited to announce that Kris Parks has been promoted to Principal and Michael Zappala has been promoted to Senior Associate. 

Brian Cooper joins Tengram from Atlantic Street Capital, an operationally-driven private equity firm that targets opportunities in the lower middle markets.  Prior to joining Atlantic Street, Brian worked at GB Merchant Partners, Gordon Brother’s private equity affiliate, where he invested equity in the retail and consumer sector.  Prior to Gordon Brothers, Mr. Cooper worked at Financo, a boutique investment bank focused on serving the consumer sector.  Brian received a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2003 from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Bill Sweedler and Matt Eby, Co-Founders of Tengram, commented: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Brian to the Tengram team.  We have known Brian for many years and followed his success, both as an investor and in his work with portfolio companies on the operational side.  Brian’s reputation, experience and skill set are a great fit for Tengram and will add additional leverage to our already strong team.”  

Kris Parks joined Tengram in 2011 and is the longest serving member of the investment team.  Prior to joining Tengram, Kris was an Associate at Karp Reilly and prior to that worked in the consumer investment banking group at Citigroup.  Kris’ role includes leading diligence teams and managing portfolio companies. Matt Eby said, “Kris has made immense contributions to the firm over the years.  We are very grateful for his effort and skills and are pleased to recognize his leadership with this promotion.”  Bill Sweedler added, “Since joining Tengram, Michael Zappala has quickly become a key member of the TCP investment team and we are excited about his future in the firm.”

ABOUT TENGRAM CAPITAL PARTNERS:

Tengram Capital Partners is a private equity firm that focuses exclusively on leading middle-market consumer and retail companies that own strong recognizable brands. The team has a diverse background of consumer investing and operating expertise that assists and guides company management to unlock the true potential of their brand. Tengram invests in both traditional "growth" and "restructuring/turnaround" situations in either the public or private sectors. Previous and current investments for Tengram include EarthTreks, Algenist, Cos Bar, Differential Brands Group, This Works, Zanella, Luciano Barbera, Tommie Copper, Active Ride Shop, DevaCurl, Laura Geller Beauty, NEST Fragrances, Sequential Brands Group and Robert Graham.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brenda Deluca Investor Communications Tengram Capital Partners bdeluca@tengramcapital.com