The Riverside Company’s Latest Add-on Shines a Light on Prism Specialties

The Riverside Company (Riverside), a global private investor focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in Prism Specialties, a leading franchisor of specialty restoration services of electronics, textiles, arts and documents. This investment is the latest add-on to Riverside’s portfolio company, EverSmith Brands (EverSmith), a strong and growing franchised brands platform.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Prism Specialties provides specialty restoration services to commercial and residential customers across the United States. With over 150 franchise units across 27 U.S. states, Prism Specialties can help restore items that have been damaged by a natural disaster or other unforeseen instances.

“Prism Specialties is the fourth add-on to EverSmith as we continue to execute on the thesis of creating a multi-brand franchisor of commercial-focused business service brands,” said Riverside Micro-Cap Fund (RMCF) Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. “The company is a great fit, and we are excited to add specialty restoration services to the platform.”

“As the latest addition to the EverSmith Brands portfolio, we anticipate an increase in new franchise sales, leveraging the portfolio's existing franchise development infrastructure,” said Riverside Senior Partner Brian Sauer. “We also plan to expand Prism’s presence in the textile restoration space, as well as continue growing a nationwide network of insurance carriers and general contractor relationships which serve as a lead engine for franchisees.”

The Prism Specialties investment is another example of Riverside’s expertise in investing in and growing its franchisor specialization. Riverside has invested in a cadre of franchise companies since its inception in 1988.

With this acquisition, Chris Ring, the current CEO of Prism Specialties, will be appointed as the Prism Specialties Brand President for EverSmith.

“Chris, along with the Prism Specialties management team, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and deep franchise experience, which EverSmith is excited to leverage across the platform,” said EverSmith Brands CEO Ken Hutcheson.

Working with Schlachet and Sauer on this deal for Riverside were Partner Steve Rice, Senior Associate Alex Abramovitz, Analyst Brooklyn Button, Operating Partner Tom Silk and Finance Director Cassie McGruder. Partner, Origination, Cheryl Strom sourced the deal for Riverside.