Spire Capital partners with Management to purchase On Campus Marketing

NEW YORK, May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Spire Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm specializing in investments in the business services, information services, education, media and communications sectors, today announced its investment in On Campus Marketing ("OCM" or the "Company"), a leading e-commerce provider serving college students through long standing relationships with colleges and universities across the United States.  This marks the fifth investment in Spire's third fund. 

On Campus Marketing, headquartered in Ewing, NJ, is the largest e-commerce provider of affinity programs for universities and colleges across the United States. The Company utilizes university-branded marketing targeted at college students and their parents to sell a diversified group of products such as campus life goods (e.g. linen, towels, carpets, etc.), care packages and diploma displays.

OCM will use Spire's financial investment to enhance its digital marketing and mobile commerce solutions and to provide its target market with expanded product assortments such as logo apparel.  "Given Spire Capital's deep industry experience and knowledge, we are excited to partner with the firm in order to accelerate OCM's growth," said Mark Kuhns, CEO of OCM.

Sean White, one of Spire's general partners, will be Chairman of OCM's Board of Directors. Anthony Cassano, Principal at Spire Capital and Don Stewart, CFO at Spire Capital, will also join OCM's Board. The combined addition to the Board will support the company's expansion goals and competitive positioning as a multi-channel commerce company serving colleges and universities and their students and alumni.

Anthony Cassano, Principal of Spire Capital, said "OCM has built strong barriers to entry with 900+ college and university relationships over the past thirty years providing the Company timely access to over 80% of incoming college freshman. During its next phase of growth, the Company will continue to deliver superior customer service to its school partners and expand its rich and intuitive digital user experience for students and their parents," said Anthony Cassano of Spire Capital.  Chairman Sean White commented, "Mark has done a great job of building a team to develop and expand OCM's position as a leading multi-channel marketing company to college and university students and their alumni. We are excited to partner with Mark and his team."

About On Campus Marketing

OCM is the original online superstore for college dorm supplies, care packages and other essentials for college life.  With more than 10,000 products, OCM carries college necessities such as twin XL dorm bedding, decor, storage trunks, carpet, care packages, diploma frames and more.  Additionally, OCM offers a range of unique and useful gifts for college students all combined under a one-stop-shop for convenience and value.  For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.ocm.com

About Spire Capital

Spire Capital (https://www.spirecapital.com/) is an active and experienced private equity firm with an investment focus in small market companies within the business services, information services, education, media and communications sectors. Spire Capital was founded on the principle of partnering with management teams and founders to help effectuate the next stage of growth for their companies. Spire professionals have a broad array of past operating, investing and advisory experiences they leverage to help portfolio companies accelerate growth, guide strategic direction and execute their business plan.  Spire Capital is a New York-based investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

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SOURCE Spire Capital