Christmas by Krebs Corporation

Client Profile

Established in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, CBK specializes in creating beautiful, handcrafted holiday ornaments.  As one of the largest producers and sellers of glass and shatterproof ornaments in North America, the Company has established itself as the go-to destination for all holiday ornament needs across multiple sales channels.  CBK’s products are celebrated for their unique and original designs and are sold through both large and small specialty retailers as well as ecommerce platforms.  The brand is a symbol of tradition and artistry and the Company is widely recognized as an industry leader that sets high standards for quality and service.

Situation

Over the years, the Company has achieved significant success by offering beautiful and high-quality ornaments in the marketplace.  Recently, the Company has faced substantial challenges due to external factors common to the industry. Management implemented a number of operational improvements to preserve its original, trusted, and proven quality craftsmanship. However, the strategy proved to be capital intensive and as a result, required a strategic or financial investor to provide adequate liquidity to further support the business.

Solution

SSG was retained by CBK to assist in the exploration of strategic alternatives.  SSG conducted a comprehensive marketing process that attracted interest from multiple parties.  The Gerson Companies ultimately prevailed in the process and acquired the assets through a UCC Article 9 sale. The transaction was completed in an expedited timeframe and allowed the Company to maintain engagement with its customer base.  SSG’s ability to conduct an efficient sale process and identify buyers in niche market segments enabled the Company to maximize the value of the assets for the stakeholders.