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DUDE Wipes Secures Strategic Growth Investment from TSG Consumer

via Business Wire

Partnership to accelerate expansion of innovative personal hygiene brand

DUDE Wipes, the crew that turned bathroom breaks into bold moves, today announced a strategic growth investment from TSG Consumer Partners, a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the consumer sector. Founders Sean Riley, Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Klimkowski, Chief Financial Officer, and Ryan Meegan, Chief Marketing Officer, will retain significant ownership stakes and continue to lead the company in their current executive roles. Long time “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban is also continuing to bet on the DUDEs through this next phase of growth.

Founded in Chicago in 2011 by lifelong friends, DUDE Wipes set out to revolutionize the bathroom experience with the bold belief that “wet cleans better than dry.” Consumers nationwide overwhelmingly agree. Today, DUDE Wipes has emerged as a leader in the fast-growing flushable wipes segment of the bath tissue market, combining high-performance products with irreverent, authentic branding that’s as fresh as its wipes. The partnership with TSG Consumer will support the company’s efforts to broaden household adoption, reach new consumer segments, and deepen manufacturing relationships and retail partnerships.

“We bootstrapped DUDE Wipes from our apartment with nothing but an idea and some guts. Now, we’re teaming up with TSG Consumer to take this thing to a whole new level,” said Riley, Klimkowski and Meegan. “TSG Consumer believes in our brand, our tone, and our mission to make wiping and hygiene cooler than it’s ever been, and that confidence is already paying off. Our retail sales have increased nearly fourfold since 2021 — and we’re just getting started.”

Cuban remarked about the deal, “DUDE Wipes is the best Shark Tank investment I’ve ever made. The team built an iconic brand by staying authentic, having fun, and outworking everyone. I can’t wait to keep wiping with the DUDEs in this next chapter.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with the DUDEs, who have built a disruptive, high-impact brand,” said Dan Costello, Managing Director at TSG Consumer. “Their differentiated products resonate with today’s consumer by addressing a previously overlooked need, opening up compelling pathways for expansion and innovation.”

Alec Fogarty, Principal at TSG Consumer, concluded, “DUDE Wipes cracked the code by bringing authenticity, humor, and serious performance to their category. The DUDEness is the magic, and we’re excited to partner with their talented team to help fuel their next phase of growth.”

Harris Williams served as lead financial advisor to DUDE Wipes, with legal counsel provided by Barnes & Thornburg. Lazard served as lead financial advisor to TSG Consumer, with legal counsel provided by Ropes & Gray. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About DUDE Wipes

Founded in 2011 by lifelong friends, DUDE Wipes is an innovative personal hygiene company recognized for its category-disrupting flushable wipes. The DUDE Wipes mission is to provide high-quality, innovative products that make life cleaner and more convenient for DUDEs everywhere. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, DUDE Wipes sells its products nationwide across key retailers such as Amazon, Kroger, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and many others. For more information, visit dudewipes.com.

About TSG Consumer Partners

Founded in 1986, TSG Consumer Partners, LP is a leading consumer-focused private equity firm with approximately $13 billion in assets under management. Leveraging the firm’s deep knowledge of the consumer, TSG Consumer partners with exceptional leaders and transformational brands, empowering them to grow and meet the ever-evolving needs of their consumers. Representative past and current partner companies include Summer Fridays, Mavis Tire, Dutch Bros Coffee, Chemical Guys, Canyon Bicycles, Revolve, Planet Fitness, IT Cosmetics, Think!, and Yard House. TSG Consumer has investment offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. For more information, visit tsgconsumer.com.

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