The BC Partners’ investment includes convertible preferred equity and debt that, according to the company, will “empower Riddell to accelerate innovation and make compelling investments in the business for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

BC Partners will join Riddell’s Board, working with Riddell’s management team and investors, including majority investor Fenway Partners. Riddell will refinance certain existing debt and provide a dividend to current investors as part of the transaction.

“From its market leadership, attractive financial profile and differentiated portfolio, Riddell has demonstrated it is built for sustained success,” says Ted Goldthorpe, head of BC Partners Credit. “We are pleased to have structured an investment that is customized for Riddell as the company embarks on an exciting growth trajectory, with increased investments in research and product development, strategic partnerships and a best-in-class distribution platform. Dan and the entire Riddell team are exceptional, and we are excited to partner with them.”

Dan Arment, president and CEO of Riddell, adds: “Riddell proudly welcomes BC Partners as advisors and investors in our business. We clearly maintain a shared vision for maximizing Riddell’s role in the rapidly evolving products and services landscape within football and sports. This alignment will ultimately strengthen Riddell’s service to our customers, drive increased financial performance, and deliver value for our investors, including BC Partners and Fenway Partners.”

Shortly after that announcement, Riddell released a new premium tier of its Axiom helmet, the Axiom3D. Designed to address position-specific criteria established by the NFL, Axiom3D uses additive manufacturing to tune the helmet liner for improved impact response.

Exclusively available for NFL athletes starting in the 2024 season, Axiom3D is a set of new models that “leverages the comprehensive protective system of the Axiom, coupled with proven 3D-printed lattice liner technology.” This elite helmet is designed for QB and OL/DL position groups.

Axiom3D earned the top position in the NFL and NFLPA 2024 Helmet Laboratory Testing Performance Results assessment, which represents extensive research to evaluate which helmets best reduce head impact severity. The NFL invested heavily in studying the helmet’s design and development and prioritized the players’ transition to newer and better-performing models in recent years.

Consistent with other models in the Axiom family, Axiom3D uses Riddell’s proprietary Tru-Fit fitting technology to create an individualized combination of “energy-managing interior padding with unique thicknesses, shapes and contours, providing comfort and protection benefits.”

Axiom3D helmets will be used during 2024 NFL off-season training and debut in games this fall.

Axiom models remain available for adult/varsity players at high school, college and NFL levels.