StoneTree Backs Wilbar Group to Accelerate Growth Across North American Pool Market

StoneTree Investment Partners has completed a strategic investment in Wilbar Group, a leading North American manufacturer of aboveground and semi-inground swimming pools, strengthening its portfolio of niche industrial businesses and positioning the company for its next phase of growth. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The investment reflects continued private equity interest in specialized manufacturing companies with established brands, resilient customer relationships and opportunities for operational expansion. Wilbar Group has built a leading position in the North American pool industry through decades of domestic manufacturing, product innovation and a broad dealer network serving residential consumers across the United States and Canada.

Headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, Wilbar Group operates manufacturing facilities in LaSalle and Longueuil, Quebec, and consists of Wilbar International, Trendium Pool Products and Crystal Water Investments. Founded in 1961 by the Cohen family, the company designs and manufactures premium steel, resin, hybrid and aluminum aboveground and semi-inground pool systems marketed through dealers and distributors.

The transaction gives StoneTree an opportunity to partner with one of the industry’s longest-established manufacturers as demand for outdoor living products continues to be supported by homeowners investing in residential recreation and home improvement.

Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on overseas sourcing, Wilbar has maintained a strong North American manufacturing footprint, enabling greater control over production quality, supply chain reliability and customer service. The company has also developed a portfolio of recognized brands that have helped establish long-standing relationships with dealers across North America.

Kelly Grindle, Chief Executive Officer of Wilbar Group, said StoneTree’s operational expertise and industrial focus make it an ideal partner for the business.

“We are excited to partner with StoneTree, whose industrial focus and hands-on approach align closely with Wilbar Group’s culture and long-term vision,” Grindle said.

She added that the investment will support continued investment in the company’s workforce, manufacturing capabilities, product portfolio and customer service while preserving the quality standards that have defined the business for more than six decades.

Building an Industrial Growth Platform

For StoneTree, the acquisition aligns closely with its strategy of investing in lower middle-market industrial companies where operational improvements and strategic investments can create long-term value.

The Dallas-based private equity firm focuses on established niche manufacturers with defensible market positions, working closely with management teams to improve operations, strengthen commercial capabilities and accelerate sustainable growth.

Joel Stanwood, Partner at StoneTree, described Wilbar as an ideal fit for the firm’s investment philosophy.

“Wilbar Group is the leader in the aboveground pool industry, with a long history of providing high-quality products and differentiated capabilities to its customers, channel partners and consumers,” Stanwood said.

He added that the business reflects StoneTree’s mission of transforming industrial companies through operational excellence while investing in employees and long-term organizational development.

Chris Dupré, Partner at StoneTree, said Wilbar’s manufacturing footprint and brand portfolio provide a strong competitive position across both Canadian and U.S. markets.

According to Dupré, the partnership creates opportunities to further strengthen operations while continuing to deliver premium products and customer service to dealers and end users throughout North America.

Specialized Manufacturing Remains Attractive

The investment highlights continued private equity interest in specialized industrial manufacturers despite broader uncertainty across mergers and acquisitions markets.

Industrial businesses serving niche end markets have remained attractive acquisition targets because of their stable customer bases, established distribution networks and opportunities for operational improvement. Firms with domestic manufacturing capabilities have become particularly appealing as companies seek greater supply chain resilience following years of global disruptions.

Aboveground and semi-inground swimming pools occupy a specialized segment of the residential outdoor recreation market. Compared with traditional in-ground installations, these products generally offer lower installation costs and shorter construction timelines while providing homeowners with durable recreational solutions.

Manufacturers with strong dealer relationships and established brands are often well positioned to maintain market share through product quality, engineering expertise and after-sales support rather than competing solely on price.

Growth Through Operational Investment

StoneTree’s investment philosophy centers on partnering with management teams to execute business transformation initiatives rather than relying primarily on financial engineering.

Founded by experienced operators, engineers and investors, the firm manages approximately US$200 million in assets and focuses on lower middle-market industrial companies where operational improvements can generate long-term value creation.

The firm’s strategy includes investments in manufacturing modernization, commercial expansion, process improvement and workforce development, helping portfolio companies scale while preserving their core competitive strengths.

For Wilbar, the partnership is expected to support continued investment in manufacturing operations, product development and dealer relationships while expanding the company’s position within the North American pool industry.

Although financial details were not disclosed, the transaction illustrates continued deal activity in the lower middle market, where private equity firms continue to pursue founder-owned manufacturing businesses with long operating histories and established market positions.

These transactions remain an important source of opportunities for private equity investors seeking businesses that combine recurring customer demand with opportunities for operational enhancement and long-term growth.

Wilbar’s history, established brands and North American manufacturing platform position the company to benefit from continued demand for premium residential outdoor products while strengthening its competitive position across the United States and Canada.

Advisors on the transaction included Capstone Partners, which served as financial advisor to Wilbar Group. McGuireWoods and Stikeman Elliott acted as legal counsel to StoneTree Investment Partners.

With the transaction completed, StoneTree and Wilbar’s management team are expected to focus on expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities, strengthening customer relationships and investing in future growth while preserving the product quality and dealer partnerships that have defined the business since its founding more than 65 years ago.

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