Cascade Helmets Holdings

Founded in 1986 by Bill Brine, Cascade is the undisputed leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of helmets and eyewear for lacrosse, the fastest-growing team sport in America. Cascade's products include men's lacrosse helmets, women's lacrosse and field hockey eyewear, rescue and whitewater helmets and ice hockey helmets. Cascade primarily distributes its products through the specialty retail channel. Cascade helmets have been worn by eleven out of the last twelve Division One NCAA Championship teams.

Since 2001, the number of lacrosse players nationally has increased 67.8%. Lacrosse was the fastest growing sport at the college and high school levels with growth rates of 51% and 206%, respectively from 1994-95 to 2004-05.

The combination of a strong management team, the involvement of North Castle's Operating Advisors, and our general knowledge and experience that has come from building other successful product businesses provides the foundation for Cascade to continue its success as the market leader in the lacrosse market and extend into new markets. Cascade in collaboration with Mark Messier and The Messier Project recently entered the ice hockey market with the introduction of its "M11" helmet.

Cascade extends North Castle's presence in its active living sector, which also includes (i) Octane Fitness Holdings, Inc., a leading designer and distributor of premium low-impact cardio fitness equipment; (ii) Performance Bicycle, the largest independent bicycle dealer and direct marketer of bicycles and cycling accessories in the United States; and (iii) Ibex. North Castle previously owned Equinox Fitness Holdings, a leading operator of upscale fitness clubs, which was sold to The Related Group in 2006.

Website
www.cascadehelmets.com
www.cascadeicehockey.com