Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, announced that LLCP has partnered with management to purchase Pacific World Corporation (“Pacific World” or the “Company”) from the original founder.  Pacific World, located in Lake Forest, California, is a leading innovator and supplier of proprietary nail and beauty care products under the Nailene, Fing’rs, Revlon and Bio-Oil brands.  The Company is focused on the attractive niche segments of artificial nails, artificial eyelashes and scar treatments.  Pacific World’s products are sold through an extensive network of blue-chip retailers throughout the world, such as Walmart, CVS and Rite-Aid, in over 45,000 retail locations across 39 countries.  

Pacific World is the second investment from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, IV, L.P.  According to Lauren Leichtman, Co-Founder and CEO of LLCP, “We are very pleased to partner with Joe Fracassi and the outstanding management team at Pacific World in completing this transaction.  Pacific World is known for quality products, innovative designs and industry leading customer service. We look forward to supporting the company’s management as we seek to build upon its market leading product portfolio and expand its geographic presence.”

Joe Fracassi will continue to lead the company as its Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Fracassi commented, “Our partnership with Levine Leichtman Capital Partners will help Pacific World realize its full potential.  Through management’s significant ownership stake in the Company, our goals and objectives are completely aligned with those of LLCP, and we look forward to working together to execute on our acquisition strategies and growth initiatives.”