LAKESIDE PARTNERS ADVISES PREP NETWORK ON ITS RECAPITALIZATION BY MAPLE PARK CAPITAL
Lakeside Partners (“Lakeside”), a leading boutique investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Prep Network (the “Company”) on its recapitalization by Maple Park Capital (“Maple Park”). Prep Network is a premier media and event brand in the youth sports market, combining extensive coverage with top-tier events. The Company has seven distinct brands spanning multiple sports and genders, offering national coverage with hyperlocal content. The partnership with Maple Park will support Prep Network’s next phase of growth as it continues to expand its reach and impact across the youth sports ecosystem.
The transaction, led by Taylor Hanson at Lakeside Partners, further highlights the firm’s growing expertise in the sports, events, and media sector. “Jake and Nick have built a special business uniquely positioned within the youth sports ecosystem – one that focuses on creating memories for youth athletes across both content and events,” said Taylor. “Our sector knowledge and close collaboration with the client enabled us to position the business effectively and identify the right partner in Maple Park. We feel very fortunate to have advised such a well-regarded company and management team.”
Jake Phillips, Co-Founder and CEO of Prep Network said, “Our mission has always been to positively impact kids through sports, and we believe this partnership with Maple Park positions us to do that on an even greater scale. Lakeside was an outstanding partner throughout this process, helping us find the right fit for our next stage of growth.”
Lakeside’s industry expertise and long-standing relationships in the sports, events, and media industry enabled the team to craft a highly targeted outreach strategy and execute a competitive marketing process that resonated with the most relevant buyers. Lakeside led every critical aspect of the transaction - from strategic positioning and materials development to investor outreach, negotiations, and process management - ensuring speed, alignment, and a successful outcome for all parties. The engagement reflects Lakeside’s growing presence in the sector and continued commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for founder-led businesses.
Marcus Tibesar and his team at Fredrikson & Byron served as legal counsel to Prep Network.
About Prep Network (www.prepnetwork.com)
Prep Network provides exceptional experiences for student athletes, enthusiasts, and spectators alike through expert rankings and analysis, recruiting resources, media coverage, competitive tournaments, and showcase opportunities. The Company is differentiated in the youth sports market by providing multi-sport, multi-gender, nationwide coverage and events across its brands which include Prep Hoops, Prep Redzone, Prep Dig, and more.
About Maple Park Capital Partners (www.mapleparkcap.com)
Maple Park Capital is a private equity firm focused on the lower middle market, primarily investing in companies with long-term growth potential, resilience to market fluctuations, and strong secular tailwinds. They partner with extraordinary operators and investors to drive value creation within the experiential economy.
About Lakeside Partners (www.lakesidepartners.com)
Lakeside Partners, which has offices in Minneapolis, MN, Seattle, WA, and Sioux Falls, SD, provides M&A advisory services to privately-held businesses. The firm has extensive expertise serving businesses across multiple industry verticals including business services, consumer & retail, food & beverage, industrials, specialty distribution, and technology, among many others.
For more information about our firm or this transaction, please contact:
Taylor Hanson
Partner
thanson@lakesidepartners.com
651.357.4633
Taylor Fish
Partner
tfish@lakesidepartners.com
605.759.0341
Matt Holcomb
Vice President
mholcomb@lakesidepartners.com
952.239.4297
Miles Frisch
Analyst
mfrisch@lakesidepartners.com
612.247.8425