L2 Capital acquires Kosmos Q

DEVON, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–L2 Capital has announced that it will simultaneously launch the acquisition of Kosmos Q, LLC (www.KosmosQ.com) and appointed Scott Jensen as CEO. Kosmos Q is a fast-growing premium brand of barbecue rubs, sauces, brines, injectables, glazes and accessories currently sold across multiple channels through Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and through a growing number of retail and supermarket chains.

The Kosmos Q brand was founded in 2009 by world champion pitmaster Darian ‘Kosmo’ Khosravi. The brand initially gained recognition and popularity in the BBQ community and has grown into a national premium brand by developing flavors that take the BBQ experience to the next level. Today, barbecue connoisseurs, hobbyists and home cooks have made Kosmos Q the source for education, recipes and of course, barbecue rubs, sauces, injectables, marinades and glazes. The company has a loyal customer base and boasts more than 27 million views on YouTube and more than 800,000 followers on its social media channels. Kosmos Q products can be purchased online through the website www.KosmosQ.com or through national retailers such as Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, Buc-ee’s, Scheels and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s.

Scott Jensen joins Kosmos Q as CEO as co-founder and former leader of premium barbecue sauce company Stubb’s BBQ. Scott’s expertise in the food and beverage industry is extensive. His experience as the founder of multiple food companies and directly navigating growth in the barbecue world will translate perfectly to the Kosmos Q growth plan. Scott brings experienced food industry sales leader Terry Meyer, who drives the retail penetration strategy for Kosmos.

Connor McMahan, Partner at L2 Capital, said: “We are excited to partner with a highly regarded and respected founder like Darian Khosravi. His company enhances the barbecue experience for its customers through a highly differentiated approach to product innovation and customer engagement. With the addition of Scott in the lead role, we look forward to helping expand the reach and scope of Kosmos Q in the future.”

Darian Chosravi, founder of Kosmos Q, commented: “L2 Capital is a great partner for Kosmos Q due to their in-house operational and e-commerce expertise, and I am pleased to welcome Scott to the team. I am confident that I have found the right partners that reflect our company’s values ​​and commitment to providing the highest quality products and services to our customers.”

Scott added: “I am thrilled to be taking the reins of such an authentic and premium brand in a space that I am passionate about. Having already demonstrated my ability to grow in this area, I am confident that we can offer Kosmos Q products to enthusiasts everywhere.”

Oxer Capital Partners and Salem Investment Partners provided the debt financing and co-invested in this transaction. Kosmos Q was advised by Generational Equity. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About L2 Capital Partners

L2 Capital Partners (www.L2Capital.net) is a lower middle market private equity firm specializing in making controlling investments in a broad range of family-owned and founder-owned companies with demonstrated market leadership and unlocked growth potential. L2’s impressive track record over the past decade includes top quartile returns for its portfolio of business services and consumer products companies with enterprise values ​​up to $100 million. L2 Capital adds value by working closely with the company’s leadership to achieve their strategic and financial objectives by providing intimate operational support, including a pioneering growth framework in addition to access to resources and technology acquired over 40 years of key investment experience.