able to replace managers of stores that refused to open. By the early 1990s, the company was again generating profits, and the company listed its stock on NASDAQ. A 1991 initial public offering raised $28 million for the sale of 47% of the company, using the cash to repay debt and fund an expansion of the business. From the beginning of 1989 through the end of 1996, Leslie's grew from 66 to 259 company-owned and operated stores, including 23 stores added in September 1992 through the acquisition of Sandy's Pool Supply, Inc., which Mr. Leslie half-owned and had expanded from just two stores. In 1997, the company was taken private for $140 million by Hancock, assisted by private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. In 2010, Leonard Green explored a sale of the company targeting in excess of $1 billion for the company. In lieu of a sale, Leonard Green ultimately sold a substantial stake in the company to CVC Capital Partners and GSO Capital Partners. In 2014, Leslie's comprised over 750 stores, expanding to 910 by 2015. In 2017 Leslie's Poolmart was acquired by L Catterton, which claims to be the largest consumer-focused private equity firm in the world. In February 2020, Michael Egeck assumed the role of chief executive officer. In October 2020, the company filed IPO again. On November 2, 2020, the company announced the closing of their initial public offering of 46,000,000 shares of common stock. References External links Pool Cleaning & Repair Sporting goods retailers of the United States Swimming pool equipment Companies based in Phoenix, Arizona American companies established in 1963 Retail companies established in 1963 1963 establishments in California CVC Capital Partners companies 2017 mergers and acquisitions 2020 initial public offerings Companies listed on the Nasdaq