BOSTON, December 12, 2007 – TA Associates, a leading growth private equity and buyout firm, today announced it has completed a $200 million investment in 5.11 Tactical, a rapidly growing manufacturer and distributor of apparel and accessories focused primarily in the law enforcement market.  TA will hold a majority stake in 5.11 Tactical and the senior management team will remain in place.

Headquartered in Modesto, California, and founded in 2003, 5.11 Tactical is the only company providing a full line of functional products to law enforcement and public safety personnel.  Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, the company’s superior products enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals.  5.11 Tactical’s apparel includes pants, shirts, shorts, vests, belts and uniforms, as well as outerwear, underwear, footwear and accessories.  The company was ranked #211 on the 2007 Inc. 500, Inc. magazine’s annual ranking, by revenue growth, of privately-held, independent, U.S.-based companies. 

“We are delighted to make this investment in 5.11 Tactical, which has become a leader in the tactical/law enforcement market through creative sourcing and product development, and an innovative retail strategy,” said Jeffrey T. Chambers, a Managing Director at TA Associates who will join the company’s Board of Directors.  “Led by an exceptional management team, the company has a record of rapid growth across product categories and we see significant opportunity for continued expansion.”

“We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with TA Associates,” said Dan Costa, CEO of 5.11 Tactical.  “TA has an enviable record of helping profitable companies accelerate growth, and we will leverage their proven industry and investment expertise to continue seeking new growth opportunities.”

“While most public safety apparel and gear manufacturers have traditionally focused on one or a small number of product verticals, 5.11 Tactical has built a product line that we believe is unmatched in its breadth,” said Jon E. Kossow, a Principal at TA Associates who will also join the company’s Board of Directors.  “As the only broad-line designer and distributor of law enforcement gear and apparel, 5.11 Tactical is highly regarded in the law enforcement market.  With this loyal customer base and a quality product, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth.”

Founded in 1968, TA Associates is one of the world’s leading private equity firms, with extensive expertise in the consumer and retail sectors.  TA’s prior investments in these sectors include AND 1, Car Toys, Eastern Mountain Sports, Jenny Craig, Lumber Liquidators, M and M Direct, PowerBar, Tempur-Pedic International and United Pet Group.

Goodwin Procter served as legal counsel to TA Associates.  Latham & Watkins provided legal services to 5.11 Tactical.

About 5.11 Tactical®
5.11 Tactical creates superior products that enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of law enforcement, military and firefighting professionals.  Built on a foundation of durability, quality and value, 5.11 Tactical leads the industry in delivering functionally innovative gear, head to toe.  The company was ranked #211 on the 2007 Inc. 500, Inc. magazines annual ranking, by revenue growth, of privately-held, independent, U.S.-based companies.  Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling tactical clothing, uniforms, outerwear, footwear, eyewear, duty knives, tactical gear, holsters and more at www.511tactical.com.

TA Associates
Founded in 1968, TA Associates is one of the largest and most experienced private equity firms. With offices in Boston, London and Menlo Park, the firm manages more than $10 billion in capital and has invested in over 380 companies.  TA Associates provides management buyout, leveraged recapitalization and growth equity capital primarily for technology, financial services, business services, healthcare and consumer businesses.  More information about TA Associates can be found at www.ta.com.

Safe harbor statement under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements made in connection with this release which are not historical fact, such as forward-looking statements concerning future financial performance and growth, involve risk and uncertainties. Such statements are subject to various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements represent the best judgment of TA Associates and 5.11 Tactical as of the date of this release.  TA Associates and 5.11 Tactical disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.