NFL Helmet Maker Riddell Gets $400 Million from BC Partners

The credit arm of BC Partners agreed to provide $400 million to football helmet maker Riddell, in a deal that will give shareholders including private equity firm Fenway Partners a long-awaited payout, according to a statement seen by Bloomberg News.

Over $300 million of the investment proceeds were used to return capital to shareholders while a smaller portion was used to pay off existing debt, according to a person familiar with the deal, who asked not to be identified because discussions are private.

A row of Philadelphia Eagles helmets

Photographer: Brian Cleary/Getty Images

The transaction is part of a growing trend of buyout firms tapping direct lenders to ...