PartyLite and Candle-lite Company to Combine under Luminex Umbrella

Photo: PartyLite Market Fresh™ Scented Jar Candles on display.

The Carlyle Group is looking to grow its PartyLite candle business by joining forces with another New York asset manager, Centre Lane Partners LLC, to create Luminex Home Décor & Fragrance Holding Corp.

Carlyle acquired PartyLite parent Blyth Inc. in October 2015, at the same time appointing Harry Slatkin, a leading name in home fragrance, as CEO of the direct-to-consumer company. After more than 40 years in business, PartyLite sells its home décor and fragrance products through a network of 45,000 consultants in 24 markets.

The new holding company combines PartyLite and Centre Lane-backed Candle-lite Company, which will operate as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Luminex Home Décor & Fragrance. Candle-Lite is a designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of candles and home fragrance products for mass merchant, food and drug retail outlets in the U.S.

The new, omni-channel operation is intended to leverage R&D and product development efforts and broaden consumer reach for both companies. Candle-lite CEO Calvin Johnston will head up Luminex and serve on the board of directors, along with representatives from Carlyle and Centre Lane.

“Our teams are excited by the opportunities and growth potential the combination of these two great companies offers,” said Johnston. “This structure will enable us to leverage the strengths and capabilities of both businesses, allow us to serve our existing customers and consultants better, and provide a platform for growth by entering new product categories and markets over the coming years.”

Luminex will be based out of Candle-lite’s headquarters in Ohio, where the candle maker got its start in 1840. In all, the combined company will have more than 1,200 employees in 12 offices worldwide.