CamelBak® Announces Partnership with Quality Bicycle Products

CamelBak® Products LLC, the world leader in hydration systems, today announced that it will partner with Quality Bicycle Products to distribute its line of water bottles and bottle accessories in bicycle retailers.

“The CamelBak bottle is a great addition to our line of top-notch products,” said Steve Flagg, President and Founder of Quality Bicycle Products. “We know our customers will appreciate the quality and innovation that goes into every CamelBak product.”

“CamelBak is excited to work with the leading independent bicycle rep group,” said Layne Rigney, VP of CamelBak Recreation Sales. “We share a long history of bicycle heritage and believe this partnership will be incredibly beneficial for CamelBak, QBP and our customers.”

The CamelBak bottle combines durable polycarbonate construction with the patented CamelBak Big Biteâ„¢ valve and straw for a no-tip, no-drip hydration solution. The CamelBak bottle is available in three sizes (1 liter, .75 liter and .5 liter) and 13 colors. Various accessories for the CamelBak bottle line include the standard 63 mm cap that fits most water bottles, replacement straws and blue, black, clear and pink Big Biteâ„¢ valves.

Retailers interested in carrying the CamelBak Better Bottle should contact:

Quality Bicycle Products
6400 W. 105th Street
Bloomington MN 55438
Phone: (952) 941-9391
Office Fax: (952) 941-9799

About CamelBak
CamelBak Products, LLC. is the originator of the Hands-Free Hydration system. Since 1991, CamelBak’s state of the art packs and hydration systems have benefited athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and military/government professionals around the world. CamelBak continues to deliver innovative hydration products to the market with the belief in the performance advantage that proper hydration can deliver in any situation. The company is a privately held portfolio company of Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (BSMB) and is headquartered in Petaluma, California.

About QBP
Based in Bloomington, MN, QBP is a leading distributor to the cycling industry. QBP offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services including a 1,500-page catalog, a robust online ordering system, a renowned custom wheel service, a specialty bike-building program and more. QBP continues to be an active cycling advocate for the industry. For more information, please contact Jo Wright, director of marketing at 952-941-9391, or visit: www.QBP.com.

About BSMB
BSMB, the private equity affiliate of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC), invests private equity capital in compelling leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and growth capital opportunities alongside superior management teams. BSMB focuses on making control or entrepreneur-driven investments, principally in middle-market retail, financial services and consumer products companies. Since its formation in 1997, BSMB has been an investor in over 50 portfolio companies. BSMB manages nearly $5 billion of private equity capital, including its new $2.7 billion institutional fund and capital dedicated to its affiliate, Bear Growth Capital Partners. Investments by BSMB include: ACA Capital Holdings (NYSE: ACA), Alter Moneta, Balducci’s, CamelBak Products, Caribbean Financial Group, Cavalry Investments, Churchill Financial Holdings, Dairyland, Everything But Water, Harlem Furniture, Ironshore Inc., Multi Packaging Solutions, New York & Company (NYSE: NWY), PlayCore Holdings, Seven For All Mankind, Stuart Weitzman, Transamerican Auto Parts Company, Universal Hospital Services, Inc. and The Vitamin Shoppe. More information about BSMB is available at www.bsmb.com.