Chicago, IL – January 31, 2018 – Svoboda Capital Partners L.L.C. (“SC”), is pleased to announce the recapitalization of Quality Importers Trading Company (“QI” or the “Company”). Concurrent with SC’s investment, QI acquired XIKAR, Inc. (“XIKAR”). Specific terms of the transactions were undisclosed.

Based in Weston, FL, QI designs, imports, and wholesales proprietary-branded and third-party branded cigar humidors, cigar accessories, and custom cigar box packaging products, among other cigar-related accessories. QI sells its diversified portfolio of products to retailers, distributors and manufacturers, delivering quality, excellence and value. The Company is differentiated by its knowledgeable staff, large selection of products and brands, and its ability to source and procure product on behalf of customers.

XIKAR is the world’s leading cigar accessory brand. Creator of the revolutionary and iconic Xi1 cutter, XIKAR designs and distributes cutters, lighters, humidification products and other cigar accessories under the XIKAR brand to thousands of retail locations around the world. XIKAR is differentiated by its commitment to rapid customer service and its lifetime warranty, the combination of which creates strong consumer loyalty.

“QI’s recapitalization by SC and simultaneous acquisition of XIKAR is a transformational event in the cigar accessory category, and creates an industry-leading partnership with enormous growth potential in existing and new markets” said Michael Giordano, Founder and CEO of QI. “We chose to partner with SC based on their experience in the space and enthusiasm for our business, and we are excited to work together to achieve our growth objectives and take our company to the next level.”

“This transaction exemplifies SC’s strategy of investing in leading, consumer products and value-added distribution companies with strong management teams” said Jeff Piper and Rick Harpster, Managing Directors at Svoboda Capital Partners. “SC is excited to work with the teams from QI and XIKAR to execute on the Company’s organic and acquisitive growth objectives. We intend to provide the capital and support to help expand their product offering and enhance their domestic and international go-to-market strategy while preserving their great cultures and further strengthening their market leadership.”

For more information, please visit www.qualityimporters.com or www.xikar.com