Company Also Announces $7 Million Strategic Investment and Associated Leadership Transition
SUMMIT, N.J., April 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER), a consumer products company, today announced separate transactions related to its previously announced Strategic Alternative Process.
The Company has signed a definitive agreement with Trademark Global, LLC ("Trademark") for the sale of assets associated with its marquee brands: Mueller Living, PurSteam, hOmeLabs, Squatty Potty, Healing Solutions, and Photo Paper Direct. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Trademark will acquire the worldwide business of sourcing, marketing, and selling products under these labels, along with the applicable brand's assets, including inventory, and will assume certain liabilities. Additionally, it is expected that Trademark will onboard the majority of Aterian's employees who are dedicated to supporting these brands.
Founded in 1999, Trademark Global is a privately held, data-driven consumer brand and e-commerce supply chain platform headquartered in Lorain, Ohio. The company owns and manages 20+ consumer brands spanning over a dozen major product categories and provides major online retailers with a fully integrated solution encompassing product development, global sourcing, digital content management, warehousing, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.
The base purchase price for the Asset Sale is $18 million in cash, which is subject to adjustment for net working capital and other transaction related costs. The Asset Sale received unanimous approval by Aterian's Board of Directors and is subject to approval by Aterian's stockholders. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.
Aterian entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private placement of convertible preferred stock with David Lazar (the "Strategic Investment") in consideration for $7.0 million in cash. The financing will be completed in two tranches of $3.5 million each.
The first tranche closing of Series AA Preferred Stock was completed on April 27, 2026. The second tranche closing of Series AAA Preferred Stock is expected to occur simultaneously with the closing of the Asset Sale following the receipt of stockholder approval. Mr. Lazar joined the Company's Board of Directors immediately prior to the execution of the purchase agreement. Following the closing of the second tranche, Mr. Lazar will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, succeeding Arturo Rodriguez.
"When we began this process in late 2025, our primary objectives were to deliver value to our shareholders and protect the integrity of our brand portfolio and we believe that we have delivered on both counts. This transaction provides a strong outcome for investors while allowing our family of brands the opportunity to grow and thrive under an experienced and respected e-commerce supplier and distributor."
— Arturo Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Aterian
"I want to welcome David to Aterian and am grateful for his support of our vision and investment in the Company's future. I look forward to working closely with David and his team to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities as we open this new chapter for Aterian."
— Bill Kurtz, Chair of Aterian's Board of Directors
David E. Lazar has served as the CEO and Chairman of Kala Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: KALA) since December 2025. Mr. Lazar previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Novabay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBY) from August–November 2025. Prior to that, Mr. Lazar served as director on the board of directors of FiEE, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIEE) where he also served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from December 2023 to February 2025. Mr. Lazar served as the Chief Executive Officer of Activist Investing from March 2018 to April 2022.
The Equity Group — Devin Sullivan, Managing Director
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