Skyline Investors Outlines Growth Plans for Buddy's Home Furnishings

Private equity firm sees opportunities to expand franchise network and leverage technology at 65-year-old rent-to-own retailer.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:57am

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Skyline Investors, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, recently acquired Buddy's Home Furnishings, a 65-year-old rent-to-own retailer of furniture, appliances, and electronics. The new owners see potential in Buddy's customer-centric business model and plan to invest in technology and data analytics to support the company's franchise partners and position the brand for future growth.

Why it matters

The rent-to-own industry has faced challenges in recent years, with major players like Aaron's and Rent-A-Center struggling. Skyline's investment in Buddy's represents an opportunity to revitalize an established brand and potentially disrupt the market through a renewed focus on technology and data-driven decision making.

The details

Skyline Investors purchased Buddy's Home Furnishings in December 2025 from Fusion Parent LLC, which had acquired the retailer in 2019. Prior to that, Buddy's was owned by Franchise Group, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. The new owners plan to invest in key areas like technology and data analytics to support Buddy's franchise partners and enhance the customer experience.

  • Skyline Investors acquired Buddy's Home Furnishings in December 2025.
  • Buddy's Home Furnishings is celebrating its 65th year in business in 2026.

The players

Skyline Investors

A private equity firm based in Los Angeles that recently acquired Buddy's Home Furnishings.

Buddy's Home Furnishings

A 65-year-old rent-to-own retailer of furniture, appliances, and electronics, headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Jeremy May

The founder and managing partner of Skyline Investors.

Kevin Tom

The founder and managing partner of Skyline Investors.

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What they’re saying

“This is an opportunity for us to support a management team and franchise networking that has faced challenges but continues to show resilience.”

— Jeremy May, Founder and Managing Partner, Skyline Investors (homenewsnow.com)

“Our view is (Buddy's) has been underinvested in key areas such as technology and data analytics. The timing was right for us to come in and establish some foundations to support the future of the brand.”

— Kevin Tom, Founder and Managing Partner, Skyline Investors (homenewsnow.com)

“Buddy's is very much a service and a relationship business as much as a retail business. I think that helps it be resilient and steadfast through a lot of challenges.”

— Jeremy May, Founder and Managing Partner, Skyline Investors (homenewsnow.com)

What’s next

Skyline Investors is currently in the process of understanding the needs and goals of Buddy's franchise partners, as well as the challenges they've faced over the past few years, in order to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the company's future.

The takeaway

Skyline Investors' acquisition of Buddy's Home Furnishings represents an opportunity to revitalize an established rent-to-own brand through strategic investments in technology, data analytics, and support for the company's franchise network, with the goal of positioning Buddy's as a best-in-class player in the industry.