Posted on Wed, Oct 31, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL
OCTOBER 31, 2007
Nicolet Capital Completes New Platform
Acquisition of TransilWrap in a Challenging Credit Market
Nicolet Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity firm in Chicago, IL, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Transilwrap Company, Inc. in partnership with the company's existing management team. Transilwrap, headquartered in Franklin Park, IL, is the largest converter and distributor of synthetic films in the North American market.
Transilwrap operates out of nine facilities across three business segments focused on thermal laminating, printable and specialty packaging films. The company engages in a variety of value-added processing operations including extrusion and other surface coating, magnetic striping, security and specialty printing, finished assembly, slitting, sheeting, tipping, die cutting and re-rolling. The company is also the second largest manufacturer of thermal laminating film in North America and manufactures its own line of printable synthetic alloys. For over 75 years, Transilwrap has fulfilled a vital role in the supply chain for large manufacturers of PET, OPP, nylon, vinyl, styrene and other synthetic films. Transilwrap's industry-leading sales force provides consultative sales service and support to a diverse customer base across a wide range of applications. End markets that utilize the company's synthetic films include security, ID and loyalty card system integrators, a variety of
commercial printing and finishing applications such as book publishing, trade, POP, and digital across all major print technologies, food and specialty packaging, niche medical products, and industrial applications.
Commenting on the company, Brett A. Snyder, President of Nicolet Capital stated,"Transilwrap's deep management team, knowledgeable sales force and the scale and breadth of its converting capabilities make it an ideal platform for growth. This management team has done a terrific job of strategically positioning Transilwrap as a key player in the supply chain and improving efficiency in all facets of its operations. Going forward, we expect to work closely with them to aggressively pursue acquisition opportunities that will capitalize on these core strengths, enhance our converting capabilities, provide access to new markets and allow Transilwrap to bring even more complete material and processing solutions to its customer base.
Mark Stevens, who will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transilwrap, added "Transilwrap has enjoyed a great run over the past several years strengthening our core competencies and using organic growth to fuel our success. We had positioned ourselves well across all of our key markets and were in need of a partner that could help us take our growth strategies to the next level." Mr. Stevens, a 24 year veteran of Transilwrap and President since 2000 further explained "We conducted a very thorough process to identify a partner that was right for us. We were fully prepared to forego an equity transaction unless we could find a partner that was compatible with our internal culture, supportive of management's continued involvement and had a shared vision of using Transilwrap as a growth platform to leverage our 76 year history of industry leadership. We feel wehave found that ideal partner in Nicolet Capital and have never been more excited about our future prospects."
Transilwrap approached Cook Associates, Inc. to identify and secure the right private equity partner. "Transilwrap was quite specific in its profile of a desired partner and wanted to consider only private equity groups that met their criteria. Nicolet was on our short list from the start as a group embracing the values and pro-management characteristics that were so important to Transilwrap" said Brian Gross, Managing Director of WindLake Capital Advisors, LLC who led the advisory engagement in partnership with Arnis Kins, President of Cook Associates. Mr. Gross added "Not only did Nicolet conduct themselves with integrity throughout the entire process, but their well-established financing relationships provided additional comfort in a credit market that became considerably more difficult post letter-of-intent. When credit markets tighten unexpectedly, transaction experience, integrity and financial stability become paramount. Nicolet's strong industry reputation and ability to provide junior financing capital in conjunction with its equity led to a smooth and timely closing
despite uncertain market conditions. I can say without reservation, that both Nicolet and Transilwrap made excellent choices in selecting a partner."
Mr. Snyder commented further on the transaction stating that, "The acquisition of Transilwrap is consistent with our past success investing in companies that have built a significant market position over a long period of time by providing critical products and services to an industrial customer base.We are honored to become a part of the proud history of this great company and look forward to participating in Transilwrap's continued growth and development."
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed although Mr. Snyder confirmed that the total purchase price was in excess of $100 million.
About Nicolet Capital Partners, LLC
Nicolet Capital Partners, LLC, located in Chicago, IL, is a private equity firm that makes both majority and minority equity investments in established businesses across a wide range of basic industries. The firm targets equity investments of $20-50 million in established companies with meaningful and sustainable competitive positions serving a distinct end market. In addition to its equity capital, Nicolet Capital can provide complete, committed debt financing for its transactions.
For more information on Nicolet Capital, contact Brett A. Snyder at 312-214-3921 or visit their website at http://www.nicoletcap.com/. For more information on Transilwrap Company, Inc., please visit their website at http://www.transilwrap.com/.
Posted on Mon, Oct 01, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Sarah Barnes
312.755.5619 Office: 847.721.3680 Mobile
sbarnes@cookassociates.com
Executive Search Summit 2007
Once again the word goes out to search professionals to join today's thought leaders for the 7th in Kennedy Information's landmark series, Executive Search Summit, the premier gathering of search professionals since 2001. This fall's event brings together a great lineup of industry leaders to contribute to what may be our most exclusive lineup of search professionals to date. Look for Cook Associates as we present during the Staying on the Map segment on October 23, 2007.
Staying on the Map
Just when you thought you had mastered the rules, a whole new challenge like Private Equity comes along to disrupt your business plan and shake up your worldview. Are you ready to advise this fresh breed of deal-makers who play for high stakes and have the ultimate skin in the game? Do you know how to engage with them, understand their human capital requirements and satisfy their burgeoning standards for executive performance? Please heed the call. Don't stand in the doorway, don't block the hall. For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled. There's a battle outside and it is raging. Moderator Mark Jaffe of Wyatt & Jaffe, joined by John Barrett of Cook Associates, will lead the discussion of how private equity is rattling the walls of corporate America and what you can do to help.
About Kennedy Information
Founded in 1970 by James Kennedy, Kennedy Information, is a leading source of research, news, and information for professionals in the Management and IT Consulting, Executive Recruiting and Investor Relations professions. Additionally, the company provides a variety of career services for job seekers at the professional and executive level. http://www.kennedyinfo.com/