NEW YORK CITY — November 2, 2017 — Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising companies at the lower end of the middle market, today announced the acquisition of Nekoosa, a leading manufacturer of specialty paper and film products used in the graphics and commercial print markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wis., Nekoosa produces a comprehensive suite of specialty engineered materials in four key product areas: application and pressure sensitive tapes used to protect and transfer graphics onto surfaces such as store windows and commercial vehicles; specialty synthetic papers that offer a digitally printable tear-and-water-proof alternative to lamination; sheeted digital and offset grade carbonless paper; and extruded film products used in wall panel, credit card, and lighting applications. Through a network of more than 1,000 global distributor partners, Nekoosa serves a highly-diverse base of more than 70,000 commercial print and graphics shops in 65 countries.
“Nekoosa gives Sentinel an opportunity to partner with a differentiated industry leader that draws on a unique, niche product offering that is considered the ‘gold standard’ in its markets,” said Scott Perry, a partner at Sentinel. “Nekoosa has enhanced its leadership position through its highly-specialized operational expertise, unparalleled distribution network, and excellent corporate culture committed to developing a first-class employee base. We are thrilled to partner with Nekoosa’s highly talented and committed management team.”
“Nekoosa has a long, successful track record of innovation, leadership, and growth driven by dedicated employees,” said Paul Charapata, CEO, Nekoosa. “In the last five years, we have successfully executed four add-on acquisitions and have developed a playbook for the identification and integration of complementary businesses. We look forward to working closely with our new partners at Sentinel to continue this positive trajectory.”
The past 12 months have been highly productive for Sentinel. Besides acquiring Nekoosa, Sentinel made four other platform investments — Altima Dental, the largest dental services organization in Canada; Cabi, a leading direct marketer of women’s fashion apparel; MB2 Dental Solutions, a rapidly-growing dental service organization with a unique physician-centric ownership model; and SONNY’S Enterprises, the worldwide leader in conveyorized car wash systems. During this same period, Sentinel sold Checkers & Rally’s Restaurants, an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain; National Spine & Pain Centers, a leader in interventional pain management; Playcore, a North American designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of play, park, and recreation products; Power Products, a leading global provider of branded electrical products and systems; and WellSpring Consumer Healthcare, a portfolio of high-performing OTC healthcare brands.
Posted November 2, 2017
Source: Sentinel Capital Partners
