Boston, MA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/23/2006 --Downer & Company, LLC, an international investment banking firm specializing in middle-market cross-border acquisitions and divestitures, is pleased to announce the sale of Interlake Material Handling, Inc., to United Fixtures Company. The transaction closed on April 21, 2006 and is valued at $44.1 million plus the assumption of the company’s pension liability. This transaction marks the fifth recent deal Downer & Company has completed in the material handling and logistics industry.
Interlake Material Handling, Inc. (Interlake), is the leading manufacturer of industrial racking for retail, distribution and warehouse applications in North America. The combination of Interlake and United Fixtures Company creates by far the largest player in the North American racking industry. United Fixtures is a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, Ltd., an investment management firm specializing in middle market companies with strong growth potential.
During the sale process, Interlake brought to market an innovative racking system called InterlockTM, which uses bolts instead of welded connection points. Variations of this system are widely accepted in Europe and the rest of the world, but are not common in North America. Educating buyers as to the merits of the bolted racking system was a critical element in the successful completion of this transaction and Downer & Company’s knowledge of the material handling industry in both the U.S. and in Europe was important to this endeavor.
“Interlake is the premier racking company in the United States and accordingly we saw strong interest from both strategic and financial acquirers during the auction process,” said Michael Howell, Vice President with Downer & Company. “The combination of Interlake and United Fixtures is a significant strategic maneuver by Wynnchurch which will likely drive further consolidation of the North American racking market.”
Downer & Company’s senior engagement team consisted of Mr. Howell and Joseph Downing, Managing Director, assisted by Catherine Ossikine, Analyst (Boston). Companies interested in learning more about Downer & Company's capabilities in the material handling and logistics market can contact Mr. Howell directly at 617-482-6200.
About Downer & Company
For thirty years, Downer & Company, LLC, has gained distinction as a leading middle-market M&A firm focused on the execution of acquisition and divestiture mandates for international and domestic corporations and private equity firms. Downer & Company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and has offices in Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt and Sydney. Downer & Company's corporate headquarters are located at 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109. For further information, visit www.downer.com.
Contact:
Michael Howell, Vice President
mhowell@downer.com
Patti Allan, Marketing Director
pallan@downer.com
Downer & Company, LLC
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