Industrials



 

Portfolio Companies

Current

Prior

All

Page View

 List

 Grid




 Print



Alemite Holdings, LP

www.alemite.com

Corporate Carveout
Operational Turnaround
Refocused Business Strategy

Press Releases
01/2006
06/2002

Case Studies
Executing a Corporate Carveout


Alemite Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of industrial lubrication equipment and components in North America.

Alemite is one of the most highly respected and recognizable brands in the lubrication industry. Alemite's product line includes grease guns, grease fittings, pumps and reels, and automatic lubrication devices. Alemite invented the hydraulic grease fitting in the 1920s and has been a leader in the industrial lubrication market for the past 80 years.

Alemite is well positioned to expand internationally and to make complementary acquisitions in the U.S. that can take advantage of the company's strong domestic distribution channels.

In June 2002, Sentinel Capital Partners acquired Alemite, a former subsidiary of Invensys plc, in a management buyout and corporate carveout transaction. AmSouth Bank, a division of AmSouth Bancorporation (NYSE: ASO), provided senior debt financing for the transaction. American Capital Strategies, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ACAS) provided subordinated debt financing. Alemite's management also invested in the transaction. Sentinel originated, sponsored and negotiated the transaction, arranged the acquisition debt and provided private equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners II, L.P.

In January 2006, after achieving substantially all of its investment objectives within three-and-a-half years, Sentinel sold Alemite to Lincoln Industrial Corporation, an affiliate of Harbour Group, a private equity firm. Since Sentinel's original investment, Alemite's profitability grew by more than 50%.



 Print



Chase Doors, Inc.

www.chasedoors.com/

Management Buyout

Press Releases
09/2014
12/2010

Case Studies
Completing Transformative Acquisitions Facilitating Growth Through Acquisition


Chase Doors, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the the global leader and most recognized manufacturer of high-quality, made-to-order specialty door systems.

Founded in 1932, Chase Doors offers of a broad spectrum of specialty door systems employed in a variety of industrial and commercial settings including corrosion resistant doors used for hazardous material handling; cold storage doors used in walk-in freezers and refrigerators; double impact traffic doors used in supermarkets and restaurants; and strip and roll-up doors used in warehouses.

Using its vertically integrated North American based door manufacturing capabilities, Chase Doors offers superior design and engineering processes which enhance the functionality, durability, and life of its products. With revenues evenly distributed across new construction, remodeling and replacement, and maintenance, Chase Doors serves a wide array of end markets, including retail, industrial, pharmaceutical, food processing, distribution, postal and institutional.

As one of the oldest and largest suppliers of double-acting impact traffic doors, Chase Doors began as an insulated walk-in cooler and specialty refrigeration equipment manufacturer. Since then, Chase Doors has expanded its line to include impact traffic doors, service doors, flexible doors, strip doors, postal and security doors, corrosion resistant doors, and sliding fire and sliding service doors. Chase Doors pioneered the original flexible AirGard™ door with its unique top-mounted-only gravity hinging system, which still serves food processing, industrial manufacturing, and retail stores. Chase Doors manufactures other leading brands in the specialty door market, including Durulite®, Saino™, Proline™, Chase™, Econo Max™ ColdGuard™, DuraShield™ and FibRDor™.

In September 2014, after achieving substantially all of our investment objectives, Chase Doors was sold to another private equity firm. Since Sentinel's original investment, Chase Doors made two add-on acquisitions, more than doubled its revenues, and more than tripled its profitability. Chase Doors remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team.



 Print



Chromalox, Inc.

www.chromalox.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
12/2012
03/2011

Case Studies
Executing a Management Buyout


Chromalox, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global branded manufacturer of commercial and industrial electric heating products and solutions.

Chromalox is a pioneer in precision heat technology. Over its 90-year history, Chromalox has produced the world’s broadest line of electric heat and control products, including heating components, immersion heaters, circulation systems, heat transfer systems, boilers, industrial and comfort air heating, heat trace cables, sensors and precision electronic controls. With a library of 700,000 product designs, Chromalox has the broadest product portfolio in the industry. A one-stop supplier for heating applications, Chromalox serves a diverse base of more than 60,000 registered customers, including distributors, end users, OEMs, catalog houses, and system integrators.

Customers rely on Chromalox for high quality, innovative solutions for commercial and industrial heating applications. With multiple manufacturing, engineering, warehousing and sales locations in North America, Europe and Asia, Chromalox is a leading global supplier providing the highest level of customer support.

In December 2012, after achieving substantially all of our investment objectives, Chomalox was sold to another private equity firm. Since Sentinel's original investment, Chromalox's organic growth was susbstantial and its profits almost doubled. Chromalox remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its superb management team.



 Print



Colson Group

www.colsongroup.com

Management Buyout
Transition from Family Ownership

Press Releases
04/2012


Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Colson Group is the market leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of casters, wheels, and related hardware products. Colson maintains the premier position worldwide in caster technology. Colson’s products comprise a wide range of casters and wheels, including light duty, medium duty, heavy duty and super heavy duty used in industrial, commercial and institutional applications. Colson’s manufacturing and distribution infrastructure is the broadest in the industry, with 35 facilities located in 15 countries. Colson’s branded product portfolio is recognized as the highest quality in the market, which is critical for end users for whom the cost of failure is high.

Sentinel acquired Colson from Pritzker family trusts. Jay and Bob Pritzker orignially acquired Colson in 1953. Under the Pritzkers, Colson became the worldwide leader in caster technology and today offers its customers the most complete line of industrial casters. Through its Shepherd Hardware subsidiary, Colson also offers cutting edge mobility solutions for the retail consumer market.

In February 2021, having made significant progress with many of the operational initiatives that enabled Colson to simplify and bolster its complex global manufacturing and distribution infrastructure and achieving our investment objectives, Colson was sold to another private equity firm in a management buyout. Colson remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its excellent management team.



 Print



ECM Industries LLC

www.ecmindustries.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
05/2023
12/2019

Case Studies
Completing Transformative Acquisitions


ECM Industries is a global manufacturer and supplier of electrical products for construction, maintenance, lighting, irrigation, landscape supply, and gas utility markets. Headquartered in New Berlin, Wisconsin, ECM serves professional electricians, contractors, maintenance technicians, and do-it-yourselfers with a wide range of premium brands, including Gardner Bender – ECM's flagship brand that provides a wide variety of rough electrical products and tools; King Innovation – a market leader in harsh environment connectors; and Bergen – a leader in the design and manufacturing of construction and maintenance lighting. ECM manages more than 3,000 SKUs and leverages long-term relationships across diverse sales channels, including distributors, specialty hardware stores, and home centers. ECM enjoys sophisticated operational and sourcing capabilities through six separate global locations, including a new, purpose-built facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin, designed to support future growth.

In April 2020, ECM acquired ILSCO Corporation, a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of electrical connectors and accessories serving commercial, industrial, utility, and OEM customers. Founded more than 125 years ago, ILSCO is the premier electrical brand in the professional/distribution channel. The acquisition offers an opportunity for significant cost savings, greatly diversifies ECM’s product portfolio, and increases ECM’s exposure to the attractive distribution channel. In addition, ILSCO brings in-house manufacturing capabilities for aluminum extrusions and offers ECM an entry into the OEM market, which creates a “brand halo” for ILSCO’s products and positions it as the supplier of choice for distribution customers who place a premium on quality and reliability.

ECM serves a growing $2+ billion addressable market with favorable secular trends and has a significant opportunity to expand in both core segments and adjacencies. Having worked closely with the ECM team through our prior investment in Power Products, Sentinel has backed their multiyear strategic vision to build an electrical products platform with a diverse mix of brands, markets, and distribution channels. As a proven innovator and consolidator in the electrical products industry, ECM is well positioned to continue executing its growth plan.

In May 2023, after achieving our investment objectives, ECM was sold to nVent Electric plc (NYSE: NVT) for $1.1 billion. During our almost four-year ownership, ECM grew organically and also made a transformation acquisition that have broadened its customer, expanded its product offerings, and diversified its end markets. Today, ECM is a global leader in electrical connectors, tools, and test instruments. ECM remains well positioned to continue growing under new ownership.



 Print



Empire Auto Parts LLC

www.empireautoparts.com

Management Buyout
Add-On Acquisitions

Press Releases
11/2021


Empire Auto Parts is a leading specialty distributor of aftermarket parts serving collision repair centers. Headquartered in Totowa, New Jersey, Empire operates five distribution hubs and 22 satellite delivery locations across 16 contiguous eastern states. With a vast assortment of top-quality products and a fleet of vehicles providing same-day or next-day delivery, Empire delivers unmatched service to its collision center partners. Empire’s product offering covers more than 40,000 parts, including bumper covers, lamps, hoods, fenders, trunk lids, grills, bezels, door mirrors, and other products.

Empire has built a reputation of providing best-in-class service through a hub-and-spoke model which extends up and down the east coast, and has established a growth playbook based on providing a better buying experience coupled with broad parts availability. Empire's highly experienced and tenured management team is deeply committed to providing world-class support for its collision center customers. Empire has a proven record providing excellent service and a sophisticated infrastructure that enables it to attract new collision repair centers to its network.



 Print



Engineered Controls International, LLC

www.regoproducts.com

Management Buyout
Transition from Family Ownership

Press Releases
12/2013
08/2010

Case Studies
Helping Reach the Next Level Implementing a Succession Plan


Engineered Controls International, Inc., headquartered in in Elon, North Carolina, is the global leader in manufacturing specialized pressure regulators, valves and other control equipment for use with liquefied and compressed gases. Over its more than 100-year history, ECI has established a global leadership position serving a diversified international base of approximately 550 customers in more than 100 countries including propane and cryogenic gas equipment distributors and leading gas storage tank OEMs. ECI’s premium, branded products are recognized as the highest quality in the market, which is critical for millions of end users who rely upon its equipment to ensure the safe transportation and use of potentially hazardous gases.

In August 2010, Sentinel Capital Partners and management invested in ECI in a management buyout transaction. Sentinel originated, sponsored and negotiated the transaction, and provided private equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners III, L.P. and Sentinel Capital Partners IV, L.P.

In December 2013, after achieving substantially all of our investment objectives, ECI was sold to another private equity firm. Since Sentinel's original investment, ECI's sales and profits grew substantially. ECI remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team.



 Print



Fasloc, Inc.

www.faslocinc.com

Corporate Carveout
Management Buyout

Press Releases
01/2007
10/2005

Case Studies
Creating a Standalone Business Infrastructure Executing a Corporate Carveout


Fasloc, Inc., headquartered in Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a leading manufacturer of specialized underground mine roof support systems. Fasloc's products utilize resin cartridges to create strong and reliable roof bolting systems.

Established in 1975, Fasloc manufactures polyester resin cartridges, under the Fasloc® and Cableloc® brands, that permanently secure roof support bolts used in mines to create stable and secure roofs, particularly in underground coal mines in the Eastern United States. The business has a history of innovation related to manufacturing, products and applications. The Fasloc name is a highly regarded brand in the coal mining industry.

Fasloc is well positioned to continue to expand in its existing markets. At the time of our investment, industry forecasts indicated that the coal mining business was expected to continue growing and that demand for roof bolt resins would mirror that trend. Also the company's Fasloc® and Cableloc® brands are premium products with superior technology elements and a history of product innovation. Fasloc's seasoned management has a proven track record of building value over a long period of time.

In October 2005, Sentinel Capital Partners and management acquired Fasloc in a buyout and carveout transaction from E.I. du Pont Nemours and Company (NYSE: DD). Bank of New York and Bank of Ireland provided senior debt financing for the transaction. Sentinel originated, sponsored and negotiated the transaction, arranged the acquisition debt and provided equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners III, L.P.

In February 2007, after achieving substantially all of its investment objectives, Sentinel sold Fasloc to DSI USA , an affiliate of Germany-based DYWIDAG-Systems International. During Sentinel's ownership, Fasloc's profitability grew significantly.



 Print



IEP Technologies, LLC

www.ieptechnologies.com

Corporate Carveout
Management Buyout

Press Releases
09/2015
07/2013

Case Studies
Executing a Corporate Carveout Creating a Standalone Business Infrastructure


IEP Technologies, LLC, headquartered in the greater Boston area, provides systems and services that detect, suppress, isolate and/or vent potential combustible dust or vapor explosions in process industries. IEP Technologies provides best-in-class explosion protection systems, design engineering, replacement parts, material testing, and service and support to its global customer base.

IEP Technologies' platforms include sophisticated computer calculation tools, and have been subjected to thousands of full-scale explosion tests spanning five decades of field experience. IEP Technologies will continue to lead the industry in research and development and make investments in new product technologies and existing product innovations and is well positioned to build collaboratively on the significant collective, global strengths of its existing system design platforms.

IEP Technologies is the global leader in the explosion protection industry, with operations in North America and Europe. IEP Technologies serves customers across North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, and has a growing presence in the Indian subcontinent and the rest of Asia. IEP Technologies offers the industry's leading array of industrial explosion systems, design engineering, replacement parts, material testing, and service and support to its customer bases around the world.

In September 2015, after achieving substantially all of our investment objectives, IEP was sold to strategic buyer HOERBIGER Group. At the time of our original investment, IEP consisted of five separate companies operating under three different brands in five countries, each with separate management teams and IT infrastructures. Today, IEP operates under one global brand with fully integrated management and IT systems. Moreover, during this period, IEP also grew its sales and profitability. IEP remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team and new owners.



 Print



LTI Boyd, Inc.

www.ltiflex.com

Recapitalization
Restructured Operations
Refocused Business
Add-On Acquisitions

Press Releases
07/2012
07/2011
04/2006

Case Studies
Helping Reach the Next Level Dealing with Unexpected Bad News


LTI Boyd, headquartered in Modesto, California, is the leading global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of engineered, high-performance components for market leading original equipment manufacturers. LTI Boyd manufactures extruded, die-cut, and molded flexible rubber and plastic components and sealing systems used in wide variety of industries including commercial and recreational vehicles, aerospace platforms, agricultural and construction equipment, medical devices, filtration equipment, electronics, and industrial applications.

LTI Boyd's design expertise, material knowledge, global manufacturing footprint, and superior execution position it as a strong partner for its OEM customers. LTI Boyd is the market leader in a large and growing market that is highly fragmented, with significant opportunities for growth both organically and through acquisition.

In April 2006, Sentinel Capital Partners and management acquired LTI Flexible Products in a management buyout. Sentinel sponsored the transaction and provided equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners III, L.P.

In October 2006, LTI acquired Nott-Atwater Company, a leading manufacturer of custom and specialized industrial gaskets for the heavy truck, HVAC, and recreational vehicle industries.

In April 2009, LTI acquired Derby Cellular Products, a manufacturer of extruded rubber gaskets and seals for the filtration, commercial vehicle, window, and recreational vehicle industries.

In July 2011, LTI acquired Boyd Corporation, a leading designer and manufacturer of mission-critical sealing and energy management solutions for blue-chip OEMs serving the electronics, heavy truck, aerospace, and medical device markets. This highly complementary acquisition significantly increased the size and scale of LTI and created the leading global provider of custom-fabricated gaskets and sealing systems.

In July 2012, after achieving substantially all of our investment objectives in six years, LTI Boyd was sold to another private equity firm. Since Sentinel's original investment, LTI Boyd grew by almost fivefold, organically and via three acquisitions, and its EBITDA increased almost fourfold. LTI Boyd remains well positioned to continue growing following the deep recession of 2008–2009.



 Print



Luminaires Group

www.theluminairesgroup.com

Transition from Founder Ownership

Press Releases
09/2019
06/2016

Case Studies
Facilitating Growth Through Acquisition


The Luminaires Group, founded in 1987 with hubs in Montreal, Canada; Oceanside, California; and Edison, New Jersey, is a leading North American manufacturer of specification-grade and architectural lighting fixtures. Luminaires designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes lighting products across North America via five niche brands, each with its own focus. Eureka concentrates on indoor and outdoor decorative lighting; A-Light focuses on indoor and outdoor architectural lighting; Luminis makes functional indoor and outdoor lighting; Cyclone specializes in outdoor area lighting; and Luminaire LED develops vandal-resistant lighting. Luminaires serves commercial, institutional, hospitality, and municipal end markets and offers a wide range of contemporary lighting fixtures for interior and exterior use. Luminaires has received many industry awards for its innovative lighting designs and product excellence, including several prestigious Reddot Awards.

Luminaires is a leading lighting platform with strong development and design capabilities and a record of innovation. Luminaires enjoys an impressive breadth of award-winning products and benefits from longstanding sales relationships and distribution channels in North America. Operating in a highly-fragmented market, Luminaires is a leader in best practices and operational excellence.

Under Sentinel's ownership, Luminaires grew by more than 50%. Having achieved our investment objectives, Luminaires was sold to strategic buyer Acuity Brands (NYSE:AYE). Luminaires remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team and new owner.



 Print



Madill Inc.

www.madillequipment.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
06/2005


Madill Inc., headquartered in Nanaimo, British Columbia, is leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of forestry and logging equipment primarily serving the North American market.

Founded in 1911, Madill has grown over the past decade as the result of strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Madill manufactures technologically superior mechanical harvesting and other logging equipment at its facilities in British Columbia and Washington State and has sales and distribution offices in the northwest U.S. and western Canada. Madill's products are designed exclusively for the needs of the forestry industry and are purpose-built to withstand both extreme terrain and weather conditions. The Madill name is a highly regarded brand in the logging industry.

Madill's seasoned management has a proven track record of building value for its investors and management partners over a long period of time.

In June 2005, Sentinel Capital Partners and management acquired Madill in a buyout transaction. GE Commercial Finance and Bank of Montreal provided senior debt financing for the transaction, and McKenna Gale provided subordinated debt. Sentinel originated, sponsored and negotiated the transaction, arranged the acquisition debt and provided private equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners III, L.P.



 Print



Met Displays, Inc.

Management Buyout
ESOP
Transition from Family Ownership
Add-On Acquisitions

Press Releases
06/1999
09/1998
12/1997


Met Merchandising Concepts, located in Chicago, Illinois, designs and manufactures high-quality fixtures, forms, and displays for upscale retail stores. Met has established a leading position in the visual merchandising industry and serves a diverse group of prominent department store, specialty store, and branded consumer product companies operating vendor shops within retail stores. During the past several years, retailers and branded consumer companies have increasingly developed consistent identities to market and differentiate their products.

The development and acceptance of the store-within-a-store or vendor-shop concept have caused department stores to evolve into a series of separate brand environments, with vendors heavily influencing the visual presentation of their merchandise. These changes have also led department stores to outsource more of the in-store design function to visual display companies such as Met. The company's leading-edge design and product development expertise combined with its manufacturing, delivery and installation capabilities allow Met to offer one-stop solutions to its customers.

In 1997, Sentinel Capital Partners originated, sponsored, and, together with management, provided the private equity financing in a recapitalization of Met Merchandising.

In June 1999, Sentinel and management sold Met to Leggett & Platt, Incorporated (NYSE:LEG). With sales and net income in excess of $3.5 billion and $250 million, respectively, Leggett is a leading manufacturer of component and finished products for the furniture industry. Leggett is actively pursuing acquisitions in the fixture and display industry. Met represents an attractive strategic fit for Leggett and gives Leggett access to upscale customers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's, Timberland and Liz Claiborne. Sentinel and management decided to sell Met after only eighteen months because substantially all of the investment's original objectives had been achieved.



 Print



Nekoosa, Inc.

www.nekoosa.com/

Management buyout
Add-on acquisitions

Press Releases
11/2022
11/2017

Case Studies
Completing Transformative Acquisitions


Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Nekoosa is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered, specialty paper and film products used in the graphics and commercial print markets. 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 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. Nekoosa has a long record of innovation, leadership, and growth. Nekoosa is growing organically and is also via executing add-on acquisitions. Nekoosa has developed a playbook for identifying and integrating complementary businesses.

In November 2022, after achieving our investment objectives, Nekoosa was sold to a strategic buyer backed by another private equity firm. In the five years since Sentinel's original investment, Nekoosa has performed well, especially during the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, Nekoosa successfully made a transformative add-on acquisition during an extremely challenging period. Nekoosa remains well positioned to continue growing under new ownership and the leadership of its superb management team.



 Print



PlayCore Inc.

www.playcore.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
09/2017
05/2014

Case Studies
Facilitating Growth Through Acquisition


PlayCore Inc., headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the leading playground equipment and recreation products companies in the world, specializing in commercial playground, park, recreation, performance and specialty equipment.

PlayCore designs and builds a wide spectrum of specialty equipment ranging from basic, modular play structures to complex, theme-based play environments that require significant creative and engineering competencies. PlayCore also provides a broad array of site amenities, surfacing, seating, performance, and fitness solutions, including picnic tables, benches, bleachers, bike racks, and outdoor fitness stations. Widely recognized as the industry thought leader, PlayCore also offers highly differentiated value-added services such as designing curriculum-based education programs for playgrounds and parks and helps customers access funding sources. PlayCore is an innovative leader and possesses a strong portfolio of leading brands in the playground and recreation market.

Customers rely on PlayCore for high quality, innovative solutions for commercial park and recreation applications. With multiple manufacturing, engineering, and sales locations in North America, PlayCore provides the highest level of customer support. The following PlayCore Video provides more information.

Having owned the business for three years and having achieved our investment objectives, in September 2017, PlayCore was sold to another private firm in a management buyout. Since Sentinel's original investment, PlayCore has successfully pursued its mission of building communities through play and recreation, completed 14 add-on acquisitions, and today owns 27 complementary brands and serves more than 8,000 customers. During our three-year ownership, PlayCore's sales and profits increased significantly.



 Print



Power Products, LLC

www.powerprodllc.com

Corporate Carveout
Management Buyout

Press Releases
12/2016
12/2013

Case Studies
Executing a Corporate Carveout


Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Power Products is a global, diversified electrical products supplier primarily serving the construction and remodeling, marine and recreation, and industrial markets. Power Products owns a broad portfolio of recognized brand names, including Blue Sea Systems, Del City, Gardner Bender, Lenco Marine, Marinco, Mastervolt, and ProMariner.

Power Products designs, manufactures and distributes branded electrical tools, consumables, wiring products, harsh-environment power conversion solutions, inverters, switches, and other related electrical products and accessories. Power Products goes to market through a variety of sales channels including OEMs, wholesale distributors, internet, catalog, and retail outlets.

Having owned the business for more than three years and having achieved our investment objectives, in December 2016, Power Products was sold to another private firm in a management buyout. Since Sentinel's original investment, Power Products made three add-on acquisitions to strengthen its core business and divested two non-core divisions. During our ownership, Power Products' profitability rose significantly. Power Products remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team.



 Print



Recreational Group

www.recreationalgroup.com

Management Buyout
Add-On Acquisitions

Press Releases
01/2022
10/2021


Sentinel's investment in The Recreational Group began with our acquisition of Controlled Products in October 2021. During the diligence process, Sentinel was introduced to The Recreational Group ("RG"), a similar-sized and highly complementary business located next door to Controlled Products in Dalton, Georgia. Approximately eight weeks after acquiring Controlled Products, in December 2021, Sentinel acquired RG, combined the two businesses, and renamed the combination The Recreational Group.

Controlled Products is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium synthetic turf products for landscape, sports, commercial, and specialty applications. Controlled Products develops and distributes a variety of premium synthetic turf through an international network of dealers and customers and to its company owned and franchised Purchase Green® stores. Controlled Products serves a diverse group of residential, commercial, and field customers with leading name brands including GrassTex, SporTurf, and Synthetic Turf International, as well as private label products. With a wide range of high-quality and innovative synthetic turf products, Controlled Products has established itself as a manufacturer-of-choice with leading dealers and architects, and will continue to educate the market regarding the benefits of synthetic turf products across field and non-field applications and encourage adoption.

RG is also a leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of premium recreational surfacing products, including synthetic turf and modular tile. RG serves both the residential and nonresidential markets, including education, municipalities, and religious facilities. The combination of RG and Controlled Products brings together two highly complementary businesses to create the largest and most diversified platform in the premium recreational surfaces market with difficult to replicate manufacturing capabilities. CP increases RG’s sport and landscape turf presence while RG adds deeper penetration of commercial and landscape turf markets and fast-growing modular tile products. Offering a diversified line of innovative and highly complementary products, the combined business serves customers across the U.S., with a focus on the Southeast and Southwest, where water conservation and the need for natural grass alternatives is growing. Moreover, as the industry's only vertically integrated player of scale, the combination offers superior product quality, consistency, and excellent customer service. The combined platform presents an exciting opportunity to grow organically and through acquisition.



 Print



RefrigiWear LLC

www.RefrigiWear.com

Management Buyout
Add-On Acquisitions

Press Releases
11/2021


RefrigiWear makes protective industrial workwear for indoor and outdoor use in sub-freezing temperatures and inclement weather environments. RefrigiWear's products include outerwear, coveralls, bibs, pants, and protective handwear and footwear that are designed to keep users warm, safe, and productive. RefrigiWear has deep, long-standing relationships with its customers in the food manufacturing, food distribution, and construction and other outdoor end markets. RefrigiWear also provides services such as embroidery and personalization, emblems, logos, patches, custom alterations, repairs and laundry services, which further entrenches it with its customers. Over the past several years, RefrigiWear has rapidly grown its e-commerce business to provide its quality products directly to end consumers. Founded in 1954, RefrigiWear will continue to be managed by members of the founding families that have run the business since its inception.

RefrigiWear is the premium trusted brand in subzero environment workwear with unparalleled customer loyalty, exceptional service, and a record of innovation. RefrigiWear is well positioned to accelerate its growth record both organically and via making add-on acquisitions.



 Print



RotoMetrics, Inc.

www.rotometrics.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
06/2018
11/2014

Case Studies
Pursuing International Growth


RotoMetrics is the leading global provider of precision rotary tooling for the printing and converting industries. RotoMetrics supports customers from manufacturing and repair service facilities in eight countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, Germany, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, RotoMetrics provides made-to-order precision rotary cutting dies and engineered tooling for web converting and printing applications. These products are critical components in the production of a wide array of tags, labels, and packaging items used in the consumer goods, healthcare, electrical component, automotive, and industrial markets. RotoMetrics maintains deep relationships with a highly diverse blue chip customer base of more than 5,500 converters and OEMs. RotoMetrics enjoys the #1 position in its core tag and label market.

Under Sentinel's ownership, RotoMetrics made five add-on acquisitions, two in Germany, one in Brazil, and two in the U.S. and also grew organically. These initiatives enabled RotoMetrics to establish a global footprint across five continents and serve a highly diverse international blue chip customer base. Having significantly increased its sales and profitability, Sentinel achieved its investment objectives and sold RotoMetrics to a private investment firm. RotoMetrics remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its outstanding management team.



 Print



SmartSign LLC

www.smartsign.com

Management Buyout
Add-on Acquisitions

Press Releases
09/2022


Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, SmartSign is an online provider of customizable and specialized signs, labels, and tags serving the regulatory, compliance, and safety needs of customers across the economy. SmartSign sells products to nearly 900,000 customers annually, with a growing percentage of revenue from repeat customers who return for their sign, label, and tag needs. SmartSign serves small- to mid-sized businesses and large corporations, including 75% of the Fortune 1000, across hundreds of verticals, including education, healthcare, and industrial. SmartSign operates 27 websites, each offering highly specialized and customizable products to fit thousands of specific-use cases; many products can be shipped the same day they are ordered.

As a disruptive, vertically integrated, tech-enabled company, SmartSign is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing online segment of the signs, labels, and tags market. With a talented and committed management team, best-in-class products and service, and operational excellence, SmartSign is well positioned to grow rapidly, both organically and through add-on acquisitions in related product categories.



 Print



SONNY'S Enterprises, Inc.

www.sonnysdirect.com/

Recapitalization

Press Releases
08/2020
12/2016

Case Studies
Helping Entrepreneurs Realize a Bold Dream Helping Diversify an Owner's Holdings


SONNY'S Enterprises, Inc. is the leading worldwide manufacturer of conveyorized car wash systems. SONNY'S is headquartered in Tamarac, Florida, where it designs and manufactures car wash systems.

With strong development and design capabilities and a long-term record of innovation and excellent customer satisfaction, SONNY'S has become the premier global provider of car care products to car wash professionals. SONNY'S offers a broad range of car wash products and services and has established longstanding sales relationships and distribution channels throughout North America.

In August 2020, after achieving our investment objectives, SONNY'S was sold to another private equity firm. In the 3½ years since Sentinel's original investment, SONNY'S performance was exceptional. SONNY’S significantly expanded its market leadership as a total car wash solutions provider by broadening its product offering, consolidating distribution, and expanding geographically to the West Coast through. During our ownership, besides generating strong organic growth, SONNY’S also made six add-on acquisitions. In total, SONNY'S sales and profitability almost tripled. SONNY'S remains well positioned to continue growing under the leadership of its superb management team.



 Print



Trussbilt LLC

www.trussbilt.com

Management Buyout

Press Releases
02/2007


Trussbilt LLC, headquartered in Vadnais Heights, MN, is a specialty manufacturer of steel security products for the detention and corrections market.

Founded in 1926, Trussbilt makes correctional facilities such as prisons and jails more secure and cost-effective by designing and building security products that set the standard for safety, reliability and innovation. Trussbilt is the only company in the detention industry that offers a complete line of steel doors, walls, frames, ceilings and other furnishings. The company’s proprietary design for metal door and wall construction uses a unique manufacturing process resulting in a thin, light steel panel of tremendous strength and durability.

Trussbilt has supplied products to all 50 states as well as 17 foreign countries. The company’s commercial product line provides protection from threats such as intrusion, severe weather, explosives and other terrorist threats. Trussbilt's innovative products deliver high quality, cost-effective solutions for a full range of security environments.

Sentinel Capital Partners and management acquired Trussbilt in a management buyout transaction. Marshall & Ilsley Bank provided senior debt for the transaction. Sentinel originated, sponsored and negotiated the transaction, arranged the acquisition debt and provided private equity financing from Sentinel Capital Partners III, L.P. Trussbilt was sold to an industry buyer in October 2014.