Wynnchurch Capital

CHICAGO, IL – Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - Wynnchurch Capital is pleased to announce that Michael A. Teplitsky has joined as Senior Associate and Greg B. Gleason has joined the firm as Associate.

Michael Teplitsky recently graduated from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  Previously, Michael was an Associate at Lime Rock Partners, a $3.0 billion private equity firm specializing in the global energy sector. At Lime Rock, Michael concentrated primarily on the oilfield service industry. Prior to joining Lime Rock, Michael was a member of UBS’s Investment Banking Global Energy Group. At UBS Michael executed financial advisory and financing transactions within the energy, industrial and service sectors.  Michael has also spent time in Moscow at TNK-BP as the Strategic Advisor to the Executive Director. In addition to concentrating on business services and niche manufacturing investing, Michael will focus on growing Wynnchurch’s energy and power equipment and services investment activities in the United States and Canada.

Michael received a B.A. with honors from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Michael is also the co-Founder of YPE, a global energy sector leadership organization with over 4,000 members and 15 chapters.   

Prior to joining Wynnchurch, Greg Gleason was a Financial Analyst at Houlihan Lokey in Chicago, where he was a member of the Global Industrial Group.  His experience there includes mergers and acquisitions, strategic-alternatives assessments, leveraged ESOP transactions, solvency opinions, fairness opinions and general business valuations.  Before joining Houlihan Lokey, Greg was an analyst in Bank of America’s portfolio management group, where he worked on underwriting and structuring financing for consumer, food and beverage, and general industrial clients. 

Greg received a B.S. with highest honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a CFA Charterholder.

John Hatherly, President and Managing Partner of Wynnchurch Capital commented, “We are thrilled to have both Michael and Greg on our team. Their strong academic background and comprehensive M&A experience will be invaluable to our growing team.”

About Wynnchurch Capital: Wynnchurch Capital, located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois with offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Montreal, Canada was founded in 1999. Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm which invests in niche manufacturing, business and industrial services, value-added distribution and logistics companies. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings, turnarounds and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com

CHICAGO, IL – Tuesday, August, 12, 2008 – Wynnchurch Capital, a Chicago based middle market private equity fund, is pleased to announce the hiring of industry operating partner, Frank J. Feraco. Mr. Feraco will be instrumental in working to create value within Wynnchurch’s existing portfolio companies and advising on new platform investment opportunities. Over the past 35 years Frank Feraco has acquired and successfully integrated 28 companies with an aggregate acquisition value of over $3.2 billion. In addition, Frank has held leadership positions with several manufacturing-oriented, Fortune 500 companies including Emerson Electric Company, Danaher Corporation, Textron, Inc., Pentair, Inc. and The Kohler Company. Frank’s specific leadership roles include several years as the president of Pentair, Inc’s $1.2 billion Tool Group. Before joining Pentair, Frank was president of Textron, Inc’s $4.0 billion industrial products segment where he was responsible for a workforce of 26,000 employees and over 100 manufacturing sites. Frank also previously held the position of president and sector executive of The Kohler Company’s International Group and president and CEO of The Kohler Company’s Sterling Plumbing Group subsidiary. Additionally, Frank was president of Danaher Corporation’s tool manufacturing group and also held several senior leadership positions within Emerson Electric Company over the course of 17 years.In addition to numerous leadership positions with Fortune 500 companies, Mr. Feraco has sat on the board of directors for a number of industry associations, public and private companies including the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, Flex Gmbh, and Robotooz, a subsidiary of Robert Bosch Corp., among others. John Hatherly, Managing Partner of Wynnchurch Capital, stated, “Frank is a true asset to Wynnchurch in terms of his breadth of industry knowledge and hands on operating experience. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Frank.” Chip Grace, Managing Director at Wynnchurch Capital, added, “After working closely with Frank on a number of projects over the past year, we are thrilled to officially bring him onto the Wynnchurch team. Frank’s depth of expertise and proven track record in working with a variety of mid-market businesses are an excellent match with our investment approach.”About Wynnchurch Capital: Wynnchurch Capital located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois with offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Montreal, Canada was founded in 1999. Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm which invests in niche manufacturing, business and industrial services, value-added distribution and logistics companies. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings, turnarounds and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com.###

Henniges CEO, Rob DePierre was interviewed by American Executive.

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Chicago, IL and Grande Prairie, Alberta – March 18, 2008 — Wynnchurch Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Montreal and Detroit, announced it has acquired a majority interest in The Surepoint Group (”Surepoint”), an industrial instrumentation and electrical service company servicing the oil and gas, forestry, pulp and paper, and chemical manufacturing industries. Surepoint is headquartered in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and maintains service centers in Nisku (Edmonton suburb), AB; Fairview, AB; and Dawson Creek, BC. Surepoint marks the seventh platform investment for Wynnchurch’s second fund, Wynnchurch Capital Partners II, L.P. Financing was provided by Scotiabank. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, Surepoint is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic industrial instrumentation and electrical service companies in the Peace River Region of Canada, which includes northwestern Alberta and eastern British Columbia. Surepoint utilizes an integrated service model formed by seven distinct, but interrelated companies which provide value-added services and solutions to its customers. The company’s services are primarily categorized as process instrumentation and electrical control installation, calibration and maintenance, heavy-duty mechanical, and natural gas field operations and maintenance. Surepoint also provides a comprehensive parts supply in support of these services.

Jon Kleinke, Managing Director at Wynnchurch Capital, stated, “Surepoint has an excellent market position and provides an extensive breadth of service and product offerings to its customers. The management team’s deep experience and industry knowledge will allow Surepoint to capitalize on opportunities related to the ever present demand for oil and gas production.” Cordell Weber, CEO of Surepoint, added, “With Wynnchurch’s support, Surepoint is strongly positioned to pursue organic growth opportunities. Our management team is looking forward to the partnership with Wynnchurch and to what the future holds.”

About Wynnchurch Capital: Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois and founded in 1999, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which that outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. With capital under management in excess of $500 million, Wynnchurch Capital specializes in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com.

Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems - North America and GDX Automotive Combine to Form Henniges Automotive

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ — Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems - North America (”MAPS”) a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, has completed its acquisition of GDX Automotive. The closure of this transaction and the combination of MAPS and GDX create a new global supplier in the automotive sealing systems industry. In connection with this combination, the newly formed company will assume a new name - Henniges Automotive.

Highly respected in Europe, the Henniges name is derived from GDX Automotive’s most recognized brand founded in Germany by Ernst Henniges in 1951. Building upon the brand’s strong heritage, Henniges Automotive will offer stronger, more diverse product lines in both sealing and anti-vibration systems globally.

Robert DePierre, chief executive officer of Metzeler Automotive Profiles, will serve as the CEO of Henniges Automotive. DePierre has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having spent twenty years with Benteler Automotive. In 2006, DePierre joined Wynnchurch Capital as an operating partner and served as CEO of Android Industries. Other key positions at Henniges will be held by Rob Barrow, who will assume responsibilities as executive vice president of Global Sealing Systems; Burkhard Bruhl, who will serve as executive vice president of Global Anti-Vibration Systems and Boris Gavric, who will oversee the integration process of the two companies, as Integration Manager.

“As Henniges Automotive, we are better positioned to serve our customers globally, while strengthening our position in North America,” DePierre said. “With enhanced capabilities worldwide, I am confident that Henniges Automotive will grow to become a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry.”

The global headquarters will be located in Farmington Hills, Mich., and will oversee the management of 18 facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia including: Keokuk, Iowa; Farmington Hills, Mich.; New Haven, Mo; Reidsville, N.C.; Frederick, Okla.; Chester, S.C.; Oakville, Ontario; Welland, Ontario; Guadalajara, Mexico; Gomez Palacio, Mexico; Grefrath, Germany; Rehburg, Germany; Odry, Czech Republic; Ostrava, Czech Republic; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China; and Changchun, China.

About Henniges Automotive
Formed in 2007, Henniges Automotive is a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry. With engineering, manufacturing and supply chain expertise, Henniges Automotive uniquely accommodates customers’ needs and provides advanced engineering processes that create smart, safe and secure vehicles. Henniges Automotive has 18 facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia. The combined global operations had sales of $700 million in 2006.

About Wynnchurch Capital
Located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois and founded in 1999, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which have outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com.

CHICAGO, IL and DETROIT, MI – Monday, October 1, 2007 – Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems – North America (“Metzeler”), recently acquired by Wynnchurch Capital, announced it has named Rob DePierre as its new CEO. Headquartered in Madison Heights, a suburb of Detroit, with operating facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Metzeler is a leading designer and manufacturer of a complete line of highly-engineered vehicle sealing systems for doors, windows, trunks, lift gates, sunroofs and hoods.

Prior to joining Metzeler, Mr. DePierre spent twenty years with Benteler Automotive, most recently running Benteler’s North American operations. In 2006, Mr. DePierre joined Wynnchurch Capital as an operating partner and served as CEO of Android Industries, another Wynnchurch Capital portfolio company. Mr. DePierre’s extensive experience leading large automotive supplier organizations was a natural fit for Metzeler. When asked about his new position at Metzeler, Mr. DePierre commented, “I am truly excited about the opportunity to work with such a well managed company. My plan is to continue working with the management team to deliver the highest quality engineered products while providing industry leading customer service.”

Mr. DePierre’s operational and process oriented background fits in well at Metzeler, a company that has focused on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement to thrive in the increasingly demanding automotive industry. Metzeler designs, manufactures and sells elastomeric vehicle sealing systems which seal interior compartments of the vehicle from water, dust, and air leakage while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The Company is the third largest provider of vehicle sealing systems for automotive OEM and Tier 1 suppliers in North America. Over its long history, Metzeler has earned a reputation for innovation and technological leadership.

“The management team has developed first class systems and processes that take advantage of superior design capabilities, stringent quality control and vertically integrated manufacturing,” added Terry Theodore, Partner at Wynnchurch Capital. “With the addition of Rob’s leadership, we believe that Metzeler is well positioned to grow by partnering with its customers and addressing their requirements for manufacturing excellence.”

Ian Kirson, Managing Director at Wynnchurch Capital, stated, “Metzeler’s commitment to continuous process improvement, customer service and cost reduction has allowed the company to stand out as a leader in the highly competitive automotive vehicle sealing systems space.”

About Metzeler:
Headquartered in Madison Heights, a suburb of Detroit, with operating facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Metzeler is a leading designer and manufacturer of a complete line of highly-engineered vehicle sealing systems for doors, windows, trunks, lift gates, sunroofs and hoods.

About Wynnchurch Capital:
Located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois and founded in 1999, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which have outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com.

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CHICAGO, IL – Monday, September 17, 2007 - Wynnchurch Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced it has acquired the North American operations of Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems (“Metzeler”). Headquartered in Detroit with operating facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Metzeler is a leading designer and manufacturer of a complete line of highly-engineered vehicle sealing systems for doors, windows, trunks, lift gates, sunroofs and hoods. Metzeler marks the sixth platform investment for Wynnchurch’s second fund, Wynnchurch Capital Partners II, L.P. Financing was provided by Bank of America. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Metzeler designs, manufactures and sells elastomeric vehicle sealing systems which seal interior compartments of the vehicle from water, dust, and air leakage while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The Company is the third largest provider of vehicle sealing systems for automotive OEM and Tier 1 suppliers in North America. Over its long history, Metzeler has earned a reputation for innovation and technological leadership.

About Wynnchurch Capital:
Headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois with offices in Detroit and Montreal, Wynnchurch Capital, is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which have outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments.

Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI – August 15, 2007 — Wynnchurch Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced it has purchased a majority interest in Webex, Inc. Webex, Inc., headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is a leading designer and manufacturer of precision-engineered rolls and custom web handling machinery for a wide range of web handling and converting applications. Senior debt financing for the transaction was provided by ORIX Finance, as Administrative Agent, Sole Book Runner and Joint Lead Arranger, and CIT Group Inc., as Joint Lead Arranger, while subordinated debt was provided by Audax Mezzanine, who also co-invested equity in the transaction. William Blair & Company acted as advisors to Webex. Additional terms were not disclosed.

Webex, Inc. was founded in 1972. Its primary product lines consist of precision engineered rolls and converting components, in addition to specialized web handling machinery, which are utilized in a variety of markets including consumer products, packaging, films, pharmaceutical, food processing, papermaking and general industrial.

Chip Grace, Managing Director for Wynnchurch Capital stated, “Webex has a long history of growth and is one of the few single source solutions providers in the web handling industry. As a market leader known for ‘best-in-class’ application engineering expertise, quick-turn delivery and flexible manufacturing, it delivers a significant value proposition for its blue-chip customer base.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Paul Schulz and Webex,” added Frank Hayes, Partner for Wynnchurch Capital. “The team has built a very attractive business, both organically and through key strategic acquisitions, and is positioned very well for continued success on both fronts.”

Paul Schulz, President of Webex, Inc., added, “The entire Webex management team is looking forward to our new partnership with Wynnchurch. There are a number of significant growth initiatives in front of our company, and with Wynnchurch’s support, we’ll be able to take full advantage of them.”

For more information on Webex, please go to webexinc.com.

About Wynnchurch Capital:
Located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois and founded in 1999, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which have outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments.

John Hatherly was interviewed by the National Post regarding equity shops becoming more aggressive in Canada.

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Q&A: Wynnchurch Capital President John Hatherly
February 28, 2007 0:00 AM - IVCA


CHICAGO – John Hatherly, president of Wynnchurch Capital, sat down with the Illinois Venture Capital Association to discuss the Wynnchurch investment strategy, the current state of the industry and predictions for 2007. Read the rest of this entry »