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January 25, 2017

Former CEO of U.S. Pipe Returns to Wynnchurch; Brings 30 Years of Operational Experience

Rosemont, IL – January 25, 2017 – Wynnchurch Capital, LLC (“Wynnchurch”), a leading middle market private equity firm, announced today that Paul Ciolino has joined the firm as an Operating Partner. Mr. Ciolino previously served as the CEO of U.S. Pipe — a leading provider of products used in water distribution networks and water treatment facilities and a former Wynnchurch portfolio company.

Wynnchurch acquired U.S. Pipe from Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA) in April 2012. At the time of purchase, U.S. Pipe was an underperforming corporate division. Mr. Ciolino and his team significantly improved U.S. Pipe’s market position, profitability, and growth orientation, eventually leading to a successful sale of the business to Forterra (NYSE:FRTA) in April 2016.

Chris O’Brien, Wynnchurch Partner, said, ​“We are excited to welcome Paul back to the Wynnchurch organization. He is an exceptional leader and manager. He engineered the turnaround and growth of U.S. Pipe and we are very fortunate to partner with him again. Together, we are looking for leading manufacturing businesses or divisions of larger corporations in the heavy industrial, metals, flow technology, or building products sectors with over $100 million in revenue. These can be well-performing businesses or companies going through a transition as was the case with U.S. Pipe.”

Mr. Ciolino said, ​“I am delighted to partner with the Wynnchurch team again and look forward to finding and leading our next opportunity together.” Mr. Ciolino joined U.S. Pipe in August 2010. Previously, Mr. Ciolino served as president of Griffin Pipe Products Co. Inc., a division of Amsted Industries, Inc., a $5 billion revenue capital equipment manufacturer. Previously, Mr. Ciolino held senior executive positions at various Amsted Rail divisions including ASF-Keystone Europe and UNIT Rail Anchor Co. Mr. Ciolino received his B.S. from Cornell University and his M.B.A. degree from Rutgers University.

This is the latest appointment in Wynnchurch’s Operating Partner Program, a successful element of Wynnchurch’s highly operational approach to investing. Wynnchurch’s Operating Partners are generally 20+ year industry executives with deep industry and operating expertise. New Operating Partners are divided among industry verticals and are partnered with Wynnchurch professionals focused on new investment sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio company value creation. 

Wynnchurch Capital is actively investing from its $1.3 billion Fund IV. In December 2016, Wynnchurch acquired Rosboro Company LLC, a leading integrated forest products company. Other recent Wynnchurch investments include Texas Hydraulics (divestiture from Dover Corp. (NYSE:DOV)), Latham International, Carson Air Ltd., Gypsum Technologies Inc., and Champion Iron (TSX:CIA).

About Wynnchurch Capital

Wynnchurch Capital, LLC., headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois with offices in California and Canada, was founded in 1999 and is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in Canada and the United States that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with over $2.2 billion of committed capital under management and specializes in recapitalizations, growth capital, management buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and restructurings. For more information, please visit: www​.wyn​nchurch​.com.

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