Author Archives: Steve Oberdownerson

Michigan company buys Swing-N-Slide

A Michigan-based manufacturer of ready-to-assemble wood storage sheds, play sets and recreational building kits has made its own backyard a little larger with the purchase of Swing-N-Slide, a Janesville-based competitor. Backyard Products of Monroe, Mich., said Wednesday it bought Swing-N-Slide–a leading consumer playground equipment company–as part of its goal to become the nation’s top provider […]

John Howard Provides Insights at Cohn Reznick’s 2014 Retail Outlook Dinner

In October 2013, CohnReznick’s Retail and Consumer Products Industry Practice hosted a dinner for more than 100 executives to address the economy, the consumer, business trends and outlook, as well as topics of the day, omni-channel integration, the Amazon effect, and M&A activity. Moderated by Richard Schurig, CohnReznick’s Retail and Consumer Products Industry Practice Leader, […]

IPC Sells Multi Packaging Solutions to Madison Dearborn

Madison Dearborn Partners announced today that it has agreed to buy Multi Packaging Solutions (“MPS”), a leading supplier of print-based specialty packaging, from Irving Place Capital.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Multi Packaging Solutions is a manufacturer of high-quality printed folding cartons, labels, and inserts for customers in the healthcare, consumer, and media […]

IPC Acquires Chromalox

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has acquired Chromalox, a global manufacturer of branded electric heating and control products, from Sentinel Capital Partners.  In connection with this transaction, the senior management team of Chromalox has increased its ownership in the company and will retain a substantial stake in […]

IPC Announces Investment in Rag & Bone

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”) announced today that it has taken a minority stake in rag & bone. In under a decade, British CFDA-winning duo Marcus Wainwright and David Neville have established rag & bone as a critical and commercial success.  Combining their English heritage with modern design, rag & bone has become synonymous with innately […]

Tom O’Grady & Mike McLain Appointed Senior Advisors

Irving Place Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has appointed C. Thomas O’Grady and Michael A. McLain as Senior Advisors for the firm’s industrial practice.  Messrs. O’Grady and McLain will work closely with Irving Place Capital to identify, evaluate, and pursue new investments in branded industrial products companies and to build […]

IPC Appoints Michael Howe as Senior Advisor

Irving Place Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has appointed Michael Howe as a Senior Advisor for the firm’s healthcare practice. Mr. Howe will work closely with Irving Place Capital to identify, evaluate, and pursue new investments in the consumer-facing healthcare space. In particular, Mr. Howe will focus on opportunities that […]

Michelle Pearlman Joins IPC as Senior Advisor

Irving Place Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, announced that it has appointed Michelle Pearlman as Senior Advisor. Ms. Pearlman has more than 20 years of experience in senior operational and management consulting roles for leading retail and consumer companies. Prior to joining Irving Place Capital, Ms. Pearlman was with Sears Holding Corporation, where she […]

IPC’s Investment in Vitamin Shoppe Wins Buyouts’ “Deal of the Year”

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a middle-market private equity firm, announced that its investment in Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (“Vitamin Shoppe”) won Buyouts Magazine’s 2010 “Deal of the Year” award in the middle-market category. In addition to its selection as winner by an editorial committee at Buyouts, IPC’s Vitamin Shoppe investment received the highest scores from readers […]

Michael Feiner Joins IPC as Senior Advisor

Irving Place Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has appointed Michael Feiner as Senior Advisor of Human Capital. Mr. Feiner has extensive experience helping some of the world’s leading corporations develop and optimize their leadership and talent as a corporate executive, management consultant, author and professor. Mr. Feiner’s corporate experience includes […]

Irving Place Capital Agrees to Recapitalize National Surgical Hospitals

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has signed agreements to recapitalize, in partnership with senior management, National Surgical Hospitals (“NSH”), an owner, operator, and developer of surgical facilities in partnership with local physicians.  The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1999, NSH currently owns […]

Irving Place Capital Acquires Fashion Retailer Dots

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it acquired Dots, LLC (“Dots”), a fast fashion women’s apparel and accessory retail company.  The transaction closed on January 3, 2011.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Dots is a specialty retail company offering women the newest fashion trends at affordable […]

Thermadyne Holdings Corporation Agrees to be Acquired by Irving Place Capital

Thermadyne Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: THMD), a leading global manufacturer and marketer of metal cutting and welding products and accessories, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Irving Place Capital, a middle-market private equity firm, in a transaction valued at approximately $422 million, excluding fees and expenses. […]

Irving Place Capital to Acquire Alpha Packaging

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Alpha Packaging (“Alpha”), a leading blow molder of plastic bottles and jars for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and personal care markets.  IPC is investing in partnership with Alpha’s current management team, led by President and Chief […]

Irving Place Capital Agrees to Acquire Pet Supplies “Plus”

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today an agreement to acquire Pet Supplies “Plus” (“PSP”), the third largest pet specialty retailer in the United States.  Irving Place Capital will be investing in partnership with PSP’s CEO Harvey Solway, COO Dominic Buccellato and CFO Richard Valade.  The transaction is expected to close […]

Irving Place Capital Completes Acquisition of Mold-Rite Plastics, Inc.

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a middle-market private equity firm, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Mold-Rite Plastics, Inc. (“Mold-Rite”).  Mold-Rite is a leading manufacturer of plastic caps, child-resistant closures, vials and jars primarily serving the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and personal care markets.  The acquisition, the terms of which have not been disclosed, was […]

Irving Place Capital agrees to acquire Mold-Rite Plastics, Inc.

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”), a middle-market private equity firm, today announced that it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire Mold-Rite Plastics, Inc. (“Mold-Rite” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of plastic caps, child-resistant closures, vials, and jars primarily serving the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care markets.  The transaction is expected to close within 60 […]

Irving Place Capital Announces Successful Completion of New Credit Facility for Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc.

Irving Place Capital (“IPC”) announced today the May 13, 2010 completion of a new credit facility for its portfolio investment, Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc. (“MPS”).  The new credit facility refinanced existing senior and subordinated debt of the Company, as well as provided for the payment of a dividend to existing investors.  The new facility includes a […]

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. Prices Initial Public Offering

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI) today announced that the public offering of 9,096,077 shares of its common stock has priced at $17.00 per share. The shares will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange today, October 28, 2009, under the ticker symbol “VSI.” Vitamin Shoppe is offering 7,666,667 shares of common stock and selling […]

Irving Place Capital and Oaktree Acquire Specialty Packaging Company

Chesapeake (“Chesapeake” or “the Company”) today announced that it has completed its previously announced financial restructuring through an acquisition by private equity institutions Irving Place Capital Management, L.P. (“Irving Place Capital”) and Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”) together with management. New ownership marks an important transition for Chesapeake, one of the world’s leading suppliers of […]

Multi Packaging Solutions Announces Acquisition of Ivy Hill Corporation

Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc. (“MPS”), a leader in the packaging industry serving the multi-media, cosmetics, healthcare, horticulture, and value added consumer markets, and a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of certain assets of Ivy Hill Corporation (“Ivy Hill”). Ivy Hill, headquartered in New York, NY is […]

Irving Place Capital Partners with Retail & Apparel Executive

Irving Place Capital, a leading middle market institutional private equity firm, today announced that it has appointed Peter Boneparth as a Senior Advisor with a focus on the retail and apparel sectors. Mr. Boneparth will support Irving Place Capital’s work to identify and opportunistically pursue new investments. His experience will help drive growth and enhance […]

PlayCore Announces Acquisition of Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc.

PlayCore Holdings, Inc. (PlayCore), a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of play and recreation products, and a portfolio company of BSMB, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc. Everlast Climbing is a leader in the climbing wall industry and is dedicated to enhancing the fitness of our […]

MC Shipping Announces Acquisition of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Vessel

MC Shipping Inc., an expanding international shipping company focused on the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) and a portfolio company of BSMB, announced that it has acquired the Keswick, an LPG vessel, from a subsidiary of Vitol SA. The vessel, built in 2003, is a pressurized LPG tanker with 11,028 cubic meters of capacity. […]

Ironshore Intends to Enter the Lloyd’s Market with the Purchase of Pembroke

Ironshore Inc. announced today that it has signed a sale and purchase agreement with Chaucer Holdings PLC and the management of Pembroke for the £17 million cash purchase of Pembroke Managing Agency Limited, which manages Lloyd’s Syndicate 4000. The transaction is subject to approval from Lloyd’s and the UK’s Financial Services Authority. Mark Wheeler serves […]

PlayCore Announces Acquisition of Ultra Play Systems, Inc.

PlayCore, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of playground equipment and related play products, and a portfolio company of BSMB, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ultra Play Systems, Inc. For more than 20 years, Ultra Play has manufactured and supplied park amenities, outdoor athletic equipment, preschool equipment, and […]

BSMB Announces Plans to Become Independent Private Equity Firm

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (BSMB), a leading private equity firm focused on middle-market investments, today announced that it soon will become an unaffiliated independent company. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc., a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., will retain a passive interest in certain affiliates of BSMB and will continue to be responsible for co-investment […]

MC Shipping Announces Acquisition of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Vessel

MC Shipping Inc., an international shipping company focused on the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) and a portfolio company of BSMB, announced that it acquired the BW Munin, an LPG vessel from BW Gas. The vessel, built in 1989, is a fully refrigerated LPG tanker with 28,000 cubic meters capacity. The vessel was delivered […]

Multi Packaging Solutions Announces Acquisition of Innovative Creative Packaging Solutions

Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc. (“MPS”), a specialty print and packaging company, and a portfolio company of BSMB, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Innovative Creative Packaging Solutions. Innovative Creative Packaging Solutions (“Innovative”), headquartered in South Plainfield, NJ, is a high-quality supplier of custom folding cartons, promotional packaging and digital labels for the […]

PlayCore Announces Acquisition of Robertson Industries, Inc.

PlayCore, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of playground equipment and related play products, is pleased to announce that it completed the acquisition of Robertson Industries, Inc. Robertson Industries, Inc. manufactures surfacing building products related to site construction, athletic and recreational surfaces, play field equipment and structures, finishes, and indoor […]

Multi Packaging Solutions Announces Acquisition of Great Western Industries

Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc. (“MPS”), a specialty print and packaging company, and a portfolio company of Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Great Western Industries (“GWI”). Great Western Industries, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading supplier of print and packaging to the Cosmetics, Fragrance, Consumer, and […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Completes Acquisition of MC Shipping

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), a leading private equity firm focusing on middle-market investments, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of MC Shipping Inc. MC Shipping is an international shipping company focused on the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The agreement between the two firms was previously announced on July 30, 2007. […]

VF Completes Acquisition of Seven For All Mankind Premium Denim Lifestyle Brand

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Seven For All Mankind, LLC. The 7 For All Mankind(R) brand, along with VF’s recently completed acquisition of the lucy(R) women’s active lifestyle brand, will together form the foundation of a new coalition, […]

Rimrock Energy Receives $250 Million Equity Commitment

Rimrock Energy, LLC (“Rimrock” or the “Company”), a private oil and gas company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, today announced equity commitments of $250 million from Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”) and Natural Gas Partners (“NGP”). Rimrock is a newly-formed natural gas exploration and production company focused on onshore unconventional resources in North America, including shale […]

MC Shipping Inc. to be Acquired by Bear Stearns Merchant Banking

MC Shipping Inc. (AMEX: MCX) and Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”) announced today the signing of a merger agreement providing for the Company to be acquired by a newly-formed entity controlled by BSMB. Under the terms of the merger agreement, MC Shipping shareholders will receive $14.25 per share in cash, representing a total transaction value […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Accounces Agreement to Sell Seven For All Mankind

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), a leading private equity firm focused on middle-market investments, together with founder Peter Koral and company management, has reached an agreement to sell Seven For All Mankind, LLC (“Seven For All Mankind”) to VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) for $775 million in cash at closing. Seven For All Mankind is a […]

Doral Financial Closes Sale of Shares to Doral Holdings Delaware, LLC

Doral Financial Corporation (NYSE:DRL) (“Doral” or the “Company”) announced today that it had closed the sale of 968,263,968 shares of its common stock, $0.01 par value per share, to Doral Holdings Delaware, LLC (“Doral Holdings”), a newly formed entity in which Bear Stearns Merchant Banking and other investors, including funds managed by Marathon Asset Management, […]

Universal Hospital Services Completes Acquisition by Bear Stearns Merchant Banking and Management

Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (“UHS”), a leading provider of medical equipment lifecycle services to the healthcare industry, announced today that it has completed the transactions to transfer ownership and recapitalize its balance sheet. UHS is now owned by Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), the private equity affiliate of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE: BSC), […]

BSMB Appoints Industry Expert as Operating Partner

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), a leading institutional private equity firm, today announced that it has added a new Senior Advisor, Phil Yates, an experienced executive in the global packaging industry. With 35 years of experience, Mr. Yates was most recently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Graham Packaging, a global provider of rigid plastic […]

Doral Announces Recapitalization Plan and Related Equity Investment

Doral Financial Corporation (DRL) (“Doral” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement, providing for the sale by the Company of $610 million of Doral common stock for $0.63 per share to a newly-formed entity (“Doral Holdings” or “Holdings”), in which Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”) and other […]

Universal Hospital Services, Inc. to be Acquired by Bear Stearns Merchant Banking

Universal Hospital Services, Inc., (“UHS”) a leading provider of medical equipment lifecycle services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), the private equity affiliate of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. (NYSE: BSC), for total consideration of approximately $712 million. The Company is currently […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Announces Acquisition of PlayCore Holdings

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), a leading private equity firm focusing on middle-market investments, today announced that, together with company management, it has acquired PlayCore Holdings, Inc. (“PlayCore”) from an investor group led by Chartwell Investments. Playcore is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of playground equipment, accessories and related play […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Acquires Majority Stake in Alter Moneta

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), a leading private equity firm, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of a controlling interest in Alter Moneta (“Alter Moneta”), an equipment finance innovator headquartered in Montréal, Québec with over $1 billion in assets. Founded in 1998, Alter Moneta provides traditional equipment financing in the provinces of Québec […]

Ironshore Inc. Created As New Global Cat Insurance Facility with over $1 Billion in Capital

Ironshore Inc. announced today that it has raised more than $1 billion through a private placement of its equity securities, and it will begin underwriting specialty lines of insurance immediately through its Bermuda-based insurance subsidiary, Ironshore Insurance Ltd. This newly formed global insurance company was created in response to the crisis conditions in the U.S. […]

Multi Packaging Solutions Announces Acquisition of Steketee-Van Huis and Intent to Acquire Hilltop Press

Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc. (“MPS”), a specialty print-based packaging company and a portfolio company of Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”), today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Steketee-Van Huis, Inc. (“SVH”). SVH is headquartered in Holland, MI and provides packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, multimedia and consumer markets. The acquisition provides SVH with […]

Transamerican Auto Parts Acquires Four Wheel Drive Hardware

Transamerican Auto Parts Company, LLC and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Transamerican Auto Parts”) are pleased to announce the acquisition of Four Wheel Drive Hardware, LLC (“Four Wheel Drive Hardware” or the “Company”). Founded in 1977, the Columbiana, Ohio based Four Wheel Drive Hardware is a leading catalog and internet retailer of Jeep aftermarket parts and […]

Permira to Acquire Aearo

Permira, a leading international private equity firm, today announced that a new holding company formed by the funds it advises has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aearo Technologies Inc. (“Aearo”), one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of a broad range of personal protective products and energy absorbing composites for approximately US$765 […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Announces the Acquisition of Transamerican Auto Parts

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”) today announced the acquisition of Transamerican Auto Parts Company, Inc. and its affiliated entities (collectively, “Transamerican Auto Parts”). Transamerican Auto Parts is a leading retailer, distributor and manufacturer of specialty aftermarket parts and accessories for light trucks, Jeeps, sport utility vehicles and other four-wheel drive vehicles. Terms of the transaction […]

Packaging Holdings Announces the Acquisition of Hamilton Printing

Packaging Holdings, Inc., a specialty printing and packaging company and a portfolio company of Bear Stearns Merchant Banking, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Hamilton Printing, Inc. Hamilton Printing is headquartered in Louisville, KY and provides multimedia and commercial print solutions for products including video games and computer software. The acquisition will […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Partners with Senior Financial Services Executive

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking (“BSMB”) today announced that it has formed an alliance with Daniel W. Porter, an experienced executive in the financial services industry. In this newly formed partnership, Mr. Porter will work together with BSMB in pursuing investment opportunities in the financial services arena, with a particular emphasis on consumer finance opportunities. With […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Announces the Acquisition of the John Henry Company

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking today announced the acquisition of The John Henry Company (“John Henry”). Founded in 1912, John Henry is a leading specialty printing and packaging company serving the pharmaceutical, horticulture and floriculture markets. The company employs over 1,000 people with facilities throughout the United States. “This is another important step in our mission […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking to Acquire Aearo Corporation from Vestar Capital and Management

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking, the private equity arm of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (NYSE: BSC), has agreed to acquire Aearo Corporation – a global leader in the hearing, eye, face, head and respiratory protection segments of the personal protection equipment market and a leading producer of specialty composite materials for the transportation and precision […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Announces Acquisition of CamelBak Products

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking announced today that it has acquired CamelBak Products, Inc., the world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of a broad line of portable hands-free hydration system backpacks. First introduced in 1989, CamelBak’s products have experienced rapid consumer acceptance across a number of markets resulting in CamelBak becoming one of the […]

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking Acquires Stake in Cavalry Investments

Bear Stearns Merchant Banking, the private equity affiliate of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., has acquired a significant minority equity stake in debt-buying firm Cavalry Investments LLC, which acquires and then collects distressed consumer loan portfolios. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bear Stearns Merchant Banking has acquired a significant minority interest in Cavalry, […]

Packaged Ice to be Acquired by Trimaran Capital Partners and Bear Stearns Merchant Banking

Reddy Ice Group, Inc., announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Reddy Ice Corporation, has completed the acquisition of Triangle Ice Co., Inc. Triangle Ice is headquartered in Lumberton, North Carolina and operates primarily in North and South Carolina. With annual revenues of approximately $30 million, Triangle Ice has eight manufacturing facilities and one distribution […]