Our Portfolio
Fund VII
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
February 2025HEADQUARTERS
Milton, WICarl's Place, LLC
Headquartered in Milton, Wisconsin, Carl’s Place is a leading manufacturer and distributor of fully customizable golf simulator packages and products. The Company sells branded proprietary products, such as enclosures, hitting mats, and impact screens, in conjunction with golf technology products, such as launch monitors, to create complete golf simulator packages.
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INVESTMENT DATE
February 2024HEADQUARTERS
Maple Grove, MinnesotaCircuit Check, Inc.
Headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Circuit Check is a leading designer and manufacturer of precision-engineered custom test systems, test fixtures, and test automation solutions. The Company’s products are used by OEMs and their contract manufacturers to test devices, including circuit cards, sub-assemblies, and final products. End markets are diverse across the automotive, IT, industrial, military/aerospace, and medical industries. Circuit Check’s dual expertise in functional test systems and fixtures fuels its ability to uniquely approach the market with a solution-oriented, full-service test system engineering model.
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INVESTMENT DATE
January 2024HEADQUARTERS
Waukegan, ILAFX Lighting, Inc.
Headquartered in Waukegan, IL, AFX designs, assembles, and distributes lighting fixtures that serve the contemporary and decorative lighting markets for lite commercial and residential installations. AFX focuses on a number of market segments including E-commerce, wholesale, maintenance, repair and operations, healthcare, lighting showrooms and hospitality. Products are sold through a network of independent sales agencies who have relationships with key market influencers (designers, architects, engineers, developers, property managers) and distributors. As a result, products reach installers and end users throughout the United States and Canada.
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INVESTMENT DATE
December 2023HEADQUARTERS
Honey Brook, PennsylvaniaKemper Group Holdings, LLC
Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, Kemper is a designer, manufacturer, and assembler of integrated, material handling and processing systems, solutions, and equipment for use in the minerals and aggregates processing sector throughout the U.S. Kemper also provides aftermarket replacement and maintenance parts and services for its equipment and systems. Kemper conducts all primary operations out of its facility in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, and has an additional warehouse in Hanson, Massachusetts. Customers primarily consist of minerals and aggregates processors.
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INVESTMENT DATE
August 2023HEADQUARTERS
St. Louis, MOPFI Purchaser Inc.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, PFI InStore provides retail displays ranging from temporary point-of-purchase (“POP”) displays to permanent store fixtures. From concept and design to manufacturing, the Company focuses on supporting consumer packaged goods brands, national retailers, and creative design agencies by showcasing and promoting products in all areas of the store. PFI serves customers across a variety of end markets, including beverage, security, personal care, convenience, and grocery. PFI has become one of the few providers of displays and fixtures made with nearly all types of materials (wood, wire, plastic, acrylic, and corrugated).
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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American Producers Supply Co., LLC
Headquartered in Marietta, OH, American Producers Supply distributes a diverse range of industrial and construction related products including tools, material handling equipment, safety equipment, abrasives, and fasteners. The Company operates out of 13 locations spanning Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Indiana. APS sells its products to a variety of customers including OEMs, contractors, industrial service providers, and equipment rental companies.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity in this investment.
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Displayit Parent, LLC
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Displayit provides structural branding solutions for retail settings, food service locations, tradeshow exhibits, and other corporate environments across the US. Displayit provides customers with a single point of contact to provide in-house design, fabrication, and installation needs for any custom structural branding solutions. The team shapes professional environments for maximum brand impact, utilizing every square inch of space in order to elevate the customer’s brand and vision.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
June 2023HEADQUARTERS
Orange County, CaliforniaHeadquartered in Orange County, CA, Acacia is a provider of home health, hospice and palliative care services primarily to Medicare enrolled patients in their place of residence, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and patients’ homes. The Company receives patient referrals from clinics, hospitals, physicians, its own internal divisions, and other long-term care facilities. Acacia currently serves the Orange County region and parts of LA County, and has plans to grow throughout and beyond the state of California, both organically and via acquisition.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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Cycan Equity Holdings, LLC
Headquartered in Woodstock, GA, CyCan develops and manufactures a diverse range of product formulations such as adhesives, cleaners, lubricants, fragrances, and coatings. The Company’s products are utilized across various applications in the construction, HVAC, woodworking, household, automotive, and general industrial end markets. CyCan’s formulations are pressurized into aerosol cans and canisters, or sold in bulk drums. The Company both contract manufactures its products and sells its own branded products under the Quality Aerosols name.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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GoodGiant
Headquartered in Mobile, Alabama and formed via the merger of Red Square and Foundry, Good Giant is a full-service, integrated marketing agency primarily serving the casino industry. The Company’s marketing offerings span multiple categories including traditional, web/digital, creative, public relations, and media purchasing. Clients largely consist of land-based tribal and commercial casinos with affiliated hospitality offerings, in addition to a diverse array of non-gaming clients across various industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, sports & entertainment and consumer products.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
October 2021HEADQUARTERS
Auburn, WAPropét Footwear, Inc.
Headquartered in Auburn, WA, Propét is a supplier of comfort footwear products across a broad range of sizes and widths. The Company specializes in designing, developing and selling footwear for hard-to-fit feet, along with footwear to alleviate discomfort and/or medical conditions. Propét’s core product categories include active, boots, wellness, casual, dress, and sandals. The Company services its customers through online (dropship and wholesale e-commerce), medical, catalog, and traditional brick and mortar channels.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
December 2021HEADQUARTERS
Corona, CAUrban Surfaces
Headquartered in Corona, CA, Urban Surfaces is a distributor of flooring products primarily comprised of stone polymer composite (“SPC”) and luxury vinyl tile (“LVT”), as well as ancillary accessories and moldings. The Company’s flooring is designed, sourced, and distributed under Urban’s proprietary brands. The Company markets its products to multifamily property managers, flooring retailers, and contractors.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITEFund VI
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
April 2018EXIT DATE
May 2021HEADQUARTERS
Cincinnati, OhioChoice Slocum Holdings, LLC
Choice Slocum Holdings (“Choice”), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a manufacturer and distributor of specialty, custom formulated industrial adhesives. Choice manufactures solvent‐ and water‐borne adhesives for a wide variety of end-market applications, including: high pressure laminates (“HPL”), building products, footwear, plastics, flooring, belting, and foam fabrication, among others. Choice was established via a merger of Slocum Adhesives Corporation and Choice Brands Adhesives.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition and merger of Slocum and Choice.
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INVESTMENT DATE
March 2019EXIT DATE
April 2022HEADQUARTERS
Denver, ColoradoClassic Brands Holdco, Inc.
Headquartered in Denver, CO, Classic Brands is a designer, marketer and wholesale distributor of wild bird feeders and related birding products. The Company markets its products under four brands and sells in the lawn and garden departments of major retailers, through distribution to niche stores and online.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
June 2019EXIT DATE
June 2025HEADQUARTERS
Closter, New JerseyElgen Manufacturing Company
Elgen, headquartered in Closter, New Jersey, engineers, manufactures, and markets ductwork accessory products that are used by HVAC contractors in commercial buildings. The Company is a “one-stop shop” for nearly all accessory products, selling under the Elgen and Capital Hardware Supply brand names. The Company provides a mix of stock parts and custom components to match its customer’s unique product needs.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity in this investment.
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Gartner, LLC
Gartner, LLC is comprised of Gartner Studios (“Studios”) and Gartner Digital (“Digital”). Founded in 1998, Gartner Studios is an innovative product development company, headquartered in Stillwater, Minnesota. With offices worldwide, employing talented creatives, product developers, sourcing, and manufacturing professionals, Gartner Studios continues to grow focusing on great design, high quality manufacturing, best in class personalization solutions and attractive pricing. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Gartner Studios is an industry leader in products celebrating everyday life and its events, offering more than 7000 SKUs through major retailers and specialty stores across North America. Gartner Digital, with offices in Providence, Rhode Island and Pleasant Grove, Utah, provides design licenses and a “best in class” customization platform, either as a full white-label website or as a SaaS plug-in to an existing website via an application programing interface.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity in this investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
January 2019HEADQUARTERS
West Allis, WisconsinGlenn Rieder
Glenn Rieder is a custom architectural millwork manufacturer and commercial interior contractor serving all major markets across the United States. The Company has been providing the highest quality millwork and specialized interiors to prestigious clients since 1946. The Company provides a wide range of options from traditional architectural woodworking to highly specialized and elaborately themed environments. Glenn Rieder maintains offices in West Allis, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Diego, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Tijuana, Mexico. This footprint allows the Company to complete unique jobs throughout the country.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Glenn Rieder’s management, in support of the investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
November 2020HEADQUARTERS
Greenwood, MissisippiJohn-Richard Collection, Inc.
John Richard, headquartered in Greenwood, MS, designs and manufactures high-end home furnishing products, including occasional furniture, lighting, wall art, mirrors, botanicals, upholstered furniture and other home accessories. The Company sells its products through three main channels: stocking dealers/retailers, e-commerce and interior designers. Founded in 1980, John Richard also operates a showroom location in High Point, NC and has grown internationally to have offices and factories in Vietnam, India, and China.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
March 2019HEADQUARTERS
Delavan, WisconsinMPI Holdco, LLC
MicroPrecision, based in Delavan, Wisconsin, produces precision-machined parts. Founded in 1950, the Company manufactures thousands of extremely tight tolerance, build-to-specification parts for blue chip customers in the medical (32% of sales), climate control (18%), non-auto engine (10%), automation (10%) and other (30%) industries.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with the incoming CEO and an independent sponsor, in support of the investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
September 2017HEADQUARTERS
Dayton, OhioMW Metals Group, LLC
Midwest, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, provides outsourced management of industrial by-products, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, generated from industrial manufacturing processes. The business includes regional processing operations and a recycling yard, as well as national by-product and logistics management services. The Company focuses exclusively on the industrial scrap market.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
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INVESTMENT DATE
June 2017HEADQUARTERS
Mt. Airy, North CarolinaNester Holdings, Inc.
Nester, headquartered in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, designs and manufactures private label, licensed, and branded high performance outdoor merino wool socks for the lifestyle outdoor recreation market. Nester’s socks are produced and sold to retailers, wholesalers, and online.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
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INVESTMENT DATE
May 2019EXIT DATE
July 2025HEADQUARTERS
Oshkosh, WisconsinOmni Glass & Paint Holding Corporation
Headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Omni Glass & Paint (“Omni”) provides a broad range of glass and paint related products and services. Omni’s Glass and Paint divisions provide glass and paint contracting services for general contractors in the Wisconsin region. The company’s OEM division distributes and installs specialty glass for use in specialty vehicle manufacturing. The Tempering division manufactures tempered glass for sale to building products manufacturers as well as through the Glass and OEM divisions.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Omni’s management, in support of the investment.
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Reliant at Home, Inc.
Headquartered in Allen, Texas, Reliant at Home Inc (“Reliant”) is a home healthcare agency and hospice care provider offering a variety of in‐home services ranging from technical care to occupational therapy and medically‐necessary personal assistance, as well as end‐of‐life care. The company was founded in 2004 with a primary focus on providing home healthcare services to patients within assisted living facilities, and has since expanded to serve both facility‐based patients as well as home‐based patients. The company currently operates throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, treats approximately 500 home healthcare and 30 hospice patients per day, and has plans to grow throughout the state of Texas both organically and thru acquisition.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, In partnership with an independent sponsor with meaningful sector‐expertise, in support of the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
September 2019HEADQUARTERS
Essex, VermontRevision Military, LTD
Revision, headquartered in Essex, Vermont, manufactures ballistic protective eyewear for all branches of the US Military and many NATO-allied nations. Revision was founded in 2001, and quickly became one of the primary suppliers of protective eyewear to military forces around the globe. Over the past decade, the company has become the leader in ballistic and laser protective eyewear solutions by investing in advanced materials, coatings and dye technology and equipment.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with an independent sponsor.
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INVESTMENT DATE
May 2016EXIT DATE
May 2020HEADQUARTERS
Franklin, WisconsinSteele Solutions, Inc.
Steele Solutions, headquartered in Franklin, Wisconsin, designs and manufactures custom steel mezzanine systems and other steel structures used by a wide range of businesses in material handling, warehousing, distribution and manufacturing. The company sells through various market channels including systems integrators, dealers, distributors, OEM’s, design/build companies, and directly to end users. The company’s engineering and technical expertise enables it to provide a wider service offering and compete on more complex structural steel engagements with shorter turnaround times.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Steele Solutions’ management, in support of the investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
November 2020EXIT DATE
March 2023HEADQUARTERS
Westfield, IndianaDEAL TEAM
Evan R. GallinsonStorage Solutions, Inc.
Storage Solutions, headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, is a leading integrator that provides solutions for material handling and industrial storage equipment, including warehouse design, equipment procurement, and installation. Storage Solutions works with numerous manufacturers throughout North America to secure customer designed, cost-effective, and timely delivered material handling and industrial storage equipment to fit its clients’ requirements. In addition to obtaining the materials, the Company also performs the installation of the equipment with its own internal team or manages third-party installers.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
July 2017HEADQUARTERS
Irving, TXAlliance Family of Companies, LLC (dba Stratus)
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Stratus is a provider of in‐home neurodiagnostic, sleep diagnostic and cardiac testing services, currently operating throughout the United States.
The company has positioned itself as a growing provider in the neuro‐diagnostic testing space through the use of hardware and software platforms that allow multi‐day patient testing to be done in the comfort of their home, thus reducing the cost to the healthcare system and the patient. Stratus’ value proposition is attractive to payors, patients and referring physicians. For both commercial and government payors,
Stratus is able to provide its diagnostic services in a manner that is, in total, more cost effective than the in‐hospital alternative. From a patient perspective, having the test in‐home is much more convenient and less stressful. For referring physicians, the test is able to be scheduled and completed more quickly than a similar test conducted in a hospital facility.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
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INVESTMENT DATE
December 2020EXIT DATE
June 2022HEADQUARTERS
Houston, TexasThe Liberty Group
Liberty, founded in 1977 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading specialty temporary staffing and executive search firm focused on the multi-family real estate industry throughout the U.S. The Company fulfills on-site temporary staffing needs across various multi-family residential job functions, including property management, marketing, leasing, maintenance, accounting, and IT. Liberty’s search division focuses on highly skilled and experienced personnel, placing executive talent into multi-family corporate management positions which include the functions listed above along with asset management, development, construction and finance. The Company also provides candidate onboarding services such as screening and background checks.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
VISIT COMPANY SITEFund V
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
January 2015HEADQUARTERS
Battle Creek, MichiganASM Holdco, Inc.
ASM Holdco, Inc. is comprised of Advantage Sintered Metals, Inc. (“ASM”) and Contact Technologies, Inc. (“CTI”). ASM, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a manufacturer of structural powder metal components used in numerous end applications and sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers in the outdoor power, medical, office equipment and heavy vehicle industries. CTI, headquartered in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, is a powder metal manufacturer of electrical contacts and assemblies used in end applications such as industrial circuit breakers, switchgears, motors and other electrical instruments.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity in this investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
September 2010EXIT DATE
March 2014HEADQUARTERS
Sioux Falls, South DakotaCarex Health Brands, Inc.
Carex Health Brands (“Carex”), headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a leading designer and marketer of branded home medical equipment. Carex produces and sells products under four brands – Carex, Apex, Bed Buddy and Thera-Med. Products include mobility aids, bath safety products, medication compliance aids, and hot/cold therapy products. Carex’s customers are primarily big box retailers, chain pharmacies, grocery stores and pharmaceutical distribution companies.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 2014EXIT DATE
June 2017HEADQUARTERS
Kansas City, MOCarter-Waters, LLC
Carter-Waters LLC (“Carter-Waters” or the “Company”), headquartered in Kansas City, MO, is a distributor of construction materials and equipment utilized in concrete construction applications to commercial, highway and residential contractors. The Company operates 19 locations in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Carter-Waters also maintains an extensive rental inventory of concrete forming and shoring products and operates several custom rebar facilities.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with an independent sponsor, in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
September 2012EXIT DATE
October 2022HEADQUARTERS
Gillette, WyomingDEAL TEAM
Thomas F. CampionCPS Holdings, Inc.
Crown, headquartered in Gillette, Wyoming, specializes in the formulation and application of proprietary specialty chemicals used to facilitate raw material handling in the coal, steel and utility industries. Crown supplies a turn-key solution to clients by providing the necessary expertise, equipment and chemicals. The company’s customers include coal producers, coke producers, steel manufacturers, utility companies and industrial companies across the United States.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the majority recapitalization of Crown in partnership with management.
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INVESTMENT DATE
May 2012EXIT DATE
February 2024HEADQUARTERS
Kenosha, WisconsinEngendren Corporation
Engendren, headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of custom-designed cooling solutions to OEMs and end-users of internal combustion engines, providing a comprehensive array of heat transfer systems including radiators, air coolers, oil coolers, heat exchangers, cooling system packages and accessories. Engendren, through its IEA, LLC subsidiary, manufactures products that are primarily used to cool internal combustion engines used for the production of electric power in prime and stand-by applications with power ranges from 50kW to 3,250 kW. Products are sold to engine manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Cummins and MTU Detroit Diesel, as well as to dealers and packagers. In addition to IEA, LLC, Engendren provides highly differentiated, thermally managed environments for technical data center equipment such as computer servers, switches and back-up power units through its Silver Linings Systems, LLC subsidiary.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the acquisition of Engendren in partnership with management.
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INVESTMENT DATE
October 2011HEADQUARTERS
Warren, OhioGlunt Industries, Inc.
Glunt Industries, Inc., headquartered in Warren, Ohio, is a remanufacturer and service provider of equipment to industry leading steel and aluminum mills in North America. The Company reconditions, rebuilds, upgrades and extends the service life of critical steel and aluminum mill equipment to exacting tolerances. Repair and refurbishment services are critically important to the profitability of metal producers as equipment used in steel and aluminum production frequently wears out and requires servicing.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Glunt’s management, in support of the investment.
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INVESTMENT DATE
December 2015EXIT DATE
October 2017HEADQUARTERS
San Fransisco, CAGC Holdco, Inc.
Green Creative, headquartered in San Francisco, develops and distributes LED lighting to the North American commercial and industrial markets, primarily retail, hotels, restaurants, and warehouses. The Company offers a wide variety of LED lamps and fixtures sold through electrical distributors, lighting distributors, national accounts, energy service companies, and online retailers. Green Creative’s Hong Kong and Shanghai operations oversee research and development, sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing of the Company’s products.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
February 2016EXIT DATE
August 2019HEADQUARTERS
Rolling Meadows, IllinoisIcon Identity Solutions, Inc.
Headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Icon Identity Solutions (“Icon”) is a manufacturer of custom corporate branding and identity solutions encompassing all facets of exterior signage, repair and maintenance and renovation services for blue-chip customers across multiple end markets. Icon’s three manufacturing facilities and extensive network of installation and maintenance technicians allows the company to serve large, nationwide customers in a timely and consistent fashion. Icon’s products and services are provided across three business segments: branding services & products (manufacturing and installation of both exterior and select interior signage), repair & maintenance (preventative maintenance, on-call repair, lighting retrofits and related services for exterior signage and lighting) and remodel & renovation services (in-store renovation/remodel of a customer’s store locations, providing project management and oversight of specialized sub-contractors).
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Icon’s management, in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
May 2014HEADQUARTERS
Nashville, TNIdentity Group Holdings Corporation
Identity Group Holdings Corporation (“IDG” or the “Company”), headquartered in Nashville, TN, is a manufacturer of custom identity products engineered to communicate a brand, message, location or creative theme. The Company is best known for manufacturing and marketing customized interior signs and wayfinding products for large-scale construction and renovation projects. IDG’s mass customization capabilities allow it to quickly produce high-volume, customer orders for businesses nationally and internationally, with a focus on the hospitality and healthcare end markets. In addition to interior signage, IDG’s products include sign systems, dimensional lettering, stock signs, custom and stock stamps, and embossed, engraved or printed identity products.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
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INVESTMENT DATE
October 2013HEADQUARTERS
Waukesha, WisconsinKinex/R&M Holdco, LLC
Kinex R&M, headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, was created through the combination of two complementary businesses; Kinex Medical Company, LLC and R&M Rehabilitation, LLC. Kinex is a provider of FDA approved Phase I post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation products and services. Kinex is one of the largest recognized providers in the industry and maintains contracts with many of the largest insurance companies in the United States. Kinex distributes its products through an extensive network of exclusive distributors nationwide. Rehab is Kinex’s largest distributor in the Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa regions. Rehab works directly with physicians and patients to provide rehabilitation products to the patient’s home following orthopedic surgical procedures. Kinex R&M has two locations in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area; seven leased facilities in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina; and multiple storage facilities located throughout the country.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the majority recapitalization of Kinex and Rehab in partnership with management.
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INVESTMENT DATE
July 2011EXIT DATE
April 2015HEADQUARTERS
Spartanburg, South CarolinaKnights Apparel, Inc.
Knights Apparel, Inc. (“Knights”), headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a designer and supplier of licensed sports apparel. Knights is a licensee for colleges and universities, professional leagues, and professional teams, often under arrangements providing some level of exclusivity. Knights’ products include apparel across a number of categories, including t-shirts, fleeces and sweatshirts, and shorts for men, women, and infant/toddler consumers. Its products are sold to big box retailers, specialty sporting goods stores and bookstores.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Knights’ management, in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2011EXIT DATE
September 2022HEADQUARTERS
Manitowoc Tool and Machining, LLC
Midwestern manufacturer that produces a wide variety of precision machined parts sold primarily to industrial equipment manufacturing companies. The Company’s engineers and skilled machinists are very proficient at machining complex parts, from a variety of metals, in a highly efficient production facility.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with management, in support of the investment.
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Medway Holdings, LLC
Medway, headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a medical air transport company, which provides air ambulance services for critical and non-critical care transport, primarily in North America and the Caribbean. Medway operates a fleet of eight fixed-wing Lear 35 and 45 jets from a wholly-owned hangar at Gwinnett County Airport. The Company operates under a Part 135 certificate with the FAA and has a clean operating record. Medway provides air transportation as well as coordinating ground transportation to and from the hospital and airport. Services range from routine hospital-to-hospital transfers to medical air escort to and from foreign countries.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with both management and an independent sponsor, in support of the majority recapitalization.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
July 2012EXIT DATE
September 2022HEADQUARTERS
Winnipeg, ManitobaMonarch Industries, Ltd.
Monarch Industries Limited, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is an integrated manufacturer and distributor of hydraulic cylinders and custom iron castings. Monarch serves the mobile agricultural, construction and industrial equipment markets. The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America, with a small but growing portion of sales in emerging markets. Customers include the major industrial equipment manufacturers.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition, in partnership with several of the company’s senior executives who make up an integral part of the shareholder group.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2015EXIT DATE
November 2022HEADQUARTERS
Bridgeview, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Thomas F. CampionRose Paving, LLC
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Bridgeview, Illinois, Rose provides professional preventative and restorative parking lot maintenance services to businesses throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Rose performs its services nationally through its six satellite offices and a network of 1,200 alliance members. Rose delivers its services to retail, hospitality, health care and apartment companies with multiple locations.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity, in partnership with Rose’s management, in support of the investment.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
August 2012EXIT DATE
February 2020HEADQUARTERS
Simi Valley, CaliforniaRSA Engineered Products, Inc.
RSA Engineered Products (“RSA”), headquartered in Simi Valley, California, designs and manufactures a broad array of highly-engineered airflow control systems for use in commercial and military aircraft. The Company’s primary products include ducting, anti-icing and ozone products. The majority of RSA’s sales are comprised of proprietary part numbers exclusive to the Company. RSA sells to a broad customer base that spans a high number of both legacy and new aircraft platforms.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2012EXIT DATE
May 2017HEADQUARTERS
Fort Worth, TexasStructural and Steel Products, Inc.
Structural and Steel Products, Inc. (“SSP” or the “Company”), headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, manufactures and distributes products used in the highway construction end-market, including overhead sign structures, guardrails, crash cushions, lighting poles and bridge decking. In addition, the Company manufactures tubular structures used in the communication and power transmission industries. The Company’s customers are primarily located in the Sun Belt region of the United States.
Merit invested subordinated debt and equity in support of this recapitalization in partnership with several of the Company’s senior executives and existing shareholders.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2010HEADQUARTERS
Tinley Park, IllinoisU.S. Minerals, Inc.
U.S. Minerals, headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois, is a recycler and processor of coal slag, a non-hazardous by-product of coal-fired boilers and power plants, and copper slag, a non-hazardous by-product of the metal smelting process. The company’s seven facilities, located in Illinois, Louisiana, Kansas, Texas, Montana and Wisconsin, process slag into two beneficial re-use products: roofing granules and surface-blasting abrasives. Roofing customers utilize slag to produce asphalt shingles for roof repair and renovation as well as new construction. Abrasives customers, including industrial, petrochemical, oil, shipping, and railroad companies, use coal slag to remove particles, like rust and paint, from metal and wood surfaces.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the majority recapitalization of U.S. Minerals in partnership with management.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2010EXIT DATE
June 2014HEADQUARTERS
Jordan, New YorkWeCare, LLC
WeCare LLC, headquartered in Jordan, New York, is a waste-management company providing processing and transportation of non-hazardous residual organic waste and municipal solid waste throughout the Northeastern United States and New England. The company is comprised of two primary business units – WeCare Organics and WeCare Transportation. WeCare Organics is a leader in the “beneficial use” waste sector, processing organic waste (waste-water sludge, industrial ash, food- and yard-waste and paper-mill sludge) into usable end-products. WeCare Transportation transports both solid and liquid non-hazardous waste to processing and storage destinations. WeCare’s customers include both municipalities and commercial entities.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the recapitalization.
Fund IV
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
May 2007EXIT DATE
November 2018HEADQUARTERS
Hunt Valley, MarylandActive Minerals International, LLC
Active Minerals International, LLC, (“AMI”), headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is a processor and global distributor of industrial minerals. AMI conducts its operations in four facilities, located in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, and maintains four separate sales facilities throughout Asia in Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan; and Seoul, South Korea. AMI controls significant reserves of high quality kaolin and attapulgite clay in the Southeastern United States.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to finance the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
June 2005EXIT DATE
December 2007HEADQUARTERS
Burlington, WashingtonAdvanced H2O, Inc.
Advanced H2O, Inc. (“Advanced”), bottles and distributes purified water in the Pacific Northwest. The Company provides private label bottled water to various prominent grocers and retailers including Costco, Safeway, Albertson’s, Fred Meyer’s and Winco, among others. The Company has the capacity to purify, bottle and ship 25 million cases of water annually through its manufacturing facility in Burlington, Washington.
Merit provided both subordinated debt and common equity in support of the leveraged buyout.
INVESTMENT DATE
July 2005EXIT DATE
July 2016HEADQUARTERS
Macedon, New YorkBakewise Brands, Inc.
Bakewise Brands, Inc., headquartered in Macedon, New York, was created through the combination of two baking industry leaders, Fleischer’s Bagels and Tom Cat Bakery. Fleischer’s Bagels (fleischersbagels.com), headquartered in Macedon, New York, is one of the country’s leading producers of premium quality packaged bagels. Fleischer’s produces and sells approximately 200 million fresh, frozen and refrigerated packaged bagels, annually, under private label and co-pack arrangements. In December 2008, Fleischer’s acquired Tom Cat Bakery (tomcatbakery.com), a producer of premium artisan bread and sweet goods for casual and fine dining restaurants, specialty retailers and foodservice companies. Tom Cat offers over 400 types of products to casual and fine dining restaurants, other foodservice companies and specialty retailers. Tom Cat serves more than 1,000 customers, the majority of whom are located in the New York City metropolitan area.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity to support the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
June 2006EXIT DATE
December 2018HEADQUARTERS
Hudson, FloridaB.E.T. - er Mix, Inc.
B.E.T. – er Mix, Inc. (“BMI”) is a manufacturer and distributor of ready mixed concrete and concrete block to the Tampa, Florida metropolitan area. The Company owns and operates five ready mixed plants in Hudson and Zephyrhills, Florida, as well as two block machines in Hudson. BMI owns its distribution fleet of 83 front-loading mixer trucks and seven block-hauling trucks.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to finance the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
July 2010EXIT DATE
May 2019HEADQUARTERS
Glasgow, KentuckyDEAL TEAM
Thomas F. CampionBluegrass Dairy and Food, Inc.
Bluegrass Dairy and Food, Inc., headquartered in Glasgow, Kentucky, is a leading processor of custom, value-added dairy ingredients for the food and beverage industry. Bluegrass sources raw milk from dairy farmers and processes it into a wide range of intermediate and shelf stable goods such as dry milk and cheese powders, non-dairy creamers, shortening powders, cheese and specialty butters. Bluegrass serves a variety of customers including food distributors; ingredients, seasonings and flavorings companies; and branded and private label food companies.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
March 2007EXIT DATE
August 2011HEADQUARTERS
Hatboro, PennsylvaniaCobra Wire and Cable, Inc.
Cobra Wire and Cable, Inc. (“Cobra”) develops and sells proprietary wire and cable products that are utilized by customers in a variety of industries. The Company’s products serve niche applications where performance under severe operating conditions is critical to maintaining optimal performance and flexibility. Cobra maintains its headquarters in Hatboro, Pennsylvania and also has warehouses and sales centers in Plano, Texas and Sparks, Nevada.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2006EXIT DATE
December 2012HEADQUARTERS
GeorgiaDesign Space, Inc.
Design Space, Inc. (“DSI”) is a leading regional manufacturer of modular buildings. The vast majority of DSI’s buildings are manufactured for commercial uses such as mobile construction field offices, office buildings, classrooms, health care/medical buildings, daycare centers, and toilet/shower units. DSI sells through a network of dealers rather than working directly with the buildings ultimate customer. Approximately 95% of these structures are custom built to the end-user’s specifications. DSI operates three plants in southern Georgia.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
August 2007EXIT DATE
December 2019HEADQUARTERS
Vienna, VirginiaDEAL TEAM
Digney York Associates, LLC
Digney York, LLC (“Digney”), headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, is a provider of interior renovation services to the luxury hospitality industry. The majority of Digney’s projects include the renovation of luxury hotel guest rooms to customer specifications, although the Company will also rework other areas of the hotel including the lobby area and other public spaces. The Company is able to provide its services throughout North America.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the recapitalization.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
February 2006EXIT DATE
April 2011HEADQUARTERS
Mequon, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
Thomas F. CampionDr. Comfort, Inc.
Dr. Comfort, LLC (“Dr. Comfort”) provides therapeutic shoes and custom inserts primarily to the niche diabetic footwear segment. Headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin, the Company serves the 21 million diabetics in the United States, of which roughly 25% will develop diabetes related foot problems, through a nationwide network of podiatrists and drugstores.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity in support of the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
March 2010EXIT DATE
August 2011HEADQUARTERS
Racine, WisonsinE-conolight, LLC
E-conolight, LLC, based in Racine, Wisconsin, is a distributor of lighting fixtures and accessories for use primarily in commercial and industrial settings. E-conolight’s products include floodlights, linear fluorescent lights, high and low bay lights, exit signs, emergency lights, and other lighting products. E-conolight sells its products through direct-marketing catalogs and its website.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to finance the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
March 2009EXIT DATE
April 2017HEADQUARTERS
Holden, LouisanaFerrara Fire Apparatus, Inc.
Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., (“FFA”), headquartered in Holden, Louisiana, manufactures and sells fire apparatus in the United States and internationally. FFA manufactures over 300 fire trucks per year at its Louisiana facility and sells both directly and through a network of independently owned dealers. FFA was founded by Chris Ferrara in 1982 and has quickly grown to become one of the leading US manufacturers of fire apparatus, offering Pumpers, Aerials, Tankers and Rescue Vehicles.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to finance a recapitalization with Chris Ferrara remaining as President and CEO.
INVESTMENT DATE
November 2006EXIT DATE
August 2011HEADQUARTERS
Manistique, MichiganDEAL TEAM
Thomas F. CampionManistique Papers, Inc.
Manistique Papers, Inc. (“MPI”) is a producer of uncoated groundwood specialty papers and newsprint made from 100% recycled fiber. The Company is located in Manistique, Michigan and has been manufacturing paper since 1920. MPI operates a single paper machine that has over 130,000 tons of annual capacity. MPI’s products mainly serve the commercial printing industry, with niche positions in foodservice and office products. The largest end use of the Company’s paper for free-standing inserts, which are typically distributed along with newspapers.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
June 2008EXIT DATE
November 2016HEADQUARTERS
Forth Worth, TexasPVI Industries, LLC
PVI Industries, LLC, a holding company formed in 1990, is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas where it manufactures commercial water heaters, firetube boilers, multi-tube boilers and related component parts. Alden serves the North American commercial and institutional water heater markets through three operating subsidiaries: PVI Industries, LLC, Webster Engineering and Manufacturing Co., and Riverside Hydronics, LLC. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in Fort Worth, Texas and Winfield, Kansas.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2007EXIT DATE
December 2016HEADQUARTERS
New York, New YorkSkyline Windows, LLC
Skyline Windows, LLC (“Skyline”), headquartered in New York City, is a manufacturer and installer of high quality aluminum replacement windows. The Company primarily serves the metropolitan New York City market, providing window systems for high-rise commercial, institutional and residential (condos and apartments) buildings. With approximately 90% of the Company’s business sold into the replacement market, Skyline’s strengths include complex engineering and design work as well as occupied building installations.
Merit invested both subordinated debt and equity in support of the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
August 2005EXIT DATE
October 2011HEADQUARTERS
Indianapolis, IndianaDEAL TEAM
Terrance M. ShippVersatile Processing Group, Inc.
Versatile Processing Group (“Versatile”), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a provider of metals recycling and other related services to the utility industry. Versatile’s service offerings includes the recycling of metal and plastic stripped from discarded wire and cable, the sorting and recycling of various scrap metals and the decommissioning and recycling of used transformers and other related electrical equipment.
Merit provided subordinated debt, preferred equity and common equity to finance the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 2008EXIT DATE
February 2014HEADQUARTERS
Irvine, CaliforniaDEAL TEAM
Marc J. WalfishVTI Instruments Corporation
VTI Instruments Corporation (“VTI”) designs, manufactures and distributes modular test and measurement equipment to a worldwide customer-base. Headquartered in Irvine, California, VTI’s instruments are used in the aerospace, defense, medical, pharmaceutical and wireless industries to evaluate the performance of complex products and systems.
Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to finance the acquisition.
Fund III
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
September 2004EXIT DATE
December 2011HEADQUARTERS
Watertown, South DakotaDEAL TEAM
Angus Industries, Inc.
Angus Industries, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers of operator stations and rollover protective structures (e.g. cabs) for mobile equipment in the United States. The Company designs and manufactures cabs for the construction, agricultural, mining, forestry, and material handling equipment industries, among others. The Company is headquartered in Watertown, South Dakota, with additional manufacturing facilities in Greeneville, Tennessee, Northwood, Iowa and Florence, South Carolina.
Merit provided subordinated debt in support of the recapitalization of the ESOP.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
November 2000EXIT DATE
September 2004HEADQUARTERS
Boston, MassachusettsDEAL TEAM
Beacon Sales Acquisition, Inc.
Beacon Sales Acquisition, Inc. (“Beacon”), headquartered in Boston, is a distributor of roofing products to the Eastern and Southeastern United States and Eastern Canada with a broad product offering to meet the requirements of commercial and residential roofing contractors, builders, general contractors, and retailers. Beacon’s branches typically sell in excess of 3,000 SKUs. Beacon serves the residential and commercial roofing markets, with the majority of its work representing re-roofing versus new construction.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance two major add-on acquisitions.
INVESTMENT DATE
July 2000EXIT DATE
December 2012HEADQUARTERS
Grand Rapids, MichiganDEAL TEAM
Clarion Technologies, Inc.
Clarion Technologies, Inc. (“Clarion”), headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a full-service injection molder. Clarion supplies injection molded plastic parts to customers in three primary industries: consumer goods and appliances, automotive and office furniture. In each of these markets, Clarion aims to serve large customers with multi-year programs. Sales efforts in Clarion’s consumer and appliance are generally aimed at OEMs such as Frigidaire, Maytag, and American Yard Products. In the automotive industry, Clarion focuses on serving Tier 1 automotive suppliers such as Visteon, Delphi, Magna, JCI, and Lear.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance Clarion’s acquisition program.
INVESTMENT DATE
April 2001EXIT DATE
October 2003HEADQUARTERS
Los Angeles, CaliforniaDEAL TEAM
Dunn-Edwards Corporation
Dunn-Edwards Corporation (“Dunn”), headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality paint in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Dunn supplies approximately 400 products, with nearly 80% of revenue generated from sales of company-manufactured interior and exterior architectural (i.e. residential and commercial property) paints and coatings. The balance of Dunn’s sales is comprised of equipment and other paint sundries (sprayers, rollers, brushes, drop cloths, etc.) as well as other wall-covering materials.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization of Dunn by management and a newly-formed ESOP.
INVESTMENT DATE
January 2000EXIT DATE
December 2001HEADQUARTERS
Denver, ColoradoDEAL TEAM
Eagle Automotive, Inc.
Eagle is a distributor of aftermarket (non-OEM) collision replacement parts for automobiles and light trucks. The Company’s product line consists of automotive body parts, bumpers, auto-glass, and other materials used in repairing damaged vehicles. The Company operates a “hub and spoke” distribution system consisting of 4 regional hubs and 19 branch locations, using approximately 170 telemarketing and route salespersons that actively call on collision repair shops, resellers and distributors.
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2003EXIT DATE
February 2007HEADQUARTERS
Pittsburgh, PADEAL TEAM
Excell Materials, Inc.
Excell Materials (“Excell”), headquartered in Pittsburgh, operates in three primary business segments. Excell’s first line of business is the recovery and subsequent resale of metals contained in slag generated by stainless steel producers. Excell’s second business segment concentrates on the sale of the residual aggregate to a wide variety of end users in the commercial turf/ agriculture and cement markets. Excell also provides services to steel makers, consisting of slag handling, mobile equipment rental, storage facility rental, and other slag-handling operations. Excell maintains operations in the United States, Canada, South Africa and Brazil.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by a group of experienced industry executives.
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2004EXIT DATE
March 2013HEADQUARTERS
San Antonio, TexasDEAL TEAM
ISI Detention Contraction Group, Inc.
ISI Detention Contracting Group, Inc., is a provider of fully integrated hardware, electronic security equipment, and low voltage products (access control, closed circuit television, alarms, etc.) to the correction facility market as well as the private commercial and industrial markets across the U.S. The Company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas with additional facilities in Dallas, Austin and Denver.
Merit provided subordinated debt in support of the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 2000EXIT DATE
November 2003HEADQUARTERS
Batavia, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Parksite, Inc.
Parksite, Inc. (“Parksite”), headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, is a distributor specializing in specialty branded building products. Parksite generally focuses its efforts on high quality, branded building products for which it can receive an exclusive distributorship. Among the key products that Parksite currently distributes are Corian (a solid-surface product), Tyvek (housewrap) and Trex (synthetic wood decking materials). Parksite essentially acts as the outsourced sales and marketing arm for its suppliers.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the acquisition of a large East Coast competitor by the Company’s 100% owned ESOP.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2001EXIT DATE
August 2007HEADQUARTERS
Birmingham, AlabamaDEAL TEAM
Peak Lime, Inc.
Peak Lime, Inc. (“Peak Lime”), headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, manufactures lime (also known as quicklime) and hydrate lime (water added to form a slurry) and distributes it throughout the southeastern United States. Lime is a widely-used industrial material with applications in steel manufacturing, chemical production, utilities (for flue gas desulfurization), construction, water treatment, and acid neutralization. Peak Lime’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is capable of producing approximately 430,000 tons of quicklime annually, with current environmental permits to produce 395,000 tons per year.
The acquisition of Peak Lime was led by Peak Investments, LLC, a firm with a history of acquiring “orphan” chemical operations and improving operating results through a combination of focused management, expense control, improved capital allocation and asset utilization. Merit provided subordinated debt and preferred stock to finance the acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
April 2002EXIT DATE
August 2005HEADQUARTERS
Kansas City, KansasDEAL TEAM
Peak Sulfur, Inc.
Peak Sulfur, Inc. (“Peak Sulfur”), headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, manufactures, trades, and distributes sulfur-related products including commercial-grade sulfuric acid and ultra-pure sulfuric acid. Additionally, Peak Sulfur receives and regenerates sulfuric acid which has been used by refineries, and then sells fresh commercial acid back to the refinery. The acquisition of Peak Sulfur was led by Peak Investments, LLC (“Peak”), a firm with a history of acquiring “orphan” chemical operations and improving operating results through a combination of focused management, expense control, improved capital allocation and asset utilization.
Merit provided subordinated debt and preferred stock used to finance the acquisition of Peak Sulfur by Peak in 2002. In mid-2003, Merit invested additional subordinated debt and equity in conjunction with Peak Sulfur’s acquisition of a division of Arch Chemical. The division was a manufacturer of commercial grade sulfuric acid and a provider of regenerated sulfuric acid services.
INVESTMENT DATE
April 2000EXIT DATE
December 2005HEADQUARTERS
Portage, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
Penda Corporation
Penda Corporation (“Penda”), headquartered in Portage, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of large thermoformed and composite truck accessories and industrial components. Penda’s principal product line is plastic liners for pickup truck cargo beds. Major OEM customers include GM, DaimlerChrysler, and Toyota. Penda broadened its focus to include the bedliner aftermarket, thermoformed products outside the bedliner markets, and expanded its product line through acquisitions to include fiberglass accessories such as truck-caps, van tops, and running boards.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by management and several equity fund sponsors.
INVESTMENT DATE
April 2000EXIT DATE
February 2014HEADQUARTERS
Willowbrook, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
The Plastics Group, Inc.
The Plastics Group, Inc. (“TPG”), headquartered in Willowbrook, Illinois, is a market leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of custom blow-molded and rotational-molded plastic parts for a variety of end-market applications. TPG derives the majority of its revenues from custom products and tooling that it designs and manufactures for specific customers’ applications. TPG derives its remaining revenues from the sale of consumer products, including a proprietary line of blow-molded gas and water containers, drain pans and rotationally molded septic tanks. TPG sells its consumer products to major retailers and distributors in a wide variety of industries.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by management and a major equity fund sponsor.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 2001EXIT DATE
January 2007HEADQUARTERS
Racina, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
Ruud Lighting, Inc.
Ruud Lighting, Inc. (“Ruud”), headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, designs, assembles and markets lighting fixtures and systems for end-use by commercial, industrial and retail customers. Ruud generates 80% of its revenue from sales made directly to contractors; 11% from national accounts, such as Jack in the Box and Burger King; and the remaining 9% from international sales and sales made through distributors or directly to individual customers. Ruud has three basic classifications of products: outdoor (floodlights, landscape lights and poles), industrial (fixtures used to illuminate factories and workspaces) and commercial (primarily recessed and track fixtures for offices, schools, hospitals, and retail stores).
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the acquisition by management.
INVESTMENT DATE
November 2001EXIT DATE
September 2014HEADQUARTERS
Charlotte, North CarolinaDEAL TEAM
Sales Performance International, LLC
Sales Performance International, LLC (“SPI”), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a sales and marketing management consulting firm. SPI has helped enable the world’s leading corporations to drive sustainable revenue growth through sales performance improvement. Since 1988, SPI has been the leader in helping global companies successfully transition from selling products to marketing and selling high value solutions. With deep industry and sales performance improvement expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, SPI collaborates with clients to deliver strategic, operational and tactical solutions in a pragmatic way. SPI’s customers include: Microsoft, Heineken, Hitachi Data Systems, Manpower, IBM, WIX, and MC.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the acquisition of SPI by management.
INVESTMENT DATE
October 2003EXIT DATE
June 2005HEADQUARTERS
Casper, WyomingDEAL TEAM
WL Plastics Corporation
WL Plastics Corporation (“WL”), headquartered in Casper, Wyoming, manufactures large-diameter polyethylene (“PE”) pipe for sale in the Rocky Mountains and throughout the western half of the United States. WL manufactures PE pipe from 1-24 inches in diameter but focuses its efforts on diameters of at least 4 inches. Although WL was founded to serve the large number of oil and gas customers in the region, management has worked to diversify its business beyond this segment. Currently, WL’s sales are focused on three segments: oil and gas, water and sewer, and mining and industrial.
Merit provided subordinated debt with common stock to finance the acquisition by management and outside investors.
Fund II
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
May 1998EXIT DATE
August 2007HEADQUARTERS
Des Plaines, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Acme Industries, Inc.
Acme Industries, Inc. (“Acme”), headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, specializes in the precision machining of large parts, with computer controlled machining centers capable of handling parts up to 8,000 pounds. Acme’s value-added services include design, engineering, precision machining and prototype machining. Major customers include the Electromotive Division (EMD) of General Motors, Deere and Company and Allison Transmissions.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock used to finance the acquisition by current management.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 1997EXIT DATE
November 2004HEADQUARTERS
Forth Worth, TexasDEAL TEAM
Alden Industries, Inc.
Alden Industries, Inc. (“Alden”), is a leading manufacturer of commercial water heaters as well as multi-fuel burners. Alden serves the North American commercial and institutional water heater markets through three operating subsidiaries: PVI Industries, LLC, Webster Engineering and Manufacturing Co., and Riverside Hydronics, LLC. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in Fort Worth, Texas and Winfield, Kansas.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1998EXIT DATE
October 2007HEADQUARTERS
Milan, MichiganDEAL TEAM
AutoLign Manufacturing Group, Inc.
AutoLign Manufacturing Group, Inc. (“AutoLign”), headquartered in Milan, Michigan, is a leading domestic manufacturer of plastic parts for the automotive collision aftermarket in North America. AutoLign designs, manufactures and distributes replacement collision parts including plastic bumpers, facias, support beams and brackets primarily for domestic automobile models. AutoLign primarily sells its products to independent distributors for resale to collision repair shops, dealers and other auto body shops to replace damaged automobile bumpers and related components. AutoLign also designs, manufactures and distributes custom accessory packages for the auto and truck aftermarket.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by a group of experienced industry executives.
INVESTMENT DATE
July 1998EXIT DATE
September 2011HEADQUARTERS
Chicago, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Brook Furniture Rental, Inc.
Brook Furniture Rental, Inc. (“Brook”), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, primarily rents furniture, accessories and related services to individuals, corporations and small companies in the “rent-to-rent” segment of the furniture rental industry. The “rent-to-rent” segments serve both corporate and individual customers who desire flexibility in meeting their temporary and transitional needs. Brook’s current key markets—, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, are all significant business centers. In addition, Brook has expanded into the Atlanta, Dallas and Washington, DC markets.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the recapitalization and expansion.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1998EXIT DATE
October 2001HEADQUARTERS
Baltimore, MarylandDEAL TEAM
CompuDyne Corporation
CompuDyne Corporation (“CompuDyne”), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading provider of security systems for the domestic corrections industry. CompuDyne is engaged primarily in the design, installation and maintenance of both electronic security and physical security (cell doors, guard booths, locking mechanisms, etc.) products.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition of CompuDyne’s largest competitor.
INVESTMENT DATE
September 1998EXIT DATE
December 2003HEADQUARTERS
Dallas, TexasDEAL TEAM
Exhibit Dynamics, Inc.
Exhibit provides a complete line of services for the exhibit industry, including exhibit manufacturing, show services, modular exhibit sales and exhibit rentals. In essence, the Company offers a complete turnkey service to its customers which includes designing and manufacturing the custom exhibit; designing and producing the graphics and signage for the booth; transporting the property to the trade show; installing and dismantling the exhibit at the showsite; and arranging for all related services such as electrical, security, catering and booth cleaning.
INVESTMENT DATE
June 1998EXIT DATE
July 2000HEADQUARTERS
Tulsa, OklahomaDEAL TEAM
Global Energy Equipment Group, LLC
Global Energy Equipment Group, LLC (“Global”), headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a broad product line of auxiliary equipment for the natural gas-fired power generation industry. Global is a leading designer, marketer and fabricator of heat recovery steam generators, specialty boilers, gas turbine exhaust systems, inlet houses, turbine enclosures and a variety of related support packages. Global is capable of designing and manufacturing virtually every major component for a gas-fired power plant with the exception of the turbine and generator.
Merit invested subordinated debt, preferred stock and common stock used to finance the acquisition by management and an outside investor group.
INVESTMENT DATE
August 1997EXIT DATE
August 2000HEADQUARTERS
Wausau, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
The HammerBlow Corporation
The HammerBlow Corporation (“HammerBlow”), headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of jacks and couplers primarily for use in agricultural equipment and utility trailers. Approximately 50% of HammerBlow’s sales are to OEMs and 50% are to the after-market throughout the United States and Canada.
Merit provided subordinated debt and preferred stock to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1999EXIT DATE
June 2006HEADQUARTERS
Kenosha, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
JHT Holdings, Inc.
JHT Holdings, Inc. (“JHT”), headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, through its predecessors, has provided logistic and distribution services for 65 years to three industry segments. JHT’s truck transport segment provides transportation services for manufacturers of heavy (Class 8) and medium duty (Class 5-7) trucks. JHT’s auto transport segment moves new and used automobiles and light trucks while the special commodities segment transports a variety of freight throughout the U.S. JHT’s customers include Freightliner, DaimlerChrysler, Navistar International, PACCAR, Ford Motor Company, Alcoa and Caterpillar.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
August 1999EXIT DATE
September 2001HEADQUARTERS
Dallas, TexasDEAL TEAM
Mail Box Capital Corporation
Mail Box Capital Corporation (“Mail Box”), headquartered in Dallas, is a leading mailing services firm in the southwest United States, offering a full line of lettershop, printing and presorting capabilities. Mail Box also is one of the largest independent mailing firms in the country, processing approximately one billion pieces of mail each year.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the acquisition by management.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1998EXIT DATE
December 2009HEADQUARTERS
Homewood, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
May Logistics Services, Inc.
May Logistics Services, Inc. (“May”), headquartered in Homewood, Illinois, provides logistics management and a variety of customized services related to its customers’ logistics needs through its operating subsidiary ADS. ADS is a national provider of logistics services to producers and consumers of steel, aluminum and non-ferrous metals.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock used to finance the acquisition by management and a major equity fund sponsor.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 1999EXIT DATE
December 2013HEADQUARTERS
Menomonee Falls, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
MTI International, Inc.
MTI International, Inc. (“MTI”), headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a full service provider of electronic contract manufacturing services, including the design and testing of PCB assemblies and custom thick-film hybrid circuit design and manufacturing. MTI offers both low cost and regional manufacturing solutions by providing complete turnkey services which include component procurement, PCB assembly, box build, in-circuit test development, functional test development, printed circuit board layout and hybrid microcircuit design. MTI provides its manufacturing services to several industries, including telecommunications, computers and peripherals, industrial controls, medical, automotive, gaming and consumer products.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the recapitalization by management.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 1998EXIT DATE
November 2005HEADQUARTERS
Eldridge, IowaDEAL TEAM
Olsen Engineering, LP
Olsen Engineering, LP (“Olsen”), headquartered in Eldridge, Iowa, is engaged in metal parts and component manufacturing including bar work, tube fabrication, welding and miscellaneous machine work. Olsen manufactures approximately 4,200 distinct part numbers, selling its products to large agricultural and construction original equipment manufacturers throughout the Midwest, such as Deere and Company and Case New Holland.
Merit provided senior subordinated debt with warrants and junior subordinated debt to finance the acquisition by management and an outside investor group.
INVESTMENT DATE
May 1997EXIT DATE
May 2010HEADQUARTERS
Winona, MinnesotaDEAL TEAM
Peerless Industrial Group, Inc.
Peerless Industrial Group, Inc. (“Peerless”), headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a leading manufacturer of industrial and hardware chain and traction products. Peerless’ chain is used in an extremely broad range of home, farm, recreational and industrial applications.
Merit provided subordinated debt with common stock to finance the acquisition by management and an outside investor group.
Fund I
No Results Found for this Fund with Current Search Criteria
INVESTMENT DATE
April 1994EXIT DATE
April 1996HEADQUARTERS
Milwaukee, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
Associated Sales and Bag Co.
Associated Sales and Bag Co. (“Associated”), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading mail distributor of packaging, shipping and safety products. Associated’s principal product lines consist of polyethylene bags, bag closing devices, packaging products and disposable safety items, which are sold to over 80,000 customers throughout the United States.
Merit provided subordinated debt with contingent interest in the recapitalization.
VISIT COMPANY SITE
INVESTMENT DATE
June 1995EXIT DATE
November 2000HEADQUARTERS
Dallas, TexasDEAL TEAM
Avail Medical Products, Inc.
Avail Medical Products, Inc. (“Avail”), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates in a niche segment of the medical products industry, supplying custom-designed disposable products to national and regional manufacturers of medical supplies. Avail’s products are used principally in an operating room environment to improve efficiencies and prevent infections, with major customers including Johnson & Johnson and Baxter International.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock of Avail to finance the acquisition of the company by a group of experienced industry executives. Subsequently, Merit provided additional capital to fund an add-on acquisition.
INVESTMENT DATE
March 1994EXIT DATE
December 2004HEADQUARTERS
Wisconsin, USADEAL TEAM
C.D. Baird and Co., Inc.
C.D. Baird and Co., Inc., headquartered in Wisconsin, is a market leader in the finishing segment of the temporary point-of-purchase display industry. The Company produces a wide variety of displays for end-users in a number of industries, including brewing, soft drinks, liquor, entertainment/video and consumer products.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by management and a newly-formed ESOP.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1993EXIT DATE
July 1998HEADQUARTERS
Hastings, NebraskaDEAL TEAM
Eagle Plastics, Inc.
Eagle Plastics, Inc. (“Eagle”), headquartered in Hastings, Nebraska, is a leading manufacturer of plastic pipe in the Midwest. Eagle specializes in extruding polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene pipe products for use in plumbing, turf irrigation, water wells, sewer lines, natural gas transportation and fibre optics.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance a leveraged acquisition by management and other investors.
INVESTMENT DATE
October 1994EXIT DATE
November 2006HEADQUARTERS
Franklin Park, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Houston Harvest Gift Products, LLC
Houston Harvest Gift Products, LLC (“HHGP”), headquartered in Franklin Park, Illinois, is one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of ready-to-eat popcorn in collectible gift canisters in the United States. The HHGP designs and manufactures a full line of popcorn products which are sold in decorative tins. HHGP is also one of the largest assemblers and marketers of food gift packages. HHGP’s products are sold primarily during the holiday gift season and are distributed principally through mass merchants and warehouse clubs.
In 1994 Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization of Golden Harvest Products, Inc. In December 1997, Golden Harvest merged with Houston Foods, its largest competitor, to form HHGP.
INVESTMENT DATE
September 1993EXIT DATE
August 1995HEADQUARTERS
Omaha, NebraskaDEAL TEAM
ITI Marketing Services, Inc.
ITI Marketing Services, Inc. (“ITI”), headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is a leading provider of inbound and outbound telemarketing services. ITI specializes in serving large accounts requiring both high quality and substantial volume, including Sprint, CUC International, Time and GE.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance ITI’s internal growth.
INVESTMENT DATE
November 1993EXIT DATE
December 1998HEADQUARTERS
Burlington, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
Lavelle Industries, Inc.
Lavelle Industries, Inc. (“Lavelle”), headquartered in Burlington, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of rubber plumbing replacement parts, selling these products to plumbing wholesalers and large hardware retailers such as Home Depot and Ace Hardware. Lavelle also manufactures a wide variety of mechanical rubber parts, which it custom designs for OEM end users in a wide variety of industries.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
June 1996EXIT DATE
December 2006HEADQUARTERS
Detroit, MichiganDEAL TEAM
Kux Manufacturing Company
Kux specializes in exterior building graphics for the retail gasoline industry. The Company manufactures many of the exterior and interior signs used by service stations, as well as convenience stores, auto parts outlets, automotive service centers, grocery stores and pharmacies. The Company’s building graphic products include facia bands, building claddings, hanging signs, illuminated signs, point-of-purchase displays and gasoline pump markers. The Company is the exclusive supplier of building graphics for Amoco Corporation. Other major customers include British Petroleum, CITGO, Quaker States and Exxon.
INVESTMENT DATE
April 1997EXIT DATE
February 2003HEADQUARTERS
Chicago, IllinoisDEAL TEAM
Midwest Folding Products, Inc.
Midwest Folding Products, Inc. (“Midwest”), headquartered in Chicago, is a leading manufacturer of institutional furniture. The bulk of Midwest’s sales are derived from two principal product lines, mobile tables and folding tables. The majority of Midwest’s products are sold to schools, hotels and other institutions.
Merit provided subordinated debt and preferred stock used to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
November 1993EXIT DATE
September 2003HEADQUARTERS
Laurinburg, North CarolinaDEAL TEAM
Rostra Technologies, Inc.
Rostra Technologies, Inc. (“Rostra”), headquartered in Laurinburg, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of electronic, electromechanical and mechanical control devices and tools. Rostra’s primary focus is on electronic parts for the automotive aftermarket, although it also serves the automotive and truck OEM markets and various niche markets.
Merit provided subordinated debt with warrants to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1996EXIT DATE
March 2005HEADQUARTERS
Buena, New JerseyDEAL TEAM
SP Industries, Inc.
SP Industries, Inc. (“SPI”), headquartered in Buena, New Jersey, is a leading manufacturer of laboratory glassware and laboratory equipment. SPI is comprised of five relatively similar-sized divisions, which primarily serve the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research industries, as well as a variety of OEM users.
Merit provided subordinated debt and common stock to finance the acquisition by management and an outside investor group.
INVESTMENT DATE
December 1995EXIT DATE
December 1999HEADQUARTERS
New Berlin, WisconsinDEAL TEAM
TEKRA Corporation
TEKRA Corporation (“TEKRA”), headquartered in New Berlin, Wisconsin, is a leader in the distribution of plastic films, tape adhesives, coated products, printing substrates and laminating materials. TEKRA’s products, which are sold to over 1,700 customers, are used ultimately in a wide variety of applications, including automobile instrument panels, microwave oven touch panels, bar code labels, computer key boards and advertising displays.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization.
INVESTMENT DATE
August 1995EXIT DATE
November 2000HEADQUARTERS
West Warren, MassachusettsDEAL TEAM
Wm. E. Wright, LP
Wm. E. Wright, LP (“Wrights”), headquartered in West Warren, Massachusetts, is a premier manufacturer and marketer of products for the retail home sewing, home decorating and crafts industries. Wrights’ product lines include apparel and craft trim, tapes and braids, ribbon and knitting/crocheting instruments. Wrights, which is the market leader in all of its products other than ribbon, has approximately 5,000 retail customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Merit provided subordinated debt to finance the recapitalization.