CapitalWorks

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CapitalWorks Invests in Libra Industries, Inc

By Kellie Work

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Cleveland private equity firm, CapitalWorks, LLC announced today that it recently completed a majority investment in Libra Industries Inc. (“Libra”) in partnership with CEO, Rod Howell, the Howell family and the Libra management team.

In 1980 the Howell Family founded Libra Industries and has successfully led the business since its inception. Based in Mentor, Ohio Libra Industries, Inc. is a full-service solutions provider of engineered printed circuit board assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, and electronic control solutions.

Founder and CEO, Rod Howell, commented, “We felt CapitalWorks would be the ideal partner to drive the continued growth of Libra.  CapitalWorks has deep experience in contract manufacturing and a strong network of industry experts that support its investments.”

Todd Martin, Managing Director with CapitalWorks stated “We are excited to partner with a local, family-owned business and management team that share our passion for excellence within contract manufacturing.”… Read this article

CapitalWorks Associate Search

By Kellie Work

CapitalWorks is once again in the market to expand our team.   With the completion of the fourth fund and expansion of the number of companies in the portfolio, we are looking for a Pre-MBA Associate to join our team.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to John Corrigan at jcorrigan@capitalworks.net.

CapitalWorks, LLC is a private equity firm located in Cleveland Ohio focused on lower middle market control buyout transactions.  The firm was founded in 1999 and has a strong track record of success, we are currently investing out of the firm’s fourth committed buyout fund of $125 million.  Our investors are primarily successful entrepreneurs and retired executives who also look to co‐invest in our portfolio companies.  With the completion of the fourth fund and expansion of the number of companies in the portfolio, we are looking for a Pre-MBA Associate to join our team.… Read this article

CapitalWorks, LLC Acquires Ohio Blow Pipe

By Kellie Work

Ohio Blow Pipe | CapitalWork Private Equity Cleveland Ohio

CLEVELAND, OHIO– CapitalWorks, LLC has acquired Cleveland-based Ohio Blow Pipe Company and its subsidiary Advanced Air Systems, Inc. (“OBP”).

Founded over 85 years ago, OBP is a recognized leader in the design, fabrication and installation of pneumatic material handling and dust and oil mist collection systems for a variety of industries including corrugated paper, folding box, and food & beverage can manufacturing among others.

Earlier this year, CapitalWorks developed a Material Handling platform strategy and acquired C&M Conveyor, who also serves the corrugated and folding box industries, as an initial step in that platform.  The two companies will work together to expand their markets and strengthen their relationships among common customers.

“Ohio Blow Pipe’s long history, quality product offering, and multi-industry customer base makes it a key addition to CapitalWorks material handling platform,” said Todd Martin, CapitalWorks Managing Director.… Read this article

CapitalWorks, LLC Exits Investment In Capewell Aerial Systems

By Kellie Work

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Cleveland private equity firm CapitalWorks, LLC announced the sale of its investment in Capewell Aerial Systems (“CAS” or the Company), a designer and manufacturer of highly advanced air soldier tactical gear, search & rescue, parachute, and aerial delivery products, to Argosy Private Equity. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

After acquiring Capewell Holdings in 2014, CapitalWorks transformed Capewell from a component business to a full solution provider through its acquisition and integration of Aerial Machine and Tool.  The combined company, Capewell Aerial Systems, became the world leader in innovative tactical safety products for the air warrior.  “CapitalWorks added tremendous value through its network and strategy development.  CapitalWorks assembled a world class advisory board and provided us with management processes that have given us an advantage over our competitors,” said John Marcaccio, CEO and President of Capewell Aerial Systems.… Read this article

Welcome Brian Miskell

By Kellie Work

Brian Miskell has joined CapitalWorks as a Senior Associate. His primary responsibilities include screening and analysis of acquisition opportunities, conducting due diligence and procuring deal financing. He will also assist current portfolio companies with various projects as well as governance and monitoring initiatives.

Before joining CapitalWorks, Mr. Miskell worked for Chicago-based middle market private equity firm LaSalle Capital while attending business school. Prior to that, he was an M&A and corporate development manager responsible for sourcing, evaluating and executing new platform and add-on acquisitions at Worthington Industries, a $3 billion diversified industrial company. He also worked with Worthington’s transformation team on a variety of commercial, supply chain and operational improvement initiatives.

Mr. Miskell received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accountancy degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

CapitalWorks, LLC Acquires C&M Conveyor as part of CapitalWorks Fund IV

By Kellie Work

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Cleveland private equity firm CapitalWorks, LLC has acquired C&M Conveyor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition was completed by CapitalWorks’ fourth private equity fund, CapitalWorks Fund IV, L.P.

Based in Bloomington, Indiana, C&M Conveyor designs, engineers, manufactures and services turnkey automated material handling and conveying systems, serving as a value added and critical partner to its industrial and commercial customers, particularly in the corrugated box industry.

“We look forward to supporting the growth of C&M,” said CapitalWorks Managing Director Todd Martin. “C&M is a high-quality manufacturer of conveyor systems and provides customers with top-of-the-line installation and service.”

CapitalWorks will be partnering with current CEO Don Laipple, who will be transitioning to an advisory board role, and President Randy Grube to execute its growth strategy.… Read this article

Welcome Kellie Work!

By Kellie Work

Kellie Work has joined CapitalWorks as Vice President, Business Development. Her primary responsibilities will be to maintain and grow the firm’s relationships with deal sources and the network of industry experts.

Prior to joining CapitalWorks, Kellie spent her career at The Lubrizol Corporation. During her tenure at Lubrizol, Ms. Work progressed in the corporation in a variety of roles including operations, product management, corporate business development and most recently as the Global Market Segment Manager for Medical Polymers. During her time as an Associate in Corporate Business Development, Kellie helped create and execute the business development strategy for middle market transactions across the corporation.

Kellie received a Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Cleveland State University. Ms. Work is on the Board of the West Side Catholic Center in Cleveland and was a previous chair of the Women in Lubrizol Leadership business resource group.… Read this article

Jennifer Haberman Joins CapitalWorks

By Kellie Work

Jennifer Haberman has joined CapitalWorks as controller. Her primary responsibilities will include accounting and financial reporting for CapitalWorks and its funds, investor communication, assisting with managing the firm’s SEC compliance function and other office operations.

Prior to joining CapitalWorks, Jennifer was the corporate controller for Gas Natural, Inc., where she oversaw the company’s accounting, financial reporting and treasury functions. Prior to that, she held various accounting roles with TravelCenters of America, LLC, and Shiloh Industries. During her tenure at TravelCenters of America, Jennifer oversaw the accounting for site level activities, the integration of the accounting operations of businesses acquired by the company, the company’s SEC reporting and was responsible for financial reporting. She began her career in the audit practice of Grant Thornton, LLP.

Jennifer graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and international business and is a licensed CPA in Ohio.… Read this article

Ripley Tools Acquires Optical Design Manufacturing Inc.

By Kellie Work

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Ripley Tools, a portfolio investment of Cleveland-based private equity firm CapitalWorks, LLC, announced today the acquisition of Optical Design Manufacturing Inc. (“ODM”), a designer and manufacturer of quality fiber optic testing equipment.  ODM’s electronics expertise will expand Ripley’s current product offering and provide additional solutions to customers of their Miller® brand fiber optic cable preparation tool line. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

With the Miller® brand, Ripley Tools is the global leader in the design and manufacture of cutting, stripping and cable preparation tools in the fiber optic and telecommunications industries. “United by a common goal of producing high quality, innovative solutions for the fiber optic professional, we are excited for the opportunities this acquisition brings. I am confident we will increase the value to both Ripley and ODM customers while enhancing future growth and performance.”… Read this article

CapitalWorks Exits Investment in Premium Plastic Solutions

By Kellie Work

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Cleveland private equity firm CapitalWorks, LLC announced today the sale of its investment in Premium Plastic Solutions, LLC (“PPS”), a custom blow molder, to Universal Plastics, a producer of large plastic parts with complex designs and excellent cosmetics. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“CapitalWorks invested alongside Little Mountain Industries in Premium Plastic Solutions in 2010, and over the past seven-years both have supported an effort to improve the business and prepare for its next phase of growth.  Premium Plastic Solutions has an excellent partner in Universal Plastics, and a great group of core employees to take the company to the next level.” Said Dick Hollington, Managing Director of CapitalWorks, LLC.

Todd Martin, Managing Director of CapitalWorks, LLC commented, “we are excited to have found a partner for PPS that will continue to invest in future growth strategies. … Read this article