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KEMET Announces Election of Jacob Kotzubei to KEMET Board of Directors
Home / News / Kemet Announces Election Of Jacob Kotzubei To Kemet Board Of
Greenville, SC,-- KEMET Corporation (NYSE: KEM) (the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of tantalum, ceramic, aluminum, film, paper, and electrolytic capacitors, announced today that Jacob Kotzubei has been elected to the Company's Board of Directors. On October 25, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors increased the size of the Board to nine members and elected Mr. Kotzubei to fill the resulting vacancy, placing him in the Board of Directors' Class of 2013.Mr. Kotzubei joined Platinum Equity, LLC ("Platinum Equity") in 2002 and is a Partner at the firm. Mr. Kotzubei serves as an officer and/or director of a number of Platinum Equity's portfolio companies. Prior to joining Platinum Equity in 2002, Mr. Kotzubei worked for 4 1/2 years for Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Division in New York City. Previously, he was an attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York City, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Kotzubei received a Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University and holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law where he was elected a member of the Columbia Law Review.Per Loof, KEMET Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are delighted to welcome Jacob to our Board of Directors. We believe that Jacob's expertise in mergers and acquisitions and his extensive experience in management oversight, private equity and capital markets will provide significant benefits to our Board and to our shareholders as we continue to focus on profitable growth.""I am honored to join the Board of Directors of KEMET, a leading company that plays a critical role in the electronics supply chain. Platinum Equity has been an investor in the company and a supporter of its management team for nearly two and a half years and we are delighted to continue this relationship through participation via the Board," said Jacob Kotzubei, partner, Platinum Equity.About KEMETKEMET's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "KEM." At the Investor Relations section of our web site at www.KEMET.com/IR, users may subscribe to KEMET news releases and find additional information about our Company. KEMET applies world class service and quality to deliver industry leading, high performance capacitance solutions to its customers around the world and offers the world's most complete line of surface mount and through-hole capacitor technologies across tantalum, ceramic, film, aluminum, electrolytic, and paper dielectrics.
QuarkXPress 9 from Platinum Equity Company Quark Named Publishing Product of the Year by <i>MacUser</i>
Home / News / Quarkxpress 9 From Platinum Equity Company Quark Named
Platinum Equity portfolio company, Quark, announced today that QuarkXPress® 9.1 with App StudioTM has won the MacUser Award for Publishing Product of the Year. The annual MacUser Awards recognize the best products released each year for Apple users. In this year's publishing category QuarkXPress beat out Adobe Dreamweaver CS5.5, Adobe InDesign CS5.5 and Digital Publishing Suite, Aquafadas Digital Publishing Suite, Mag+, Nuance PDF Converter Professional 7, RapidWeaver 5, and Sandvox 2.Adam Banks, Editor of MacUser said, "The arrival of the iPad and other tablets has rapidly changed the way we think about publishing. By offering practical, affordable digital edition tools integrated with a familiar page layout system, Quark has shown it understands what publishers of all shapes and sizes need to meet the challenge. We're delighted to name QuarkXPress 9.1 with App Studio our Publishing Product of the Year.""Being named publishing product of the year is a huge win for QuarkXPress 9 and App Studio. Thank you to the MacUser editors who nominated QuarkXPress and the thousands of fans who voted us top of the category," said Gavin Drake, Vice President of Marketing for Quark. "The designer is at the core of our work to develop software that enables digital publishing. We are proud to help break down publishing barriers for creative professionals around the world both in traditional publishing and agencies, as well as for large enterprises that face similar challenges to communicate on digital devices."QuarkXPress 9.1 is the new version of QuarkXPress that, with App Studio, opens the door for designers to create and publish iPad apps, and to publish engaging, interactive, and innovative content to those apps. QuarkXPress 9 also helps designers reach smartphones, tablets, and digital devices that support ePUB, such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Apple iBooks. In addition to advanced digital publishing functionality, QuarkXPress 9 includes a host of new features that help designers work more productively by automating time-consuming design tasks.About QuarkQuark Software Inc. (www.quark.com) is a leading provider of publishing software for professional designers, small and mid-sized businesses, and large organizations in more than 160 countries. Two decades ago, our flagship product — QuarkXPress® — changed the course of traditional publishing. For more than 25 years, Quark has built on its knowledge and experience in design and publishing to provide software solutions that support collaborative workflows and automated publishing across multiple channels. Today, Quark is revolutionizing publishing again by setting new standards in XML-based publishing across print, the Web, and digital media as well as by helping owners and employees of small and mid-sized businesses promote their products and services easily, professionally, and affordably. Denver-based Quark Software Inc. is privately held.
Platinum Equity Company Keystone Automotive Operations Acquires NTP Distribution
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company Keystone Automotive Operations
Exeter, PA – Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the leader in distributing specialty automotive components and accessories, in coordination with its majority shareholders Platinum Equity, announced today that it has acquired NTP Distribution Inc. (NTP) is a privately held provider of quality aftermarket products, parts, and accessories for dealers in the recreational vehicle (RV) and towing industries."This is a terrific example of how Keystone can leverage its strong logistics and distribution capabilities to offer dealers in the RV and hitching and towing industries our unique value proposition," said Ed Orzetti, President and CEO of Keystone Automotive. "This acquisition rapidly expands our growing customer base and our product portfolio in the RV industry." Jacob Kotzubei, Partner, Platinum Equity, whose team led the acquisition on behalf of Keystone Automotive, said "We are delighted to assist Keystone Automotive and its management team execute on their desired diversification and growth plans so quickly after becoming the majority shareholder."NTP President Greg Boyd said “The sale is a positive outcome in our continuing efforts to seek new strategies, new regional markets and additional capital in order to better serve our customers and to stay competitive in our market.” Boyd went on to say that he looks forward to continuing to lead NTP to new opportunities and successes as a part of Keystone.Founded as Northwest Trailer Parts in 1962, NTP (www.ntpdistribution.com) has grown to include over 200 employees, five major warehouses, and two satellite operations across the U.S. NTP is headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon. NTP is one of the largest distributors of aftermarket products, parts and accessories in the RV industry and currently services customers throughout major portions of the U.S. within 1-2 days.Financial details of this acquisition remain confidential.About Keystone AutomotiveThe Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. and its affiliates are wholesale distributors and retailers of aftermarket automotive accessories and equipment, with operations servicing customers in all regions of the United States and provinces of Canada, as well as various other international locations. The Company’s fleet of over 300 trucks provide multi-day per week delivery and returns covering the 48 contiguous states and nine provinces of Canada. The Company sells and distributes specialty automotive products, such as light truck/SUV accessories, car accessories and trim items, specialty wheels, tires and suspension parts, and high performance products to a fragmented base of approximately 15,000 customers. The Company’s corporate headquarters is in Exeter, Pennsylvania.About Platinum EquityThe Platinum Equity is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 120 acquisitions.Contacts: Rudy Esteves, Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, resteves@key-stone.com or Media at 570-602-6739.
Platinum Equity Company Quark Special Upgrade Program Benefits Owners of Early Versions
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company Quark Special Upgrade Program
As reported in Macworld, an online source for Apple- and software-related news, Quark, a Platinum Equity portfolio company, is looking to the past to generate interest in the future. Quark has created a special upgrade program making the latest version of QuarkXPress available at a discount to all owners of previous versions of the software.“We know there are QuarkXPress enthusiasts that are still working with older versions and we’d like to ease their transition to QuarkXPress 9 by offering a special offer on the cost of an upgrade,” said Gavin Drake, Vice President of Marketing for Quark.Quark not only wants to encourage past users to stay current with the software, but they also urge past customers to enjoy the new functionality and productivity benefits that version 9 offers.The new features in version 9 provide access to the market of mobile devices—e-readers, smartphones, iPad, and other tablets. Creating work for these devices without coding provides easier access to mobile publication and consequently faster content creation, boosting productivity.Drake goes on, stating that, “If you’re using an older version of QuarkXPress, the new features added in recent years are going to transform your design experience and capabilities as well as enable you to go beyond print to Web, Flash, and now eBook and iPad design.”Full Article »
Platinum Equity Completes Sale of AEES
Home / News / Platinum Equity Completes Sale Of Aees
Los Angeles, CA – Platinum Equity announced today it has completed the sale of its North American wire harness business, AEES, to PKC Group. The sale transaction included cash consideration and newly issued PKC shares.AEES is one of the leading North American suppliers of wiring harness solutions to automotive original equipment manufacturers and tier-one suppliers. AEES also has operations in Brazil and Ireland. PKC is one of the leading wiring harness manufacturers for trucks in Europe and South America.“PKC is a great strategic fit for AEES with a complementary geographic footprint and customer base,” said Robert Wymbs, the principal at Platinum Equity whose team led the AEES sale. “We are proud of Platinum’s role in establishing AEES as a leader in North America and look forward to continuing on as a shareholder in the combined organization.”Platinum acquired the business, a former division of Alcoa, in 2009 and established it as a standalone company branded “AEES.” Platinum installed new leadership and helped manage the company through two years of complex international restructuring."We helped transform AEES into a profitable, growing business on the heels of an economic downturn that was devastating to the global automotive industry,” said Mr. Wymbs. “That AEES is a leader in its industry today is a testament to a lot of hard work by Platinum’s operations team and AEES employees, customers, suppliers, and vendors around the world.”Platinum’s M&A&O® approach focuses on acquiring businesses that need operational support and can benefit from Platinum’s extensive in-house capabilities and expertise in transition, integration, and operations.About Platinum EquityPlatinum Equity is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition, and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing, and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 120 acquisitions.
UNICOM Systems acquires iET Solutions from Platinum Equity
Home / News / Unicom Systems Acquires Iet Solutions From Platinum Equity
Mission Hills, CA - UNICOM® Systems, Inc., a global leader in IBM mainframe, System i, Unix and Open Systems management solutions today announced that it has acquired the Boston-based international software company, iET Solutions, LLC from Platinum Equity, LLC. The acquisition underlines UNICOM's commitment to the IT Service Management (ITSM) and Software Asset Management market space for midsize and large enterprises, enabling the Company to offer innovative, state-of-the-art technology and services which complement its existing ITPowerPac® solutions which maximizes the potential of the Open Systems and Enterprise platform for its customers."iET's ITSM solutions are the best-of-breed in part because of their certification by the U.K. OGC, the founder of ITIL, as well as their smartphone capabilities," said Corry Hong, UNICOM's Founder, President, and CEO. "This is a strategic move for UNICOM, and good news for our existing Eden ITPowerPac customers, and the ITSM community, as UNICOM is expanding its depth of offerings with highly configurable SaaS and On-Premise ITSM solutions and adding an experienced ITIL Professional Services team to customers worldwide."The acquisition enables UNICOM to integrate technology from iET's ITSM software suite into its current Eden ITPowerPac software suite resulting in new state-of-the-art interfaces for current UNICOM customers. iET Solutions also brings an impressive team of people who provide comprehensive ITSM consulting services to customers around the world, and UNICOM plans to extend these services offerings further."The merger of UNICOM with iET provides significant software domain expertise to iET," Walter Elliot, President and CEO, iET Solutions. "UNICOM has significant resources and assets to support iET's growth strategies and opportunities. The worldwide development team resource, potential acquisition of new products, technologies, and companies all will support our future growth and provide additional value to our customers and partners.""UNICOM's impressive thirty years of history of providing IBM systems software solutions to Fortune 500 customers and their unyielding commitment to technology and integration is what made them the right candidate for Platinum Equity," said Aaron Mazzolini, Vice President, M&A, Platinum Equity. "We are impressed with UNICOM's leadership, ability to master plan, consummate a deal without delay, and integrate a global organization."
The Pistons Are Getting Smart
Home / News / The Pistons Are Getting Smart
Interviewed by SI.com at the biennial New England Symposium on Statistics and Sports, Platinum Equity partner Robert Wentworth discussed Platinum's plans for the Pistons—acquired by Platinum Equity as a component of Palace Sports & Entertainment—and Platinum's intent to incorporate advanced statistics into the organization.The symposium, held at Harvard, covers statistical modeling and analysis of sports data and attracts statisticians and quantitative analysts from teams including NBA teams the Thunder, Mavericks, Celtics, and Rockets.Although the Pistons' presence at the math-heavy conference created a degree of buzz, Platinum's—and the Pistons'—interest in the conference's sophisticated statistical presentations is clearly to extend the tool kit available for the team to work with.Full article and interview »
Union Tribune and United Way Partner on Education Volunteers
Home / News / Union Tribune And United Way Partner On Education Volunteers
The San Diego Union-Tribune has teamed with United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego County Office of Education to introduce an unprecedented campaign to mobilize 4,500 San Diego County residents to pledge to volunteer with K-12 students.The "U-T Volunteer for Education" campaign will continue through the 2011-12 academic school year and includes diverse ways for residents to get involved, including classroom involvement, life and career coaching, and opportunities tailored to specific skill sets.“This campaign reflects our long-standing mission to help foster strong communities and history of supporting youth, family and literacy causes in our region,” said Ed Moss, president and publisher of the Union-Tribune."We are thrilled to use our resources and large reach to encourage community involvement with this effort. We also recognize and applaud San Diego County teachers, administrators and staff for their dedication to our region’s youth.”Full press release »
Platinum Equity Company Contego Packaging Group Invests in New Portsmouth Facility
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company Contego Packaging Group Invests In
As reported by Packaging Europe, a packaging industry web site, Contego Packaging Group, a Platinum Equity portfolio company and a pan-European supplier of cartons, leaflets, labels, and foil for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, is moving to a new, 50,000 square foot carton production facility in Fareham, Hampshire."Our current Portsmouth factory is housed in two separate buildings which does not allow room for much-needed expansion. The move provides an opportunity for us to invest in state-of-the-art printing, cutting, and creasing technology to handle the growing requirements for cartons at Portsmouth," states Tom Reid, Chief Executive Officer, Contego Packaging Group.Having more hands and more space allows Contego to invest in newer, larger, and more efficient printing technology. This expansion will prepare Contego to better meet requirements for long and short run print work.Full Article »
Platinum Equity Company MegaPath Partners with ADTRAN to Deliver Nation's Largest Ethernet Footprint
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company Megapath Partners With Adtran To
Huntsville, AL-- ADTRAN©, Inc., (NASDAQ:ADTN), a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced that MegaPath, one of the leading providers of managed data, voice, and security services in North America and Platinum Equity portfolio company, has partnered with ADTRAN for the nationwide expansion of its Ethernet network. MegaPath has over 200 central offices currently in service with plans to offer services in a total of 400 central offices by the end of 2011 and more than 680 central offices by June 2012. This will make MegaPath the single largest nationwide Ethernet services provider."Our goal is to provide our customers with a state-of-the-art network offering the services and speeds our customers need to support access to a wide variety of applications," said Aamir Hussain, SVP Chief Technology Officer, MegaPath. "ADTRAN is a market leader and is enabling us to push the technology envelope, while maintaining the reliability and Quality of Service standards that are paramount to our customers."Utilizing ADTRAN's flagship product, the Total Access 5000, in conjunction with ADTRAN's extensive portfolio of customer premises equipment, MegaPath is now able to offer an Ethernet delivery portfolio that is unrivaled in the industry. Beyond the current rollout of Ethernet over Copper services, ADTRAN's optimized EFM and VDSL2 bonding solutions will enable MegaPath to deliver up to 100 Mbps symmetric services, while simultaneously offering download speeds in excess of 400 Mbps. For customer facilities that fiber cannot effectively reach, MegaPath is Ethernet-enabling its entire network with technology that scales to provide a wide range of customer applications and options. As a result of this project, MegaPath will deploy a number of business services including high-speed Internet access, MPLS networking, multi-site IP VPN and private data networking for large corporations."We are providing MegaPath with a groundbreaking way of delivering Ethernet with rates that were previously unachievable," said P. Steven Locke, Vice President of Sales, service providers, ADTRAN Carrier Networks Division. "By utilizing the total breadth of ADTRAN's Ethernet portfolio, MegaPath is able to uniquely meet their customers' needs for high-speed business services and cloud connectivity."About MegaPath Inc. MegaPath operates one of the largest end-to-end communications networks in the country providing both commercial and wholesale services. The company provides a full range of data, voice, and security services for small and medium-sized businesses and enterprises nationwide and wholesale solutions to the carrier and service provider markets through one of the largest end-to-end networks in the country. MegaPath helps businesses of all sizes easily and securely communicate between their headquarters, employees, and business partners to lower costs, increase security, and enhance employee productivity. To learn more about MegaPath's managed IP data, voice, and security services, please visit www.megapath.com or call 1-877-MegaPath (1-877-634-2728).About ADTRANADTRAN, Inc. is a leading global provider of networking and communication equipment, with a portfolio of more than 1,700 solutions. ADTRAN's products enable voice, data, video, and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations, and millions of individual users worldwide. For more information, contact the company at 1-800-9ADTRAN (1-800-923-8726) or via email at info@adtran.com. On the Web, visit www.adtran.com.
