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Platinum Equity Company Schutt Sports Becomes Official Helmet for UT-Dallas
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company Schutt Sports Becomes Official
Litchfield, IL – Schutt Sports, a Platinum Equity Portfolio Company and leading domestic manufacturer of batters helmets in the United States, has been named the Official Batter's Helmet for the University of Texas – Dallas.The multi-year agreement calls for the Comets softball and baseball teams to wear Schutt batters helmets and catchers gear."We're fired up about this new opportunity and partnership with Schutt Sports. They offer the best technology and protective equipment on the baseball field, from catcher's gear to batters helmets and we're excited about the chance to put it on," says Shane Shewmate, head baseball coach at UT Dallas. "Our student-athletes work very hard to achieve their ultimate performance and Schutt has put their football protective technology in baseball equipment; that's really made the difference and elite athletes notice how much it helps them perform their best."The agreement will give Schutt the chance to showcase its all-new AiR Maxx T Batter's helmets for baseball and softball players – a helmet that utilizes the TPU Cushioning technology the company features in its football helmets."Dallas is a very important market in the middle of a very important state for diamond sports," said Dianne Baker, national promotions manager for Schutt Sports. "Some of the best athletes in Texas play for UT-Dallas and it's an honor for us to have them choose Schutt Sports as the company they want to gear up with."The Comets baseball team will give Schutt plenty of exposure, having qualified for the ASC title game in three of the past four seasons.UT-Dallas is a member of the ultra competitive American Southwest Conference, a Division III powerhouse.
Detroit Pistons and PNC Bank Renovate Preschool Exhibit at Detroit Children's Museum
Home / News / Detroit Pistons And Pnc Bank Renovate Preschool Exhibit At
The Detroit Pistons and presenting sponsor PNC Bank cut the ribbon on a newly renovated preschool area inside the Detroit Children's Museum. The back-to-school themed event featured Pistons ambassadors, mascot Hooper, and voice of the Pistons George Biaha. Youth at the event also received back-to-school packages from the Pistons and PNC Bank."The educational and interactive activities enhance the museum space," commented Dennis Sampier, vice president of community relations for the Detroit Pistons. "We look forward to the general public enjoying the newly renovated area."PNC Regional President Ric DeVore said, "The return on investment in high-quality early education and school readiness initiatives are significant and long-lasting."The Detroit Children's Museum was founded in 1917 by Detroit Public Schools and is the nation's third-oldest children's museum. Its artifacts, hands-on stations, and planetarium demonstrations offer a unique look at world cultures, history, art, and science.The Pistons have completed 24 renovations in Metro Detroit and across the state of Michigan at locations that include public and school libraries, outdoor basketball courts, hospitals, and community centers. Full Article »
Four Winns Debuts 2012 Product Line
Home / News / Four Winns Debuts 2012 Product Line
North American and international boat dealers and distributor retailers got their first look at the new 2012 Four Winns line this week at the Four Winns dealer conference. The company's segment-redefining 20-foot-and-above models headlined the event, four brand-new models were presented, and many models across the line saw refinements."We are aggressively attacking the recreational segment in order to bring a distinctive level of separation between Four Winns and our competitors," said Roch Lambert, Group President of Rec Boat Holdings, a subsidiary of PBH Marine Group of which Four Winns is a component. "This year's line-up is a direct hit and creates a powerful reason for consumers to choose a Four Winns boat."Design and engineering changes are the most apparent for the 2012 Four Winns line. Increased cockpit space, distinguishing lines, and attractive package features as well as aggressive pricing are all part of Four Winns 2012 line.Throughout the summer, an early release model of a 2012 Four Winns H200 boat was featured in conjunction with the Discover Boating Initiative sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturer's AssociationFour Winns was acquired by Platinum Equity in February 2010 as part of the Genmar bankruptcy. Along with Four Winns, recreational boat lines Ranger, Glastron, Wellcraft, Triton, and Stratos are all part of PBH Marine Group.Full Article »
Platinum Equity Announces Pending Sale of AEES to PKC Group
Home / News / Platinum Equity Announces Pending Sale Of Aees To Pkc Group
The PKC Group today signed an agreement for the purchase of AEES companies from Platinum Equity. AEES is one of the leading North American wiring harness manufacturers for heavy- and medium-duty trucks and it also has a significant position in light vehicle wiring harnesses. In addition, AEES provides components and wires to other contract manufacturers. AEES' customers include most major auto and truck makers and has operations in USA, Mexico, Brazil, and Ireland. In June of 2011, AEES employed 13,800 people worldwide.During the past years, AEES and Platinum Equity successfully implemented a comprehensive program to enhance the company's overall efficiency and competitiveness."Following two years of complex international restructuring AEES is now thriving as a profitable, growing business. Combining with PKC is a logical and exciting next step," said Rob Joubran, partner at Platinum Equity. "We are proud of the role Platinum Equity has played in establishing AEES as a leader in North America and look forward to continuing on with the organization as a shareholder.""We are excited about this unique opportunity to acquire AEES, as it offers an ideal strategic fit for our business through a highly complementary geographic footprint and customer base," states PKC Group President and CEO Harri Suutari. "By combining AEES, a major North American truck wiring harness manufacturer, with PKC, one of the leading wiring harness manufacturers for trucks in Europe and South America, we create a leading global truck wiring harness supplier. Following completion of the transaction, the combined entity supplies wiring harnesses to the six leading Western truck groups. With this acquisition, we also enter the automotive industry in North America and Brazil. Currently, PKC manufactures wiring harnesses also to light vehicles, buses, recreational vehicles as well as construction, forestry and agricultural equipment in Europe and South America, and has a small percentage of sales in North America. The acquisition hereby provides access to new customer segments and also offers PKC an opportunity to expand its product and service offering, e.g. via manufacturing of components and wires. The combined entity will employ about 22,000 employees."Read Full Press Release »
Platinum Equity Acquires Quark
Home / News / Platinum Equity Acquires Quark
Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO – Platinum Equity announced today that it has acquired Quark, a provider of publishing software for professional designers and enterprise organizations."Quark is a legendary brand that helped create the desktop publishing market and is now helping organizations transform how they publish content both to print and digital media," said Brian Wall, partner at Platinum who led the team pursuing the acquisition. "Quark is committed to its loyal and dedicated user base and we are enthusiastic about the company's new products which are gaining traction and generating positive reviews. We believe that with their expertise and innovative software, Quark has the potential to revolutionize publishing again."Based in Denver, Colo., Quark provides a set of software applications targeted at creative professionals and the enterprise dynamic publishing market. These tools are components in a value chain of software products that enable the creation, management, publication, and delivery of content across a variety of media including print, email, web, social media, and the next generation of e-reader, tablet, and mobile devices such as the iPad."This transition comes at an exciting time for our company and our customers. In the past few years we have made great strides in helping our customers realize dynamic publishing, have re-invigorated QuarkXPress, and have readied Quark to take an early leadership position in digital publishing," said Raymond Schiavone, President and CEO at Quark. "Platinum Equity is well-positioned to help us continue to execute our dynamic publishing vision through their market reach, merger and acquisition experience, and operational support. This is the natural next step for Quark's evolution."Mr. Wall said that Platinum Equity has already initiated a process focused on transitioning Quark to new ownership. The Platinum operations team is working together with the Quark management team to focus on Quark's core markets and create an acquisition strategy focused on expanding the breadth and depth of Quark's product capabilities and geographic coverage.For more information Quark customers can email questions to pr@quark.com.About QuarkQuark Software Inc. 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, Quark's 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 Inc. is privately held.About Platinum Equity 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 115 acquisitions.
Schutt Sports Named Official Helmet for Lone Star Conference Softball
Home / News / Schutt Sports Named Official Helmet For Lone Star Conference
In a multi-year agreement, Schutt Sports has been named the official helmet of softball's NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference.“The Lone Star Conference schools are right in the middle of softball country,” said Dianne Baker, national promotions manager for Schutt Sports. “This deal gives us great exposure in some key markets and puts our best equipment on some of the best players in the country.”Through the agreement, Schutt will showcase its new AiR Maxx T softball batter's helmet. The helmet is engineered using Schutt's TPU cushioning technology, the same technology Schutt uses in its football helmets.“The fact that these helmets are top-of-the line, as well as made here in the United States means quite a bit to us and our schools," said Stan Wagnon, Commissioner of the Lone Star Conference.Full Press Release »
Platinum Equity Company American Commercial Lines Announces New Leadership
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company American Commercial Lines Announces
Jeffersonville, IN – One of the largest and most diversified inland marine transportation companies in the United States and a Platinum Equity company, American Commercial Lines (ACL), announced today the new leadership of Mark Knoy as President and Chief Executive Officer and David Huls as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.Mark Knoy, a veteran to the industry after spending seventeen years with AEP River Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of American Electric Power Co., Inc, will continue within the same industry. Under Knoy’s leadership, AEP River Operations grew to become one of the nations most successful barge lines. Louis Samson, who led the acquisition of ACL for Platinum Equity in December of 2010, commented: "We are excited to have Mark join the team and help write a new chapter in the history of ACL -- his track record speaks for itself.""Mark brings to ACL many years of profitable growth on the inland waterways," said Bryan Kelln, President of Portfolio Operations at Platinum Equity. "Throughout his career he has demonstrated the ability to lead organizations to very high levels of financial and operational performance."ACL operates a fleet of more than 2,400 transportation vessels as well as the largest single-site inland shipbuilding and repair facility in the United States.Mr. Knoy stated, "I'm honored to be taking the helm of a market leader with such a strong heritage and a deep portfolio of assets." He added, "Platinum is fully committed to ACL's success and I am excited to partner with them and with my new ACL teammates to help guide the company into the future -- it's a tremendous opportunity to create value."Mr. Huls, 45, will be joining ACL as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer after serving as President and Chief Financial Officer at PBH Marine Group, LLC, another company owned by Platinum Equity."David is a seasoned executive with a strong financial background and a deep understanding of business operations," comments Mr. Kelln. Louis Samson further added: "Having worked closely with David for over two years we know he is extremely capable and will be a strong asset to ACL's management team."About Platinum EquityPlatinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) 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 over 125 acquisitions.About American Commercial LinesAmerican Commercial Lines is an integrated marine transportation service company owned by Platinum Equity and operating in the United States Jones Act trades. The Company is headquartered in Jeffersonville, IN, has approximately 2,400 employees and operates a fleet of approximately 130 tow boats and 2,400 barges. The Company is the direct parent of Commercial Barge Line Company. For more information about American Commercial Lines, Inc. visit www.aclines.com.
Schutt Sports Sponsors Texas High School Coaches Association 2011 All-Star Games
Home / News / Schutt Sports Sponsors Texas High School Coaches Association
Dallas,TX – Schutt Sports, a Platinum Equity company, is sponsoring the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) 2011 All-Star Games this week, as the "Official Football Helmet" and platinum partner of the program."Texas is home to some of the most storied high school football groups in the country, and we are proud to support them each and every year," Marketing Communications Manager Glenn Beckmann said. "THSCA isn't just any program. It's the largest organization of its kind in the world, and growing all the time – who wouldn't want to be part of that? We value our partnership and appreciate the access we have to all the incredible coaches and players."The THSCA was formed in 1930, and has maintained its mission to develop and educate Texas high school coaches so that they may better help serve student athletes. It has grown from 28 members to over 20,000.Schutt Sports is the largest maker of football helmets in America, with more than 55 percent market share across the youth, collegiate, and NFL markets combined."Both Schutt and THSCA have grown significantly over time, and we will continue to move forward together in years to come," Beckmann said.
MegaPath One of North America's Top Hosted Voice Providers
Home / News / Megapath One Of North Americas Top Hosted Voice Providers
Platinum Equity portfolio company MegaPath was listed among the Top 10 hosted VoIP providers by Infonetics, an international communications market research and consulting firm. Client install base, service capabilities, and customer support are among the parameters considered by Infonetics in recognizing top firms.Commenting on the diverse Top 10 list, Infonetics analyst Diane Myers said, "The most critical factors for success remain financial stability, proven experience, and quality service and support.""This recognition from Infonetics is a testament to the value our services deliver," said Dan Foster, President of Business Markets for MegaPath. "We will continue to raise the bar for what businesses can expect."Megapath operates one of the largest end-to-end communications networks in the United States. In 2010, Platinum Equity merged Megapath with Covad and Speakeasy to better serve small- and medium-sized businesses with data, voice, and security services. Megapath's hosted voice solution was recently recognized as the Internet Telephony 2010 Product of the Year.Read Full Article »
Platinum Equity Company International Offshore Services Selects MarineCFO
Home / News / Platinum Equity Company International Offshore Services
New Orleans, LA—MarineCFO Inc., the leading provider of Marine Software including On-Vessel, Marine Operations, Personnel, Fleet Maintenance, and Financial Management Software Solutions to the Marine Transportation Industry, announced today that Platinum Equity Company, International Offshore Services, has chosen to implement the full MarineCFO Enterprise software suite.International Offshore Services, LLC was formed in 2006 by combining International Marine (started in 1996) and International Construction Group. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries International Offshore Services provides a comprehensive range of offshore services including construction barges and offshore support vessels. International Offshore Services employs over 450 individuals, has the largest number of utility boats in the Gulf of Mexico, and is headquartered in Larose, LA."We are committed to leveraging technology to improve operating data and control across all of our business segments," said Richard Currence, CEO of International Offshore Services. "After reviewing the market, MarineCFO was the clear choice for International Offshore Services. We chose MarineCFO Enterprise because it is a flexible, yet robust, platform that can handle the differing aspects of our business and has the ability to grow as our business grows.""Whether it is in our boat business or marine construction business we see technology as a means to better serve our clients." added Currence. "During the decision process, MarineCFO demonstrated that they have the software and the experienced team to make our project successful.""We are pleased International Offshore Services selected MarineCFO as their technology partner," said Joe Galatas, President of MarineCFO Inc. "International Offshore Services is an organization that embraces the use of technology to improve their operational efficiency in their business. The MarineCFO Enterprise software suite will not only provide International Offshore Services with a comprehensive solution, but also a solution that can be tailored to their specific needs."About MarineCFO, Inc.MarineCFO is the leading provider of Marine Software, including On-Vessel, Marine Operations, Personnel, Fleet Maintenance, and Financial Management Software Solutions to the Marine Transportation Industry. MarineCFO solutions are scalable from the largest industry players to small, family-run companies. MarineCFO provides MarineCFO Enterprise, a comprehensive behind the fire-wall solution, and MarineCFO Live!, an on-demand, web-based solution.
