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Platinum Equity Announces Completion of HarbisonWalker International Acquisition
Home / News / Platinum Equity Announces Completion Of Harbisonwalker International Acquisition
HWI and Calderys to join forces, creating a global refractories provider with a comprehensive product portfolio and expanded reachLOS ANGELES (February 20, 2023) – Platinum Equity announced today that the previously announced acquisition of HarbisonWalker International (HWI) by way of a merger agreement, has been completed. HWI is a supplier of refractory products and services in North America.Financial terms were not disclosed.In January, Platinum Equity announced the closing of the acquisition of Imerys SA’s High Temperature Solutions business, which is now operating under the Calderys brand going forward. HWI and Calderys will join forces into a global business with increased reach and scale.“Despite a challenging M&A market, we are continuing to find attractive opportunities to put capital to work and provide divestiture solutions that deliver speed and certainty,” said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson. “HWI and Calderys are an excellent fit, with complementary footprints and product portfolios. Bringing them together will create exciting benefits for both businesses.”“The HarbisonWalker brand is highly respected and vital to the long-term success of the combined company,” added Mr. Samson. “We will continue investing in its growth and expansion in the Americas.”HarbisonWalker’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh as the headquarters of the combined company’s Americas region operations.Michel Cornelissen, currently President and CEO of Calderys, will serve as the global CEO of the combined company effective immediately.“We have a tremendous opportunity to bring together the best of both companies to create a high-growth, customer-centric refractories solutions provider with global scale,” said Mr. Cornelissen. “Our goal is to be the best partner for our customers anywhere in the world, to support them in their energy transition needs, and to set a new benchmark for the industry.”Platinum Equity said it will seek additional opportunities to help the combined company grow.“Joining forces will create additional scale and provide both businesses access to new technologies, increasing the value proposition for customers,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke. “It will also create a global platform with new opportunities for growth, both organically and through additional acquisitions in key product areas and geographies.”Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel to Platinum Equity on the acquisition of HWI and Willkie Farr provided financing counsel to Platinum Equity on the transaction.About Platinum EquityFounded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with approximately $36 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 27 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 350 acquisitions.
Calderys
Home / Our Company / Calderys
Calderys Corporate Divestiture Europe Active Industrials Leading global solutions provider for industries operating in high temperature conditions, serving customers in the iron and steel, thermal and foundry markets Company Overview Leading global solutions provider for industries operating in high temperature conditions, serving more than 6,000 customers in the iron and steel, thermal and foundry marketsThe business generated revenues of €981 million in 2022 and has 36 industrial sites in 16 countries Transaction Description Acquired from Imerys in January 2023 M&A Activity Platinum Equity acquired HarbisonWalker International (HWI) by way of a merger agreement with Calderys and combined the companies in February 2023 Customers 6,000 Industrial Sites 36 Countries 16 Leading global solutions provider for industries operating in high temperature conditions, serving customers in the iron and steel, thermal and foundry markets Company Overview Leading global solutions provider for industries operating in high temperature conditions, serving more than 6,000 customers in the iron and steel, thermal and foundry marketsThe business generated revenues of €981 million in 2022 and has 36 industrial sites in 16 countries Customers 6,000 Transaction Description Acquired from Imerys in January 2023 Industrial Sites 36 M&A Activity Platinum Equity acquired HarbisonWalker International (HWI) by way of a merger agreement with Calderys and combined the companies in February 2023 Countries 16 Photo Gallery Previous Next × × × × × × × × × × Latest Article Platinum Equity Completes Acquisition of Horticultural Container Manufacturer HC Companies August 03, 2023 LOS ANGELES, August 3, 2023 — Platinum Equity announced today that the acquisition of The HC Companies, a leading North American manufacturer of horticultural containers, has been completed. Financial terms were not disclos... Read More Latest Article Platinum Equity Credit Team Announces Financing to Support Acquisition of Tom Barrow Company July 25, 2023 LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2023 — Platinum Equity announced today it provided an unsecured term loan to the Tom Barrow Company in connection with Ardian’s recent acquisition of a majority stake in the business.Tom Barrow is a ... Read More Latest Article Platinum Equity to Acquire Horticultural Container Manufacturer HC Companies July 17, 2023 LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2023 — Platinum Equity announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire The HC Companies, a leading North American manufacturer of horticultural containers.Financial terms were not disc... Read More previous Next
Platinum Equity Completes Acquisition of High Temperature Solutions Business from Imerys for €930 Million
Home / News / Platinum Equity Completes Acquisition Of High Temperature Solutions Business From Imerys For E930 Million
HTS to operate under Calderys brand and combine with pending Platinum acquisition HarbisonWalker International to create a global refractories provider with a comprehensive product portfolio and expanded reachLOS ANGELES and PARIS (January 31, 2023) – Platinum Equity today announced that the acquisition of Imerys SA’s High Temperature Solutions business (HTS) in a transaction valued at approximately €930 million has been completed.The company, which will operate under the Calderys brand going forward, is a leading global provider for industries operating in high temperature conditions and serves more than 6,000 customers in the iron and steel, thermal and foundry markets. The business generated revenues of €981 million in 2022 and has 36 industrial sites in 16 countries.In December, Platinum Equity announced plans to acquire HarbisonWalker International (HWI), a supplier of refractory products and services in North America. That transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2023.Once the HWI acquisition has been completed, Calderys and HWI will combine into a global business with increased reach and scale. In spite of a challenging M&A market, we are continuing to find attractive opportunities to put capital to work and provide divestiture solutions that deliver speed and certainty. Calderys and HWI will be a great fit together, with complementary footprints and product portfolios. We expect the combination to create exciting growth opportunities for both businesses. Louis Samson, Partner, Platinum Equity “In spite of a challenging M&A market, we are continuing to find attractive opportunities to put capital to work and provide divestiture solutions that deliver speed and certainty,” said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson. “Calderys and HWI will be a great fit together, with complementary footprints and product portfolios. We expect the combination to create exciting growth opportunities for both businesses.”“This is a key milestone in our history,” said Michel Cornelissen, President and CEO of Calderys. “As a standalone company, we expect to be even more agile, improving our ability to deliver solutions that help our customers meet the demands of tomorrow, especially in terms of energy transition.”Calderys products are used in thermal applications that serve general industrial, construction, and automotive end markets, which are all sectors in which Platinum Equity has made significant investments.Platinum Equity has also owned several companies in the materials space, including steel processors Ryerson and PNA Group, and Kymera, which produces a variety of specialty materials, powders, pastes and granules used in a wide range of metallurgical, chemical and industrial processes.Platinum Equity said it will continue to seek more opportunities to help the combined Calderys-HWI business grow both organically and through additional acquisitions in key product areas and geographies.“The refractories market is highly fragmented and the integrated business will provide a scalable platform with meaningful opportunities to grow,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke. “We are excited about the prospects in this space and look forward to putting our M&A and operational resources to work.”The Calderys-HWI business will further expand Platinum Equity’s growing portfolio of European investments.“We have had a lot of success as a transaction partner in Europe and are committed to continuing to invest in the region,” added Mr. Samson.Other current European Platinum Equity investments include: European vacation rentals group Awaze (London); private label sweet biscuits manufacturer Biscuit International (Paris); global marine contractor De Wave Group (Genoa, Italy); wine producer Fantini Group Vini (Ortona, Italy); seafood provider Iberconsa (Vigo, Spain); UK property services firm Leaders Romans Group (Berkshire, England); and environmental services business Urbaser (Madrid).National Bank Financial Inc. served as financial advisor to Platinum Equity on the Calderys acquisition. Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provided legal counsel to Platinum Equity on the transaction.About Platinum EquityFounded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with approximately $36 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. The firm is currently investing from Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, a $10 billion global buyout fund, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a $1.5 billion buyout fund focused on investment opportunities in the lower middle market. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 27 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 350 acquisitions.
Year In Review: Platinum Equity marks an impactful 2022 with new platforms, 61 add-ons, ESG strides and philanthropic outreach
Home / News / Year In Review Platinum Equity Marks An Impactful 2022 With New Platforms 61 Add Ons Esg Strides And Philanthropic Outreach
After a record-breaking 2021 for M&A, deal activity slowed globally in 2022. The reasons for the slowdown are well-reported, but it was still a landmark year for Platinum Equity and its portfolio companies. There were transactions in Europe, a result of Platinum Equity’s commitment to the continent. There were significant exits. There was another example of the value Platinum Equity can provide to founder-owned businesses. The firm and its portfolio companies made strides in the areas of ESG, and as the world eased pandemic safety measures, the philanthropic presence of Platinum Equity and CEO Tom Gores continued to grow. And although economic conditions remain uncertain, the firm, founded in 1995, is poised for an impactful 2023. “We're here because we execute, we have a sense of urgency,” Gores said. “There's a certain culture that we have. It's not a feeling, it's the way you do things, it's the way you act. Whatever comes our way, we will act the same as we have for 28 years. We will keep our core fundamentals.” "We're built for a tough market, so we're prepared for whatever comes in 2023. We're going to keep doing our job.” Here is a look back at 2022: We're here because we execute, we have a sense of urgency. There's a certain culture that we have. It's not a feeling, it's the way you do things, it's the way you act. Whatever comes our way, we will act the same as we have for 28 years. We will keep our core fundamentals. Tom Gores, Platinum Equity Chairman and CEO Platinum Equity adds two companies to European portfolio In a year of measured M&A activity, Platinum Equity added two European companies to the firm’s growing portfolio. In January, Platinum Equity announced the acquisition of UK-based Leaders Romans Group, a property services firm. In July, the firm announced an agreement to acquire Imerys SA’s high temperature solutions business, which is located in Paris. Platinum Equity’s European portfolio now includes: Spain-headquartered global environmental services leader Urbaser and global frozen seafood company Iberconsa, European vacation rentals group Awaze, European private label sweet biscuits manufacturer Biscuit International, Italy-based global marine contractor De Wave Group and global wine distributor Fantini Group Vini. The growing European footprint is a testament to Platinum Equity’s commitment of resources over the last 20 years. Hop Lun acquisition an example of Platinum Equity’s appeal to founder-owned businesses The acquisition of global women’s apparel company Hop Lun, which is based in Hong Kong, is another instance of Platinum Equity building a solid working relationship with a founder-owned business. Current Platinum Equity portfolio companies Game Taco, Mad Engine, Arrow International, L&R Distributors and Centerfield were also acquired from company founders. Founded by Erik Ryd in 1992, the Hop Lun investment was led by Platinum Equity’s Singapore office, which Partner Jacob Kotzubei oversees. He said: “Hop Lun is a really great example of Platinum Equity’s tenacity and our ability to win over sellers in terms of just being a firm that really values the human side of our business equation. There are many founder or family-owned businesses facing succession or other issues that need a partner who can not only provide capital, but also operational expertise. We have a lot of experience in those situations.” Portfolio companies aggressively seek add-on opportunities Platinum Equity completed 61 add-on acquisitions across its portfolio in 2022. Club Car’s acquisition of Garia, a Danish low-speed electric vehicle, was one of many such acquisitions designed to spur international expansion. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle reported the transaction “will help expand the golf cart manufacturer’s reach in the growing global market.” McGraw Hill (Boards & Beyond), Deluxe (Post Haste Digital), Solenis (Clearon Corp.), Cision (Streem) and Paramount Global Surfaces (Stone Source) were among the portfolio companies to execute notable acquisitions. Platinum Equity, Ball Corp. exit Ball Metalpack for $1.35 billion When Platinum Equity and Ball Corporation completed the $1.35 billion sale of steel container manufacturer Ball Metalpack to Sonoco, it marked another exit from a Platinum Equity-sponsored partnership with a corporate seller. Platinum Equity has exited similar partnerships with Caterpillar (Neovia Logistics), Emerson (Artesyn Technologies and Vertiv), and Telstra (Sensis). Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson said: “We find that corporate sellers can benefit from a structure that allows for a partial sale at the outset of their divestment process, with the opportunity to deliver incremental value by participating in the upside we can create together.” Ingram Micro, Platinum Equity divest Commercial & Lifecycle Business for $3 billion The closing of the sale of most of portfolio company Ingram Micro's Commerce & Lifecycle Services Business to CMA CGM Group was completed in April. The transaction was valued at approximately $3 billion. The divested CLS business specializes in eCommerce contract logistics and omni-channel fulfillment. Platinum Equity acquired Ingram Micro for $7.2 billion in 2021. Platinum Equity Partner Jacob Kotzubei said: “Divesting the majority of CLS allows the company to focus more intensely on those things we believe can have the largest impact for the company and its partners.” Ingram also acquired Keenondots, which strengthens its cloud platform. Full exit of PAE ($1.9 billion) establishes Platinum Equity in government services sector Platinum Equity fully exited PAE Incorporated after the approximately $1.9 billion sale to an affiliate of Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC. Platinum Equity acquired the government services provider in 2016 and took it public in 2020. PAE is a global leader in delivering mission-critical smart solutions to the U.S. government and its allies on all seven continents. Add-on acquisitions of FCi Federal, Macfadden & Associates, CENTRA Technology, and Metis Solutions helped diversify its customer base, contract portfolio and geographic reach. PAE became publicly traded in 2020 via a transaction with a special purpose acquisition company, after which certain affiliates of Platinum Equity retained ownership of approximately 23.6% of the company’s shares. Those shares were sold in connection with the Amentum transaction. Platinum Equity, portfolio companies make ESG strides Platinum Equity provided a comprehensive summary of the firm’s approach to ESG in the form of an Environmental, Social and Governance Report for 2021. Some of the highlights of the summary include: signing the United Nation’s Principles of Responsible Investment, 100 percent of investments underwent ESG due diligence, 62 percent of 2021 new hires were from diverse candidates and 100 percent of firm employees completed anti-discrimination/harassment training. The ESG efforts of portfolio companies like Ingram Micro, Urbaser, Husky and Solenis were featured in the summary. Portfolio companies’ ESG efforts were also in the news with Solenis earning recognition from Time Magazine for its role in developing PFAS-free packaging. Aventiv Technologies transformation takes significant steps Under the direction of Platinum Equity leadership, Aventiv Technologies appointed an independent advisory board comprised of experts and advocates for reentry preparation, rehabilitation programming and access to technology for the incarcerated community. The board chairwoman is Teresa Hodge, a formerly incarcerated executive, who now is the CEO of Mission: Launch, a nonprofit that works with financial institutions to help the formerly incarcerated get access to capital to start businesses. It was one of several advancements that has helped to accelerate the company’s transformation to make its services more accessible, affordable and accountable. Platinum Equity acquired the technology provider for the incarcerated community in 2017. Hodge said: “This board is incredibly important to changing the status quo because we understand how important it is to actually listen to diverse voices when addressing the problems in the system, and Aventiv is committed to listening to all of us." Gores to business leaders and policymakers: ‘We have to listen to each other’ Gores, who was raised in Flint, Mich., was a featured speaker at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual policy gathering of lawmakers and business leaders in Michigan. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer were among the notable names attending. The theme of the conference was the business community’s role in polarizing times and Gores told the audience: “You have to establish common ground with everyone. We have to listen to each other. … We have to be open, otherwise we’re fraught with misunderstanding. That’s an important part of the culture. I run my company that way. I run my family that way.” Gores pledges $100 million to launch national charitable organization At the conference, Gores also announced plans to contribute $100 million to build a national charitable organization. A few days earlier, Gores announced plans to build a $20 million community center on Detroit’s west side. The announcements were in addition to continued philanthropic efforts with long-time partners SAY Detroit, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Toys for Tots and Voices for Children. After a Gores donation of $100,000 led to the successful implementation of a SAY Detroit charitable program in the summer of 2021, another $100,000 donation sponsored an entrepreneurial program last summer which resulted in Pistons-themed merchandise being sold by the NBA franchise in December. Proceeds benefited SAY Detroit. Platinum Equity begins mentorship program at Detroit charter school Platinum Equity introduced a mentorship program for Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. The August event took place at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center. JRLA students were given a tour of the PPC and had breakfast with either a mentor from Platinum Equity or the Pistons organization. Afterward, Platinum Equity Principal Dan Whelan moderated a panel discussion featuring Platinum Equity Partner John Diggins and executives Katie McNaughton and Vince Ellis. The panelists shared their career paths and gave insights into careers in private equity or professional sports. The idea is to establish solid mentorship relationships with students while exposing them to career paths they might not have considered. In February, Platinum Equity is planning to treat JRLA mentees to a Pistons game.
Aventiv leadership tells Axios-sponsored panel discussion that access to technology can reduce recidivism
Home / News / Aventiv Leadership Tells Axios Sponsored Panel Discussion That Access To Technology Can Reduce Recidivism
Aventiv Technologies CEO Dave Abel and advisory board chairwoman Teresa Hodge told Axios that access to technology can help reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for the incarcerated community.The two Aventiv representatives took part in an Axios-sponsored panel discussion for an online audience of policy makers.Abel, who was appointed CEO in 2020, said: “Aventiv is entirely focused on using technology to break this (recidivism) cycle. …. Many studies show that individuals inside facilities that connect with their outside support networks have better results. Technology can help create greater connectivity and communication, particularly when friends and family live hundreds of miles away. “It's important for us to create access for everyone regardless of their ability to pay.”Hodge, who is president and CEO of prison advocacy nonprofit Mission: Launch, added: “I believe the more we use technology and the more we allow technology to be used for individuals who are coming home, we’re going to see those recidivism rates lower and we’re going to have better outcomes for individuals in society at large.”Platinum Equity acquired Aventiv, a communications services provider to the incarcerated community, in 2017. Platinum Equity has sponsored a comprehensive transformation at Aventiv to make its services more accessible, affordable and accountable.
Statement From Aventiv Technologies on the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022
Home / News / Statement From Aventiv Technologies On The Martha Wright Reed Just And Reasonable Communications Act Of 2022
“We support the legislation and believe it is long overdue for our industry to stop fighting with reform-minded legislators and regulators. Instead, we have adopted a more collaborative approach that balances the needs of the incarcerated individuals and their families who use and pay for our services, and the corrections agencies that contract for them. “In stark contrast with many other providers of inmate communications services, we are aligned with Congress and the FCC on a shared vision of affordability, accessibility and thoughtful regulation that ensures incarcerated individuals benefit from technology that makes rehabilitative justice a reality. “To that end we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to eliminate digital deserts in correctional facilities. Our company, with the full engagement of our ownership, has made dramatic changes to our business and advocated for a reform agenda across the country. We have renegotiated hundreds of contracts, provided no-commission options to government customers where desired, helped preserve public safety, and modernized our offerings even as we have reduced the average cost of our calls. “We will continue to work with regulators to take a data-driven approach that delivers technology solutions that are affordable and accessible to consumers. Regulation needs to help drive capital and resources into prisons so people are given the tools to have better outcomes, as it takes investment of capital to bridge the digital divide in prisons. “We look forward to working collaboratively with regulators and legislators to advance that outcome in the rule-making process. Working collaboratively with the FCC, we can take another step forward now, and we should.”
Aventiv Technologies Welcomes Agreement with New York AG Office
Home / News / Aventiv Technologies Welcomes Agreement With New York Ag Office
Dallas, TX – Aventiv Technologies today issued the following statement in support of its subsidiary company JPay, LLC’s agreement with the State of New York Attorney General’s office to provide free stamps to JPay consumers incarcerated at NYSDOCCS and pay a one-time $50,000.00 fine associated with customer service complaints regarding the operability of older generation media tablets at correctional facilities in New York State. “We welcome this agreement with the New York Attorney General’s Office. Aventiv has been making dramatic progress in our multiyear transformation from a traditional telecommunications company into a modern technology provider supporting better rehabilitative outcomes. One of the ways we’ve made progress is by being collaborative with regulators instead of treating them like adversaries. As noted in the agreement, the complaints that the Attorney General’s office conveyed were issues we were already working to correct because, frankly, our company agreed with our consumers,” said Dave Abel, President and CEO of Aventiv Technologies and its subsidiary JPay. “As part of our transformation, we prioritized listening to consumers and customers. We received unambiguous feedback requiring immediate attention. We faced a service problem, not a feedback problem. We needed to immediately address the quality of tablet services in New York State. That’s why we made a major leadership change and hired our inaugural Chief Product Officer, Alex Yeo. Alex brought us a proven skill-set enhancing customer and consumer experience through new product innovation, and we empowered him to lead the way on product improvement.” “We’ve been collaborating with sales and operations to accelerate initiatives improving consumer and customer service — including new measurements to track progress, a targeted program for customer and consumer response to remediate problems, and an effort to strengthen our tablet ticketing team. Those measurements are providing clear benchmarks for continued improvements. Most importantly, we are moving to put 600,000 free tablets in the hands of incarcerated individuals nationwide by the end of the year and we believe our newest products are the best tablets yet deployed to support our consumers,” said Alex Yeo, Aventiv Chief Product Officer. “We are grateful to the New York Attorney General for her attention to these issues, and for the work her office does every day for consumers. They help give a voice to incarcerated individuals and play a critical role in boosting accountability across industries that for too long have been insular and unresponsive.”
Hop Lun
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Hop Lun Print Print Private Transaction Active Asia Pacific Consumer Consumer Durables One of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of undergarments and swimwear sold in the US, UK and EU Company Overview Hop Lun produces products for many of the world’s largest global retailers as well as for its own in-house brands.The company employs more than 20,000 people and has manufacturing operations in Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia. Transaction Description Acquired a controlling stake in September 2022 from the company’s founder. M&A Activity Acquired Rainbow West Apparel in December 2023 Employees 20K+ 9 Wing Hong St, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong One of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of undergarments and swimwear sold in the US, UK and EU Company Overview Hop Lun produces products for many of the world’s largest global retailers as well as for its own in-house brands.The company employs more than 20,000 people and has manufacturing operations in Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia. Employees 20K+ Transaction Description Acquired a controlling stake in September 2022 from the company’s founder. M&A Activity Acquired Rainbow West Apparel in December 2023 9 Wing Hong St, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong Latest Article Cabinetworks Group introduces new $8 million corporate headquarters, brings 110 new jobs to Detroit suburb December 20, 2023 LIVONIA, Mich. - With various local and state officials on hand, Cabinetworks Group officially opened its new $8 million corporate headquarters in December. CEO John Barkhouse and Chief Human Resource Officer Jo Ann Morell... Read More Latest Article Platinum Equity Portfolio Company Hop Lun Acquires Ranbow West Apparel December 19, 2023 LOS ANGELES and HONG KONG (Dec. 18, 2023) – Platinum Equity portfolio company Hop Lun, one of the world’s largest designers and manufacturers of undergarments and swimwear, announced today the acquisition of Rainbow West ... Read More Latest Article BlueCrest introduces OttoMate, a collaborative robot, which aims to increase productivity and reduce labor-intensive tasks in mailrooms December 12, 2023 BlueCrest recently unveiled OttoMate, its first collaborative robot, which is engineered to work alongside human workers to automate various tasks in the mailing industry. In response to prevailing labor challenges in the ... Read More previous Next Our Portfolio Explore the full Platinum Equity portfolio of companies by transaction type, industry, location or ownership status. BROWSE NOW
Platinum Equity to Acquire HarbisonWalker International
Home / News / Platinum Equity To Acquire Harbisonwalker International
HWI to join forces with Imerys SA’s High Temperature Solutions business, creating a global refractories provider with a comprehensive product portfolio and expanded reachLOS ANGELES (December 14, 2022) – Platinum Equity announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement to acquire HarbisonWalker International (HWI), a supplier of refractory products and services in North America.Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.“We are pleased to provide a divestiture solution that delivers speed and certainty in a challenging M&A market,” said Platinum Equity partner Louis Samson. “HarbisonWalker has built an impressive organization and we have deep respect for the company’s legacy, culture and commitment to serving its customers. We are excited to continue investing in its growth.”In July, Platinum Equity announced plans to acquire Imerys SA’s High Temperature Solutions business (HTS), a provider of refractory solutions serving more than 6,000 customers primarily in Europe and Asia, in a transaction that is expected to close by the end of the year.Once both acquisitions have been completed, HWI and HTS will combine into a global business with increased reach and scale. “We are pleased to provide a divestiture solution that delivers speed and certainty in a challenging M&A market. HarbisonWalker has built an impressive organization and we have deep respect for the company’s legacy, culture and commitment to serving its customers. We are excited to continue investing in its growth.” Louis Samson, Partner, Platinum Equity “HWI’s presence in North America complements HTS’s business in Europe and Asia,” added Mr. Samson. “Their product portfolios are also highly complementary and will create a comprehensive, well-rounded offering of brick and powder-based refractories for a global customer base. We expect the combination to immediately open up new avenues for growth on both sides.”Platinum Equity said it will seek additional opportunities to help the combined company grow both organically and through additional acquisitions in key product areas and geographies.“The refractories industry is highly fragmented and this combination will create a global platform with meaningful opportunities to further expand,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke. “We are excited about the prospects in this space and look forward to putting our M&A and operational resources to work.”Kirkland & Ellis is providing legal counsel to Platinum Equity on the acquisition of HWI.About Platinum EquityFounded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with approximately $36 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. The firm is currently investing from Platinum Equity Capital Partners V, a $10 billion global buyout fund, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a $1.5 billion buyout fund focused on investment opportunities in the lower middle market. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 27 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 350 acquisitions.Media ContactsJennifer Faines, HarbisonWalker International(412) 559-2860jfaines@thinkhwi.com
