Graham Partners Lands It Latest Acquisition: Schneller

Graham Partners, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based private equity firm specializing in buyouts of middle market manufacturing companies, has acquired Schneller, Inc. Headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Schneller is a leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered decorative laminates, thermoplastic sheet and non-textile flooring serving the worldwide aviation, rail and architectural markets. With operations in Ohio, Florida, Singapore and France, Schneller offers the broadest line of proprietary interior laminates that meet both FAA and EASA regulations, including strict flammability, durability and safety standards.

Graham’s strategy is to acquire industrial businesses that are benefiting from raw materials and technology conversions taking place in their industries, where Graham can utilize its extensive operating resources and industrial network to add value during its holding period. Schneller is benefiting from a shift in the international commercial aerospace sector to wide-body planes, which require greater quantities of laminate material, as well as from increasing use of decorative laminates in lieu of other materials in aircraft interiors. Schneller is also poised to experience growing demand for its proprietary resin-based translucent architectural panels as a result of their enhanced design characteristics.

“We knew early in our evaluation process that Schneller would be an excellent fit for Graham Partners, considering our focus on leading, high value-added manufacturers,” stated Chris Lawler, Managing Principal of Graham Partners. “As we interfaced with the Company’s highly capable management team during the transaction process, we became increasingly convinced that Schneller holds great promise as a core investment for Graham.”

Rick Organ, CEO of Schneller, said, “We have created a unique franchise with several high growth proprietary product offerings with unparalleled customer service and support. Our reputation is built on our relentless focus on developing innovative, aesthetically attractive products that meet very stringent regulatory standards. We have developed a high regard for the Graham team and, together, we expect continued success.”

Although terms of the transaction were not disclosed, GE Antares led the senior debt financing and Goldman Sachs provided the subordinated debt to support the transaction. William Blair & Company, L.L.C. was Schneller’s financial advisor.

About Graham Partners (www.grahampartners.net): Graham Partners is a leading, lower middle market industrial private equity firm based in suburban Philadelphia with over $850 million under management. Graham Partners is sponsored by the privately held Graham Group of York, Pennsylvania, an industrial and investment concern with global interests in plastics, packaging, machinery, building products and outsource manufacturing. Graham Partners seeks to acquire industrial companies with revenues between $20 million and $350 million that participate in manufacturing niches where it can leverage its unique combination of operating resources and financial expertise.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Chris Lawler (clawler@grahampartners.net)
Adam Piatkowski (apiatkowski@grahampartners.net)
Christina Morin (cmorin@grahampartners.net)
Tel: (610) 408-0500 / Fax: (610) 408-0600
www.grahampartners.net