Highlander Partners

Highlander Partners is a private equity firm established in 2004 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Founded by Laurence E. Hirsch and Michael R. Nicolais, the firm focuses on making direct private equity and mezzanine investments across a diverse range of sectors, including light manufacturing, basic materials, food products, business and industrial services, as well as value-added distribution. Highlander Partners has a significant presence in North America and Europe, with a U.S. office dedicated to investments throughout the continent and an additional office in Warsaw, Poland, aimed at opportunities in Central Europe. The firm manages over $600 million in capital, with a substantial portion allocated to its investment strategies in the United States and Central Europe.

Jeff L. Hull

President

Donald J. McNamara

Associate

Robert Sussman

CFO

Nicholas Thicksten

Director and Co-Portfolio Manager

23 past transactions

The ERGObaby Carrier

Acquisition in 2024
The ERGObaby Carrier, Inc. is a designer, marketer and distributor of premium baby carriers and related products.

Black Sage Technologies

Acquisition in 2023
Black Sage Technologies Inc. specializes in the manufacture and integration of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) solutions, aimed at protecting people and critical infrastructure worldwide. Founded in 2014 and based in Boise, Idaho, the company focuses on developing defense technology systems that address threats posed by unauthorized drones and remote-piloted aircraft. Its autonomous C-UAS solutions utilize a combination of sensors, effectors, and machine intelligence tools to detect, identify, and neutralize such threats. By fulfilling counter-UAS mission requirements, Black Sage Technologies enhances safety and security across diverse environments and operational scenarios.

DZYNE Technologies

Acquisition in 2023
DZYNE Technologies specializes in the design and manufacture of autonomous aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), primarily serving the U.S. Department of Defense and various government agencies both domestically and internationally. The company focuses on creating innovative solutions that integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, image understanding, and automated sensor analytics. DZYNE Technologies manages the entire process from concept development and rapid prototyping to the delivery of operational systems. Their team of experts encompasses diverse fields, including aerodynamics, structural design, systems engineering, and flight testing, allowing for the development of UAS with enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

Liteye Systems

Acquisition in 2022
Liteye Systems is a manufacturer and integrator of defense systems focused on protecting lives and critical infrastructure from various threats. Established in 1999, the company specializes in developing both military and commercial solutions, including drone sense and warn systems, high-resolution head-mounted displays, micro imaging viewfinders, thermal and covert surveillance systems, electronic warfare packages, and radar systems. In addition to manufacturing, Liteye Systems offers sales, service, training, and support in North America, ensuring that their products are effectively utilized in multiple domains and missions.

McIntosh Group

Acquisition in 2022
McIntosh Group specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of high-end audio equipment. The company produces a variety of audio products, including speakers, valve amplifiers, home theater systems, monoblocks, digital amplifiers, preamplifiers, and headphones. With a focus on delivering reliable products with short production times, McIntosh Group serves both businesses and the automotive industry, ensuring that its clients receive quality audio solutions tailored to their needs.

DSS

Acquisition in 2022
DSS offer a wide variety of complete scaffold systems, including ring lock scaffolding systems, cup lock scaffolding systems, clamps, accessories, ladders, and planks. Additionally, they offer scaffolding systems designed to provide access to boiler systems for cleaning and maintenance.

RMS Beauty

Acquisition in 2021
RMS Beauty is a cosmetics company based in Charleston that focuses on creating organic skincare products for women. The brand offers a variety of clean beauty items, including eye shadow, mascara, lip balm, skin powder, nail polish, and contour powder. By prioritizing healthy ingredients, RMS Beauty aims to provide consumers with effective and safe beauty solutions that align with their wellness values.

Evans Food Group

Acquisition in 2019
Evans Food Group Ltd., established as a global producer, specializes in the manufacture of branded and private label finished pork rinds and pork rind pellets. The company operates five production facilities strategically located in Chicago, IL; Arlington, TX; Portsmouth, OH; Ontario, CA; and Saltillo, Mexico, enabling it to serve both the United States and international markets. Its product portfolio includes pork pellets, rinds, and other pork products.

Ares Group

Acquisition in 2019
Ares is a healthcare provider based in Romania, specializing in interventional cardiology and radiology procedures. The company operates clinics in Bucharest, where it offers a range of services including coronary angioplasty, electrophysiology-based procedures, angiography, and various diagnostic assessments such as Holter ECG, Doppler ultrasound, and blood pressure monitoring. Ares collaborates with a highly trained medical team composed of leading cardiologists from Romania and Europe, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for their cardiac conditions in one location.

SFERRA

Acquisition in 2018
SFERRA is a manufacturer and retailer of high-quality Italian-made linen products, headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. The company specializes in a diverse range of offerings, including bedding items such as duvet covers, sheets, and blankets, as well as bath products like towels and robes. Additionally, SFERRA provides table linens, decorative throws, pillows, and baby gifts, catering to both home furnishing and hotel industries. With a commitment to craftsmanship and luxury, SFERRA aims to deliver elegant and functional textile solutions to its customers in the United States and internationally.

Kernel Season’s

Acquisition in 2018
Chicago Custom Foods, the maker of Kernel Season's popcorn seasonings and Tasty Shakes oatmeal add-ins, is a leader in branded seasonings sold to consumers at movie theaters and retailers, including mass merchants, grocery stores and specialty retailers throughout North America and internationally.

Biamp Systems

Acquisition in 2017
Biamp Systems, LLC specializes in designing and manufacturing professional audio and video systems. The company offers a wide range of products, including networked digital audio platforms, digital signal processors, amplifiers, microphones, loudspeakers, and video encoders/decoders. Biamp's solutions cater to various applications such as corporate boardrooms, conference centers, healthcare facilities, and transportation hubs. In addition to its hardware offerings, the company develops software for audio and logic connections and provides services for distance conferencing and voice evacuation systems. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, with additional engineering operations in Brisbane, Australia, Biamp Systems focuses on delivering high-quality, reliable audio-visual solutions for industries such as government, education, and healthcare. The company emphasizes a comprehensive manufacturing process that includes design, prototyping, and quality assurance, ensuring shorter lead times and superior product performance.

Rotometal

Private Equity Round in 2017
Rotometal Sp. z o.o. S.K., founded in 2006 and based in Świebodzin, Poland, specializes in designing and manufacturing precision tools for the printing and label industry. The company produces a variety of products, including magnetic cylinders, printing cylinders, rotary cutting units, anvils, and other essential tools for flexographic printing. With a workforce of over 40 highly qualified employees, Rotometal emphasizes precision and quality in its operations. Initially focused on CNC turning, milling, and grinding services, the company expanded its offerings by partnering with Gerhardt Company, a leading manufacturer in the sector. This collaboration enabled Rotometal to enhance its product range and cater to the needs of printing companies both domestically and internationally. The company is committed to providing comprehensive service for the tools it manufactures, ensuring customer satisfaction through reliable and accurate equipment.

Gimbal Brothers

Acquisition in 2017
Gimbal Brothers, established in 1898 and based in Fairfield, California, is a prominent manufacturer of gummy vitamins and gourmet jelly beans. The company is recognized for its commitment to exceptional product quality, customer service, and innovation. Gimbal's offers a diverse range of gourmet confections, including flavors such as cherry, cinnamon, and licorice, along with seasonal candies. Their production facility boasts fully integrated manufacturing capabilities and is certified SQF Level 3, ensuring high standards for food safety and quality. Gimbal's products enjoy a loyal consumer base and are widely available in national retailers across North America.

Hi-Tech Industries

Acquisition in 2017
Hi-Tech Industries, Inc., founded in 1940 and based in Farmington, Michigan, specializes in distributing a wide range of car care products tailored for the professional automotive appearance industry. The company offers an extensive assortment of premium products, including aerosol carpet dyes, specialty paints, odor eliminators, and adhesive carpet films. Hi-Tech is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of professional detailers, car washes, and auto dealerships globally. With over 70 years of experience, Hi-Tech Industries is committed to delivering innovative solutions and timely service to ensure customer satisfaction. Their products are utilized in various settings, including car washes, body shops, and auto auctions, where professional reconditioning is essential.

Fuerst Day Lawson

Acquisition in 2016
Fuerst Day Lawson is a London-based company that manufactures and supplies specialist ingredients for the food, beverage, fragrance, and chemical industries. The company focuses on the concept development and technical assistance of various products, including flavors, bakery pastes, fruit compotes, granolas, and vitamin ingredients. By providing these specialized ingredients, Fuerst Day Lawson aims to assist its clients in differentiating their offerings within competitive markets.

QFG Spółka

Acquisition in 2016
QFG Spółka z o.o. is a meat processing company based in Radom, Poland, specializing in a diverse range of high-quality poultry, beef, and pork products. The company produces ready-to-cook and partly prepared meat dishes, catering to various segments including foodservice, specialty distributors, and retail resellers across Poland and Western Europe. QFG's product offerings include chilled and frozen items, such as breaded and non-breaded options, as well as frozen uncooked, cooked, and baked products. Additionally, the company provides sterilized and pasteurized options designed for extended shelf life, ensuring they meet the specific needs of their customers in the food market.

Versatex Building Products

Acquisition in 2014
Versatex Building Products is a manufacturer and supplier based in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, specializing in cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) building products. The company focuses on the PVC trim market, leveraging innovative processes to create moisture and insect-resistant products that cater to both residential and commercial clients. With an experienced management team boasting over 60 years in the PVC building products industry, Versatex emphasizes superior service and quality. The company's approach is characterized by attentiveness to customer needs, allowing for rapid responses and the development of effective product solutions for builders and contractors. Through its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Versatex aims to offer high-quality, durable products at competitive prices.

ProService Finteco

Acquisition in 2012
ProService Transfer Agency Sp. z o.o. (“ProService TA”) is a highly specialized company offering financial services in handling products related to investment funds in Poland and foreign countries as well as specialized insurance and banking products. Their clients appreciate our experience, stability and multi-level cooperation, with a view to implementation of their innovative and personalized requirements. They are a reliable and trustworthy business partner for companies seeking innovate business solutions based on high safety and quality standards. By means of our experience, excellence standards and proven operating procedures we provide a high quality service which has been confirmed by independent auditors who granted us ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and compliance report in accordance with ISAE 3402 (to 2012, SAS 70) standard.

ZREW Transformatory

Acquisition in 2012
ZREW Transformatory S.A. specializes in the manufacturing, repair, and upgrading of oil-immersed power transformers. The company produces a variety of transformers for distribution networks, including unit transformers for power plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants, as well as special transformers for furnaces and rectifiers. In addition to manufacturing, ZREW provides comprehensive services such as on-site and in-station testing, fault diagnostics, and transformer repairs. Their repair and upgrade services encompass the construction of new windings, modifications to electrical parameters, replacement of insulation and electrical systems, and vacuum drying processes. Founded in 1956 and based in Lodz, Poland, ZREW Transformatory S.A. operates as a subsidiary of R&S International Holding AG and was previously known as Polimex-Mostostal S.A. before rebranding in December 2012.

MEDI-System

Acquisition in 2011
MEDI-System is a provider of private healthcare services in Poland, focusing on rehabilitation and specialized care. The company offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from severe injuries, surgeries, spinal injuries, neurological diseases, strokes, and brain injuries. In addition to rehabilitation, MEDI-System delivers specialized care for patients in a vegetative state, including those in comas, and provides consultation services to support patient recovery and well-being.

Akomex

Acquisition in 2010
Akomex sp. z o.o. is a manufacturer of packaging products that specializes in corrugated and solid fiberboard. The company serves various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, technology, personal care, and home appliances. Akomex produces a range of high-quality products, such as printed packaging boards, solid cardboard, leaflets, labels, trays, and laminated sheets. Its focus on quality and versatility enables it to meet the diverse packaging needs of its clients across multiple industries.

Pioneer Surgical

Venture Round in 2007
Pioneer Surgical Technology is a Michigan-based medical company that specializes in providing a range of implants to surgeons, including biologic, metal, and synthetic options. Established in 1992 by Edward Ahn, the company offers products such as cardiothoracic metal cables, planting systems, orthobiologics, and sports medicine solutions. In addition to implant manufacturing, Pioneer Surgical Technology also provides donor services, facilitating tissue donation for individuals. The company is dedicated to supporting surgical procedures with innovative and reliable implant solutions.
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