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.

Raluca Nita

Managing Director, CEE - Romania

Robert Sussman

CFO

Nicholas Thicksten

Director and Co-Portfolio Manager

23 past transactions

The ERGObaby Carrier

Acquisition in 2024
The ERGObaby Carrier focuses on the design and marketing of wearable baby carriers, strollers, and related accessories. The company specializes in soft-structured baby carriers and wraps that are engineered to cradle infants in a natural sitting position, ensuring an even distribution of weight across the caregiver's hips and shoulders. Their product range includes swaddlers, infant inserts, changing pads, sleep and nursing accessories, front pouches, backpacks, weather covers, and replacement parts, all aimed at enhancing the comfort and care of babies. By prioritizing both functionality and the well-being of infants, ERGObaby provides solutions that allow parents to manage daily activities while keeping their children close and secure.

Black Sage Technologies

Acquisition in 2023
Black Sage Technologies Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Boise, Idaho, specializes in the manufacture and integration of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) solutions. The company develops advanced defense technology systems designed to protect people and critical infrastructure from threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. Black Sage's autonomous C-UAS systems utilize a combination of sensors, effectors, and machine intelligence to detect, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drones and other remote-piloted aircraft. These systems serve a variety of applications, including critical infrastructure protection, internal security, and civil defense, ensuring safety and security in diverse threat environments.

DZYNE Technologies

Acquisition in 2023
DZYNE Technologies specializes in the development of innovative autonomous aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) aimed at serving the U.S. Department of Defense and various government agencies globally. The company engages in the entire process, from concept creation and rapid prototyping to the delivery of operational systems. With expertise in aerodynamics, structural design, systems engineering, and flight testing, DZYNE integrates advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and automated sensor analytics, into its aircraft. This diverse technological portfolio enables the production of UAS equipped for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions, thereby enhancing operational capabilities for its clients.

Liteye Systems

Acquisition in 2022
Liteye Systems is a manufacturer and integrator specializing in multi-domain and multi-mission defense systems aimed at protecting lives and critical infrastructure from various threats. Established in 1999, the company operates primarily in North America, offering a range of products and services including drone sense and warn systems, rugged high-resolution head-mounted displays, micro imaging viewfinders, thermal and covert surveillance systems, as well as electronic warfare packages and radar systems. In addition to product development, Liteye Systems provides sales, service, training, and support to ensure effective implementation and operation of their defense solutions.

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. It serves both businesses and the automotive industry, focusing on delivering reliable products with efficient production timelines. McIntosh Group is recognized for its commitment to quality and innovation in the audio market.

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 specializes in manufacturing beauty products for women. The company focuses on offering a range of organic skincare items, including eye shadow, mascara, lip balm, skin powder, nail polish, and contour powder. RMS Beauty emphasizes the importance of healthy and clean beauty products, catering to consumers who prioritize organic ingredients in their cosmetics.

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 Group is a healthcare provider based in Bucharest, Romania, specializing in interventional cardiology and radiology procedures. The company operates clinics that offer a comprehensive range of services, including coronary angioplasty, electrophysiology procedures, and angiography, as well as diagnostic tests such as Holter ECG, Doppler ultrasound, and blood pressure monitoring. Ares Group collaborates with a highly skilled medical team comprising leading cardiologists from Romania and Europe, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care for a variety of cardiac conditions in a single 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., established in 2006 and based in Świebodzin, Poland, specializes in designing and manufacturing precision tools for the printing and label industry. The company produces a range of products including magnetic cylinders, printing cylinders, rotary dies, and various cutting units, catering to clients both domestically and internationally. With a dedicated workforce of over 40 highly qualified employees, Rotometal emphasizes precision and quality in its offerings, ensuring that the tools meet the demanding requirements of the printing sector. Initially focusing on CNC machining services, the company expanded its operations through a partnership with a leading tool manufacturer, enabling it to enhance its product range significantly. Rotometal is committed to providing comprehensive service for the tools it manufactures, maintaining a strong reputation in the printing and converting industries across various regions including Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Gimbal Brothers

Acquisition in 2017
Gimbal Brothers, established in 1898, specializes in the manufacture of high-quality gummy vitamins and gourmet jelly beans. Based in Fairfield, California, the company operates a fully integrated, SQF Level 3 certified manufacturing facility for its products. Known for exceptional product quality and strong innovation, Gimbal's offerings include various flavors of gourmet jelly beans, cherry, cinnamon, licorice, and seasonal candies. These products enjoy a loyal consumer following and are widely available in national retailers across North America.

Hi-Tech Industries

Acquisition in 2017
Hi-Tech Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of car care products based in Farmington, Michigan, established in 1940. The company specializes in supplying the professional car care industry with a wide range of premium products designed for detailers, car washes, and valeters globally. Hi-Tech Industries offers an extensive selection of automotive accessories, including aerosol carpet dyes, specialty paints, odor eliminators, and adhesive carpet films. With a commitment to quality and customer service, the company has refined its offerings over the past 70 years to effectively meet the needs of professionals in car washes, dealerships, body shops, and auto auctions. Through innovative solutions and strong relationships with distributors, Hi-Tech Industries aims to provide cost-effective products that enhance the automotive reconditioning process.

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 of cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) building products, headquartered in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in the cellular PVC trim market, leveraging innovative processes to produce moisture and insect-resistant products. With over 60 years of combined experience in the PVC building products industry, VERSATEX's management team emphasizes superior service and quality, ensuring that they meet the needs of builders and contractors. The company prides itself on being approachable, valuing customer feedback, and responding swiftly to client requirements, which enhances its reputation for reliability in both residential and commercial sectors.

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., based in Lodz, Poland, specializes in the manufacturing, repair, and upgrading of oil-immersed power transformers. The company produces a range of transformers including those for distribution networks, unit transformers for power plants and combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and specialized transformers such as furnace transformers and rectifier units. Additionally, ZREW Transformatory offers on-site or testing station measurement and testing services, along with repair and upgrade services that include constructing new windings, modifying electrical parameters, replacing insulation and seals, and vacuum drying of transformers. Founded in 1956, the company operates as a subsidiary of R&S International Holding AG.

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 Group

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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