Highlander Partners

Highlander Partners, L.P. is an investment firm founded in 2004 by Laurence E. Hirsch, former CEO and Chairman of Centex Corporation, and Michael R. Nicolais, former Co-head of the Dallas Corporate Finance office and Managing Director for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Highlander Partners has investments in a wide range of asset categories, with a principal focus on making direct private equity and mezzanine investments in light manufacturing, basic materials, food products, business and industrial services and value-added distribution companies. Highlander Partners is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, and its U.S. office, headed by Jeff L. Hull, makes private equity and mezzanine investments throughout North America. In 2008, the company opened an office in Warsaw, Poland, led by Dawid Walendowski, in order to make private equity investments throughout Central Europe. Highlander Partners has more than $600 million in capital under management, over $500 million of which is allocated to direct private equity and mezzanine investments in the United States and Central Europe.

Ana Andrei

Associate

Nicoleta Banica

VP

John A. Beckert

Operating Partner

Mark Blanchat

Partner

Stanley C. Bould

Partner - Asian and Alternative Investments

Artur Dzagarow

Managing Partner and CEO

Saurab Guha

VP

Alex L. Guiva

Partner

Dustin M. Herman

Director

Ryan Holcomb

VP

Jeff L. Hull

President and Managing Partner

Robert Koudelka

Senior Associate

Donald J. McNamara

VP

Lauren Miller

Associate

Raluca Nita

MD

David Olsen

MD

Jeff Partridge

Partner

Piotr Poplawski

VP

John Rabenhorst

Director

Kyle Ragsdale

Director

Michael Sherman

Director

Ben R. Slater

Partner

Adrian Stroilescu

MD

Robert A. Sussman

CFO

Nicholas Thicksten

VP

Charles C. Thomas

Director

Paul Valle

MD

34 past transactions

Sferra

Acquisition in 2018
SFERRA Bros., Ltd. produces and sells linen products in the United States and internationally. Its products include duvet covers, sheets, blankets, blanket covers, and decorative throws and accessories; bath towels, robes, and lounge chair covers; duvets and pillows; table linens and accessories; and baby gifts. The company sells its products through stores in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Kingston, Canada. It also offers its products online. The company was formerly known as SFERRA Fine Linens Factory. SFERRA Bros., Ltd. was founded in 1891 and is based in Edison, New Jersey.

Ares

Acquisition in 2019
Ares is a private provider of interventional cardiology procedures in Romania. It collaborates with a highly trained and experienced medical team, formed of leaders in cardiology from Romania and across Europe. Along with interventional cardiology procedures, Ares Centers also perform interventional radiology procedures.

Akomex

Acquisition in 2010
Akomex sp. z o.o. manufactures and supplies packaging products made of corrugated and solid fiberboard. It also offers graphic design, printing, embossing, cutting, gluing, packaging and customizing, and subcontractor’s services. The company serves food, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, chemistry, electronics, advertisement and design, and other industries in Europe. Akomex sp. z o.o. was founded in 1993 and is based in Starogard Gdanski, Poland.

Pioneer Surgical

Venture Round in 2007
Pioneer Surgical Technology is a medical company that provides surgeons with biologic, metal, and synthetic implants. The company provides surgeons with cardiothoracic metal cable, planting, systems, orthobiologics, sports medicine, and biologic- and synthetic-based implants. Furthermore, the company offers donor services by providing individuals with tissue donating options. Pioneer Surgical Technology was founded in 1992 by Edward Ahn and is based in Michigan.

MEDI-System

Acquisition in 2011
MEDI-system provides private health care services in Poland. It offers rehabilitation programs for patients after severe and disabling injuries, surgeries, spinal injury and diseases, brain injury, stroke, or other neurological diseases or disorders; and specialized care for patients in vegetative state, including comas.
Q&K International Group Limited operates a long-term apartment rental platform in the People’s Republic of China. The company sources apartments from landlords, converts them into standardized furnished rooms, and leases to tenants. It also provides Internet connection and utility services as part of the lease agreement. Q&K International Group Limited was founded in 2012 and is based in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China.

Weimob

Merger/Acquisition in 2018
Weimob, a WeChat-based CRM solution provider. Weimob is a SAAS platform that primarily provides enterprises with WeChat-based development, operation, training, and promotional solutions, helping businesses that do not have software development experiences to build m-commerce platforms on WeChat at lower costs. Wemob also provides SCRM and traffic analytic tools, allowing clients to optimize promotion procedure and improve marketing performance.

Gimbal Brothers

Acquisition in 2017
Gimbal’s, founded in 1898, is a leading manufacturer of gummy vitamins and gourmet jelly beans with a long history of exceptional product quality, excellent customer service and strong innovation. The Company has fully integrated manufacturing capabilities and its production facility is SQF Level 3, NSF/CFR111 certified for vitamins and dietary supplements certified. Gimbal’s products have a loyal consumer following and can be found in most national retailers across North America.

Sano Vita

Merger/Acquisition in 2020
Sano Vita produces flakes, pastas and other whole grain derivatives, dried fruits, seeds, legumes, flour, vegetable drinks and bee products. It also offers recipe magazine. The company is headquartered in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania.

Biamp Systems

Merger/Acquisition in 2017
Biamp Systems is a provider of professional AV equipment for business, education, and government facilities. Their manufacturing process is the key. From initial DSP design and engineering development, to prototyping and fabrication, to in-depth testing and quality assurance, they manage everything within their walls. The result is shorter lead times, faster response, and increased convenience for you and your customers. Delivering a quality product experience also means being committed to helping you maintain them. Their applications engineers, customer service team, and regional managers are always there for you. Whether you need help designing a system or finding an answer a specific technical question, they have the expertise to be of service. Their goal is to help to deliver an unmatched level of innovation, quality, and reliability in your AV projects. They do their best work when building AV systems that make you look, and sound, great.

Hillside Candy LLC

Merger/Acquisition in 2016
Hillside Candy LLC produces and distributes candies. The company offers its products under GoLightly, GoOrganic, and Hillside Sweets brand names. Hillside Candy LLC was founded in 1980 and is based in Hillside, New Jersey.

Sferra

Merger/Acquisition in 2018
SFERRA Bros., Ltd. produces and sells linen products in the United States and internationally. Its products include duvet covers, sheets, blankets, blanket covers, and decorative throws and accessories; bath towels, robes, and lounge chair covers; duvets and pillows; table linens and accessories; and baby gifts. The company sells its products through stores in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Kingston, Canada. It also offers its products online. The company was formerly known as SFERRA Fine Linens Factory. SFERRA Bros., Ltd. was founded in 1891 and is based in Edison, New Jersey.

Biamp Systems

Acquisition in 2017
Biamp Systems is a provider of professional AV equipment for business, education, and government facilities. Their manufacturing process is the key. From initial DSP design and engineering development, to prototyping and fabrication, to in-depth testing and quality assurance, they manage everything within their walls. The result is shorter lead times, faster response, and increased convenience for you and your customers. Delivering a quality product experience also means being committed to helping you maintain them. Their applications engineers, customer service team, and regional managers are always there for you. Whether you need help designing a system or finding an answer a specific technical question, they have the expertise to be of service. Their goal is to help to deliver an unmatched level of innovation, quality, and reliability in your AV projects. They do their best work when building AV systems that make you look, and sound, great.

Fuerst Day Lawson

Acquisition in 2016
FDL is a leading global supplier of specialist ingredients to the Food, Beverage, Fragrance and Chemical industries.

Rotometal

Private Equity Round in 2017
Rotometal Sp. z o.o. S.K. designs and manufactures tools for the printing and label industry in Poland and internationally. It offers magnetic, print, sleeve print, rubber coated, and air cylinders; and sheeters (cross cutters), gears, end rings, cutting units, anvils, and magnetic plates. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in Swiebodzin, Poland.

Twitchell Technical Products, LLC

Merger/Acquisition in 2015
Twitchell Technical Products, LLC manufactures fibers, textiles, and coatings for customers worldwide. It offers woven and knit fabrics, braider yarns, coated products, industrial mesh, safety fabrics, shade and awning fabrics, sport fabrics, transport fabrics, and synthetic fabrics. The company’s products are used in seating products, sling furniture, umbrella fabrics, shade designs, awnings, automotive flooring and body cloth, door panel moldings, interior/exterior rugs and mats, industrial and commercial flooring, placemats and coasters, designer bags, child cots, truck tarps, pool fences, barrier/retractable fencing, high visibility road signs and safety vests, industrial/bulk bags, divider curtains, re-useable industrial absorbent socks, wire harnesses, walk-off mats, and textured paint rolls. Twitchell Technical Products, LLC was founded in 1922 and is based in Dothan, Alabama.

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.

ZREW Transformatory

Acquisition in 2012
ZREW manufactures power transformers for distribution networks, block transformers for power plants and CHP plants up to 125 MVA and up to 170 kV, and special transformers, furnaces and rectifiers.

Hi-Tech Industries

Acquisition in 2017
Hi-Tech is dedicated to supplying the global professional car care industry with a comprehensive array of premium products, timely service and innovative solutions. Hi-Tech Industries is committed to the discriminating product needs of the professional detailer, car wash or valeter worldwide. This commitment is reflected in our products, pricing, service and relationships with their distributors. They have spent the past 70 years refining our craft, to ensure their customers’ needs are effectively met by the features of their products and programs. Their extensive array of products are used daily worldwide in car washes, car dealerships, body shops, auto auctions and anywhere else a professional reconditioning process is taking place.

Evans Food Group

Acquisition in 2019
Evans Food Group Ltd. is a global producer of branded and private label finished pork rinds and pork rind pellets. Evans currently operates five production facilities (Chicago, IL; Arlington, TX; Portsmouth, OH; Ontario, CA; and Saltillo, Mexico).

QFG Spółka

Acquisition in 2016
QFG is a Polish meat processing company offering a wide range of high quality, innovative ready-to-cook or partly prepared meat dishes, including poultry, beef and pork items. The Company specializes in custom formulating portion-controlled frozen chicken items for a wide range of foodservice customers, including the HoReCa segment, specialty distributors and retail resellers throughout Poland and Western European markets. QFG’s core product line consists of chilled or frozen breaded or non-breaded products, frozen uncooked, cooked or backed products, as well as sterilized products for extended life.

HiLo Nutrition, Inc.

Merger/Acquisition in 2020
HiLo Nutrition, Inc. manufactures pre workout nutrition gummies. The company offers gummies in different flavors such as rd fish, cotton candy, and blue razz. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Fuerst Day Lawson Ltd.

Merger/Acquisition in 2016
Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Limited manufactures and supplies specialist ingredients to the food, beverage, fragrance, and chemical industries. The company was founded in 1884 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

Rotometal

Merger/Acquisition in 2017
Rotometal Sp. z o.o. S.K. designs and manufactures tools for the printing and label industry in Poland and internationally. It offers magnetic, print, sleeve print, rubber coated, and air cylinders; and sheeters (cross cutters), gears, end rings, cutting units, anvils, and magnetic plates. The company was founded in 2006 and is based in Swiebodzin, Poland.

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.

Popular Ink

Merger/Acquisition in 2015
Popular Ink, LLC produces and markets packaging products. It offers stick packs, pouches, stand up bags (with or without zipper), labels, shrink sleeves, and boxes. The company also provides flexographic and custom printing services on its products. Popular Ink, LLC was formerly known as Flex Pac, LP and changed its name to Popular Ink, LLC in August 2011. Popular Ink, LLC was founded in 2007 and is based in Mckinney, Texas. As of October 9, 2019, Popular Ink, LLC operates as a subsidiary of PPC Flexible Packaging LLC.

Chicago Custom Foods LLC

Merger/Acquisition in 2018
Chicago Custom Foods LLC, doing business as Kernel Season's LLC, manufactures and markets food products and non-alcoholic beverages. The company offers flavored popcorn seasoning, oatmeal mixes, and seasoning blends. Chicago Custom Foods LLC was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. As of April 30, 2020, Chicago Custom Foods LLC operates as a subsidiary of Sauer Brands, Inc.

RMS Beauty

Acquisition in 2021
RMS Beauty is a Cosmetics company located in Charleston.

Versatex Building Products

Acquisition in 2014
As a company, VERSATEX is Focused, Experienced & Approachable. Their focus is the cellular PVC trim market, their strength is innovative leadership quickly bringing to market product solutions for their builders and contractors. VERSATEX also has a highly experienced management team with over 60 years in the PVC building products industry. The management team keys in on superior levels of service and quality for their customers. Yet, VERSATEX remains extremely approachable. They place a high value in listening to their customers and reacting quickly to their needs.

Car Brite, Inc. And Eagle One Industries, Inc. And Pyroil And Valvoline Maintenance Chemicals

Merger/Acquisition in 2015
Car Brite, Inc. And Eagle One Industries, Inc. And Pyroil And Valvoline Maintenance Chemicals represents the combined operations of Car Brite, Inc. and Eagle One Industries, Inc. and Pyroil And Valvoline Maintenance Chemicals. Car Brite, Inc. manufactures cleaning products for automobiles. Eagle One Industries, Inc. manufactures cleaners for automobiles. The companies are based in the United States.

Substantially All the Assets of Queen City Candy, Inc.

Merger/Acquisition in 2018
Substantially All the Assets of Queen City Candy, Inc. comprises gummies, jellies, and fruit snacks manufacturing business. The asset is located in the United States.

Hi-Tech Industries

Merger/Acquisition in 2017
Hi-Tech is dedicated to supplying the global professional car care industry with a comprehensive array of premium products, timely service and innovative solutions. Hi-Tech Industries is committed to the discriminating product needs of the professional detailer, car wash or valeter worldwide. This commitment is reflected in our products, pricing, service and relationships with their distributors. They have spent the past 70 years refining our craft, to ensure their customers’ needs are effectively met by the features of their products and programs. Their extensive array of products are used daily worldwide in car washes, car dealerships, body shops, auto auctions and anywhere else a professional reconditioning process is taking place.

S.C. Centrele de Excelenta ARES S.R.L

Merger/Acquisition in 2019
S.C. Centrele de Excelenta ARES S.R.L owns and operates a health care facility for treatment of heart disease. The company offers treatments in clinical cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, congenital heart disease, and interventional radiology. In addition, it provides treatment in the fields, such as gynecology, pediatric angiology, and interventional nueroradiology. S.C. Centrele de Excelenta ARES S.R.L was founded in 2013 and is based in Bucharest, Romania.