Universal Woods, Inc. (“UW”) announced it has been recapitalized by Capital Partners (“CP”) in partnership with management. Universal Woods is the world’s leading manufacturer of hard-surface coated substrates for image sublimation and mezzanine decking. Capital Partners is a private investment firm that focuses on investments in manufacturers, value-added distributors and business service companies. This is the successful culmination of an initiative led by Bigelow to provide liquidity for UW’s owners and growth capital to take the Company to the next level.
Originally founded in 1970 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, UW (www.universalwoods.com) designs, manufactures and distributes highly-engineered sublimation products that offer a premium image quality and long-lasting durability for applications in the professional photography and consumer gift markets, and performance-engineered flooring panels for heavy wear applications in multi-level distribution centers, warehouses, and self-storage facilities. Paul Neumann will continue in his role as CEO.
“We are proud to have created and grown markets for our proprietary products over the past 25 years and are eager to partner with Capital Partners for the next phase of our growth. This new partnership will allow us to invest in further capacity to better serve our customers throughout the world. We believe that our team comprised of 220 member-employees is the foundation of our success. Capital Partners’ ability to understand and appreciate the culture that our team has built and their commitment to our employees is what will allow this partnership to truly flourish.” Paul Neumann, President & CEO Universal Woods, Inc.
Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Capital Partners (www.capitalpartners.com) focuses on private equity investing with a long-term investment horizon for family-owned businesses or where management has a meaningful stake. Founded in 1982, CP uses a low leverage approach which allows UW’s management the flexibility to confidently execute their strategic growth plan, including their capital expansion plans.
“Universal Woods has built a compelling business with unique value-add process technology, a world-class culture, and blue-chip customer base. Our low debt approach will support management’s robust growth plan. Universal Woods is a fantastic fit with our investment philosophy and we are excited to partner with Paul, his strong management team and committed employee base.” Mark Langer, Managing Director Capital Partners
Originally established in 1935, Bigelow LLC (www.bigelowllc.com) is an independently owned M+A advisory boutique with a singular and passionate focus: entrepreneur owner-managed businesses. Bigelow has a reputation for having a unique understanding of the special requirements of the owner-managed, entrepreneurial operating company in building, and ultimately capturing Enterprise Value.
