Webex acquired by investment vehicle

- Acquisition is Bertram’s third transaction in the plastic processing and web handling industries

 

- Webex positioned for ‘accelerated growth through organic and acquisition initiatives’

 

Webex, a leading manufacturer of precision engineered rolls and custom converting machinery used in web converting, packaging and printing applications, has been acquired by Bertram Capital, a private equity firm based in San Mateo, California.

 

Webex designs and manufactures precision rolls, custom machinery and related components for a highly diverse set of customers and manufacturing sectors including: flexible packaging, paper, consumer products, food and beverage, aerospace, pharmaceutical and healthcare, and alternative energy. The company operates four manufacturing facilities located in Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

 

The acquisition marks Bertram’s second platform investment and third transaction in the plastic processing and web handling equipment industry.

 

Bertram is a private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market business services, consumer, healthcare, industrial and technology companies, and is currently investing out of its US$500 million second fund.

 

Companies in its current portfolio include: One Distribution, the parent of Supra Footwear and KR3W Denim Co; Paula's Choice, a skin care and cosmetics company; and Tyden Group, which provides security, identification, traceability and utility products.

 

Bertram recapitalized Webex from a group of investors that included members of the management team and Chicago-based private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital.

 

Webex chief operating officer Joseph Varkoly said: ‘I am thrilled with the opportunity to partner with Bertram and to leverage their resources and operational knowledge within the processing equipment industry and across global industrial companies.

 

‘This partnership will help position the company for accelerated growth through both organic and acquisition-focused initiatives and will enable us to continue to provide best-in-class products and services to our growing customer base.’

 

Kevin Yamashita, a partner at Bertram, said: ‘Webex is the leading supplier of precision rolls and specialized machinery for a broad range of web handling and converting processes with a strong brand presence supported by unparalleled engineering and manufacturing capabilities

 

‘The company's compelling value proposition is evidenced by its deep and long-standing customer relationships with many of today’s top producers and manufacturers. We look forward to building upon the strong foundation Webex has established and further enhancing its leadership position in the marketplace.’

 

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