Historical Portfolio
HC Companies
In 2015, Wingate acquired HC Companies, Inc., North America’s leading provider of plastic plant, flower, and tree containers (horticulture containers) for the greenhouse, nursery and retail markets. HC was sold to Plantinum Equity in 2023.
MPI Products
In 2014, Wingate acquired MPI, a leading manufacturer of high-precision, fineblanked metal components for mission-critical and safety-critical automotive and industrial applications. MPI was sold to Turnspire Capital Partners in 2020.
Strata Worldwide
In 2014, Wingate acquired Strata Worldwide, a leading global provider of innovative safety products and services to the mining industry. In 2017, Strata was recapitalized with Wingate retaining a minority interest.
Nekoosa Coated Products
In 2012, Wingate acquired Nekoosa Coated Products, a leading innovator in the carbonless and specialty paper markets. Nekoosa Coated Products was sold to Sentinel Capital Partners in 2017.
Dunn Paper
In 2010, Wingate acquired Dunn Paper, a leading supplier of high-performance, advanced paper materials for a range of lightweight technical food packaging and consumer markets. The company produces a wide array of specialty waxed, coated, and uncoated MG papers used in various foodservice and flexible packaging markets as well as high absorbency, porous and lightweight tissue products for niche consumer applications. The company has six mills located throughout the eastern US and Canada. Dunn Paper was sold to Arbor Investments in 2016.
Preferred Compounding
In 2010, Wingate acquired Preferred Compounding, a leading provider of highly-engineered, custom rubber and elastomeric compounds serving rubber goods manufacturers focused on a variety of industries, including transportation, construction, power generation, and industrial machinery. Preferred Compounding was sold to Audax Private Equity in 2016.
Western Marketing
In 2010, Wingate acquired Western Marketing, a leading distributor of lubricants including heavy duty motor oil, specialized industrial lubricants, and natural gas engine oil with market leading positions in Texas and Oklahoma. Western Marketing was sold to RelaDyne in 2017.
USA Environment
In 2008, Wingate acquired USA Environment, a Gulf Coast U.S. regional leader in providing remediation and industrial services including demolition, hazardous waste disposal and transportation. USA was sold to ENTACT, a portfolio company of J.F. Lehman & Company, in 2022.
Sunrise Oilfield Supply
In 2008, Wingate acquired Sunrise Oilfield Supply, the market leading value-added distributor of oil and gas supplies and equipment to independent oil and gas producers in the state of Kansas. Sunrise Oilfield Supply was sold to private investors in 2017.
Cal Pacific Specialty Foods
In 2008, Wingate acquired Cal Pacific Specialty Foods, a producer of high-quality value-added strawberry products for the industrial and food service markets. The assets of Cal Pacific Specialty Foods were sold to Titan Frozen Fruit in 2017.
Stein World
In 2008, Wingate acquired Stein World, a leading designer, importer, and distributor of decorative home accents including accent furniture, lamps, occasional tables, accent chairs, and mirrors. Stein World is a pioneer and leader in hand painted and hand carved accent furniture. The assets of Stein World were sold to ELK Group in 2016.
Premier Retail Interiors
In 2007, Wingate acquired Quantum Fine Casework and Marlin Showcase to create Premier Retail Interiors (“PRI”). PRI was the U.S. market leader in designing and manufacturing high-end custom cosmetics displays for department stores, as well as serving high-end specialty retailers with interior elements. The assets of PRI were sold in 2012.
National Print Group
In 2006, Wingate acquired National Print Group (“NPG”). NPG is one of the largest providers of large format printed material for the retail point-of-purchase industry and the outdoor billboard market. NPG was sold to WestRock in 2013.
Industrial Container Services
In 2005, Wingate acquired Industrial Container Services (“ICS”), the leading provider of reconditioned steel drums in the U.S. ICS provided comprehensive container services to customers in a broad array of industries, including food, paint and chemical. During Wingate’s investment, ICS acquired seven businesses. ICS was sold to Aurora Capital in 2011.
Corrpro Companies, Inc.
In 2004, Wingate recapitalized Corrpro Companies, the leading provider of corrosion control services and products to energy, water, and infrastructure markets in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Corrpro was sold to Insituform Technologies in 2009.
S&N Communications
In 2002, Wingate acquired a majority interest in S&N Communications, a major construction and maintenance contractor to local telephone and cable television companies. S&N was sold to Sun Capital in 2012.
AmerCable
In 2002, Wingate partnered with management to acquire AmerCable from its parent, Associated Materials. AmerCable was the leading manufacturer of electrical power cables used in severe operating environments such as offshore drilling platforms and mines as well as specialized applications for automotive robotics and telecommunications. AmerCable was sold to Industrial Growth Partners in 2005.
ENSR
In 2000, Wingate led a management buyout of ENSR International from its German parent RWE Umwelt. ENSR was a leading environmental consulting firm focused on the corporate market. ENSR provides comprehensive services to meet the environmental needs of corporate clients in areas such as capital permitting, risk assessment, due diligence, air quality, hazardous waste, and process engineering. ENSR was sold to AECOM in 2005.
Kevco
In 1999, Wingate led an investment in Kevco, a Fort Worth based public company. Kevco was the largest distributor and manufacturer of building products sold to the manufactured housing and RV industries. Significant operating improvements were achieved at Kevco including the integration of four systems into one common platform, consolidation of facilities, and reduction of working capital by over $70 million. Kevco’s individual operating units were sold in 2001.
Pro Parts Xpress
In 1999, Wingate created Pro Parts Xpress through the acquisition of three founding companies. Pro Parts ultimately acquired ten businesses and developed significant market presence in several geographic markets. Pro Parts was the largest two-step distributor of domestic automotive parts selling exclusively to professional installers. Pro Parts’ operating units were sold to industry consolidators O’Reilly Automotive and CARQUEST Auto Parts in 2002 and 2003.
Varsity Brands
In 1997, Wingate acquired National Spirit Group, one of the nation’s largest companies in the student sports and team spirit business. NSG manufactured uniforms and other products and delivered services, including training camps and competitions, primarily directed to cheerleaders, dance teams, and marching units. In 2004, NSG merged with Varsity Brands, and Wingate maintained a significant equity interest. In 2011, Varsity was sold to Herff Jones.
ITCO Tire Company
In 1995, Wingate, along with management, acquired ITCO Tire Company, the nation’s largest independent tire distributor serving independent tire dealers with major and private brand tires, custom wheels, and tire dealer supplies. In 1998, ITCO merged with The Heafner Group and simultaneously acquired the largest tire wholesaler on the West Coast, whereby Wingate became the second largest shareholder of the combined company. In 1999, Wingate participated in the sale of Heafner to a Boston-based private equity group and sold its remaining interest in the Company.
AmeriStat
In 1994, Wingate, together with the former chief executive officer of a major hospital chain, formed AmeriStat Mobile Medical Services to acquire scheduled patient transport ambulance companies. AmeriStat acquired ten companies and established several regional hubs, achieving the leading market share position in Texas; in 1995, the Company was sold to Laidlaw, the largest provider of ambulance services in the United States.
United Stationers
In 1992, Wingate, along with management, acquired Associated Stationers from Boise Cascade. Associated subsequently completed the acquisition of a regional wholesaler and the acquisition of United Stationers in 1995. Additional acquisitions into the combined public entity named United Stationers included LaGasse Brothers, a wholesaler of janitorial and sanitation supplies, and Azerty, a wholesaler of computer consumables. United Stationers became the largest wholesaler of products for the office in the United States. Wingate distributed its remaining shares of United Stationers common stock to its Limited Partners in early 2000.
Loomis, Fargo & Co.
In 1991, Wingate acquired Loomis Armored from Australian-based Mayne Nickless Ltd. At that time, Loomis was the third largest service provider in the industry and had been unprofitable for the three preceding years. In 1997, Loomis completed the acquisition of Wells Fargo Armored, the second largest service provider in the industry, to form Loomis, Fargo & Co. When the Company was sold to Securitas in 2001, it had become the second largest provider of armored car services in the United States.
Century Products Company
In 1988, Wingate acquired Century Products, a juvenile products manufacturer, that was an unprofitable subsidiary of Gerber Products Company. Initially, Century rationalized its product lines to improve operating efficiencies and enhance customer service levels and then made significant investments in new product development. Additionally, Century opened a manufacturing location in Mexico and repositioned its retailer strategy. When Century was sold to Rubbermaid and Cosco in 1998, the company had developed market leading products in all car seat categories.
Redman Building Products
In 1988, Wingate acquired Redman Building Products (“RBP”). Under Wingate’s ownership, RBP completed five acquisitions, started two new plants, successfully entered the vinyl window market, and became solidly profitable. When the Company was sold in 1997, RBP had become one of the largest manufacturers of aluminum and vinyl windows in the United States.
Redman Industries
In 1988, Wingate acquired Redman Industries, a public company that was unprofitable and had revenues of $260 million. By 1993, Redman had re-emerged as a profitable, debt-free public company. Redman was the third largest producer of manufactured housing in the United States when it was acquired in 1996 by Champion Enterprises, the number two competitor in the industry.