LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2016) – Platinum Equity and Stone Canyon Industries, LLC announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Platinum Equity to sell BWAY Corp. to Stone Canyon Industries LLC for $2.4 billion. BWAY is a North American manufacturer of rigid metal and plastic containers used to package industrial, bulk food and retail goods.
The sale is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in August 2016. The company expects to keep its existing debt instruments in place and to satisfy the requirements of a Specified Change of Control (as such term is defined in each of the Indenture and the Credit Agreement).
Platinum Equity acquired BWAY in 2012. In January 2013 BWAY acquired Ropak, a complementary producer of rigid plastic containers.
“BWAY’s success is a testament to strong collaboration with Ken Roessler and his management team and the value of truly integrating M&A with operations at every level of the investment,” said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson. “The company is well positioned for continued success going forward.”
Mr. Samson said that BWAY’s EBITDA grew approximately 45% from 2012 to 2016 thanks to a combination of operational improvements and growth through acquisition.
“We have had a great partnership with Platinum Equity and we are proud of everything our teams have accomplished together,” said BWAY CEO Ken Roessler. “Today we have a fundamentally sound business with great momentum, and we are poised for continued growth and long-term profitability as we transition to Stone Canyon’s ownership.”
Jim Fordyce, co-CEO of Stone Canyon Industries, said his firm is excited about BWAY’s potential and looks forward to working with Mr. Roessler and the management team.
“BWAY is a world class company with a great leadership team, dedicated employees and a very bright future,” said Mr. Fordyce. “We look forward to working with Ken to help BWAY continue delivering on its strategic and operational plan as the company takes the next step in its evolution.”
Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as financial advisor to Platinum Equity and Latham and Watkins is serving as Platinum Equity’s legal counsel. BMO Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor to Stone Canyon Industries and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is serving as its legal counsel.
About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global investment firm with more than $6 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of more than 25 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 20 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 175 acquisitions.
About Stone Canyon Industries
Stone Canyon Industries, LLC (www.stonecanyonllc.com) is a global industrial holding company based in Santa Monica, California with subsidiaries involved in consumer & retail, food & ingredients, industrial, technology & business services and transportation. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on acquiring market-leading companies with strong management teams in highly defensible industries around the world.