Advent International to Acquire Majority Stake in Fort Dearborn Co.

Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, has announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority ownership interest in Fort Dearborn Co. (FDC), a leading North American supplier of high-impact prime labels for the consumer goods industry, from KRG Capital Partners. Fort Dearborn’s management team will retain a minority stake in the company and continue to lead the business following the completion of the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2016.

“We are pleased to welcome Advent as our new investment partner as we pursue our strategy of providing industry-leading prime label products and services,” said Jeff Brezek, president and CEO of Fort Dearborn. “With Advent’s deep resources and global expertise, we will continue to invest in all aspects of our business to provide superior label solutions for our customers and ongoing opportunities for our associates. I would also like to thank KRG Capital for all their support over the last six years in helping Fort Dearborn evolve and grow to where we are today."

Founded in 1925, Fort Dearborn is the third-largest supplier of prime labels in North America, serving consumer packaged goods customers in the food, beverage, spirits, paint and coatings, household products, personal care and private label/retail markets. The company holds market-leading positions in several label technologies and offers a variety of value- added services to its customers. Headquartered in Elk Grove, Ill., Fort Dearborn employs approximately 1,675 associates across 15 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada.

“Fort Dearborn is a leading player in the large, fragmented labels market with a differentiated culture and customer service model,” said Kevin Feinblum, a managing director at Advent. “The company has completed four acquisitions since 2013, and we believe it is well-positioned to add further capabilities to better serve its customers. We look forward to working with FDC’s management team to pursue these growth opportunities.”

Chris Lane, managing director at KRG, said, "Since our partnership with Fort Dearborn’s management began in August 2010, FDC has dramatically expanded its service capabilities through a combination of organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. Through these initiatives, the associates of Fort Dearborn have done an outstanding job expanding their market leadership position. We believe Advent will be a great partner to help Fort Dearborn continue to enhance its market-leading service capabilities. The sale of Fort Dearborn represents the seventh exit in KRG’s Fund IV.

UBS Investment Bank is serving as financial advisor and Hogan Lovells is serving as legal advisor to Fort Dearborn on the transaction. Citigroup is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal advisor to Advent.

Sources: Advent International, Fort Dearborn Co., and KRG Capital Partners.