CEO: Acquisition Will Bring Stabilization And Transformation
WATER VALLEY – A Los Angeles-based global private investment firm has purchased the BorgWarner plant in Water Valley and related operations. ATAR Capital announced in a press release on Jan. 6 that it had completed a carveout acquisition of BorgWarner’s North American Controls business, a wholly-owned and operated division of BorgWarner. The transaction was completed on December 31, 2021.
The acquisition includes the Water Valley manufacturing site along with related sales and engineering operations in Detroit, Mich. The business is a leading supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, start-stop accumulators, and hydraulic control modules throughout North America. The news first circulated in the community on Jan 4 as ATAR Capital’s leadership team meet with workers on all three shifts at the Water Valley plant. “The leadership team with ATAR was right here last week when we were announcing it,” reported interim CEO Ramzi Hermiz. “Cyrus Nikou, the founder of ATAR Capital, was here communicating with workers on all three shifts”.
BorgWarner announced the sale as part of the company’s accelerated electrification strategy expected to bring the company’s electric vehicle revenue from less than three percent of total revenue in 2021 to approximately 45 percent in 2030. Also outlined in this strategy by BorgWarner is a target to dispose of $3 billion to $4 billion in annual revenues from its internal combustion engine portfolio by 2025, with approximately $1 billion of that targeted to be executed by late 2022. BorgWarner’s new strategy created an opportunity for ATAR Capital, Hermiz explained in an interview with the Herald Monday afternoon.
“When we looked at what is happening in Water Valley, we see a business that is performing very well. It has a strong and talented workforce, has success in the market, and has a strong reputation,” Hermiz reported. The interim CEO noted that the products produced in Water Valley make an internal combustion engine more efficient, greener, and better for the environment. “We see the ability to expand,” Hermiz added.
The focus of the expansion includes both increasing the company’s market share of products already in production at the plant and developing future technology for engines and high-speed transmissions that will increase the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. “But also if you look at electric vehicles (EV), there are applications of controlling fluid flow. Maybe not an automatic transmission, but there is battery cooling and other activities – we still feel that this product has a life and opportunity,” Hermiz explained about current production. “We talk about going to an EV environment, and we will, but there are also hybrid electrics. There are all these other versions of electrifications.”
Transforming the Company
Hermiz shared ATAR Capital is not approaching the management of the plant as a major restructuring initiative, and instead, the goal is to transform it into a higher growth company. “Frankly under the prior ownership, the business wasn’t being invested in. They had it in a decline, which is partly why they wanted to exit. But we see it as an opportunity for growth,” he reiterated. The CEO also cautioned that the company is not immune to the current challenges in the automotive industry with supply chain interruptions, commodity price increases, and the global chip shortage that impacts the overall volume of vehicles produced. “I would say we are sized for what the market will be and continue to go on that path,” he added about the current workforce.
With the acquisition, ATAR purchased existing contracts serving blue-chip automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) including Cummings Engine, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. Hermiz also provided insight about the lag time between quoting applications for new businesses and production. “We will quote something this year, but not go into production for a couple of years. There is a valley you have to go through to come out on the other end. But that being said, we are going to look for opportunistic growth opportunities. We are primarily automotive, but we believe there are still more opportunities in commercial vehicles and industrial applications, even water vehicles,” Hermiz added.
LOS ANGELES — January 6, 2022 — Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, announced today it has completed the carve-out acquisition of BorgWarner’s North American Controls (BWNAC) business, a wholly owned and operated division of BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA). Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with manufacturing located in Water Valley, Mississippi, the business is a leading supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators and hydraulic control modules throughout North America.
Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “Atar is excited to complete this carve- out with BorgWarner and acquire such an impressive world-class operation. As a standalone company, BWNAC will focus on a growth and diversification strategy, leveraging its market-leading position serving blue-chip automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs, such as Cummins Engine, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis.”
Through this acquisition, Atar Capital confirms the appointment of automotive industry veteran, Ramzi Hermiz, as a Board Member of BWNAC and interim CEO, while the search for a permanent CEO is conducted. Hermiz was formerly a Board Member and CEO of Shiloh Industries and held several executive and C-level positions during his 22 years at Federal-Mogul Corporation.
“Atar Capital could not be more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the new company,” said Vijay Mony, managing director at Atar Capital. “We welcome Ramzi as a Board Member and thank him for stepping in as the interim CEO, leading the transition of BWNAC to a standalone company. We believe combining an experienced leader like Ramzi with the engineering and manufacturing expertise of BWNAC will help create new opportunities and further the company’s leadership position in the market.”
Atar’s investment team for the transaction included Founder and Managing Partner Cyrus Nikou, Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony, Director T.J. McCaffrey and Vice President Roman Zelinsky. Dykema provided legal counsel, Ducker International provided market analysis and BDO supplied quality earnings, information technology and general operations transaction support.
About Atar Capital Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than eighty-five private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com
Los Angeles, CA—January 4, 2022—Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, announced the fifth acquisition in fewer than two years through its portfolio company, Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC (Pathways), with the closing of Human Resource Training, Inc. (HRT), a provider of foster care and social services to families and youth in the central and northern regions of Arizona. This acquisition extends Pathways’ current footprint in Arizona from eight to twelve counties and augments services in two of Arizona’s largest counties, Maricopa and Pima. Atar Capital acquired Pathways in 2018 as part of a strategy to put the firm’s cross-functional expertise to work in a critical and fast-growing segment in the healthcare space. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
HRT was incorporated in 1981 offering services as a small therapeutic foster care program. Today, the organization provides services to traditional, medically complex and therapeutic foster care homes. In addition, HRT offers parenting skills programs and services for the developmentally disabled population.
Pathways, led by CEO Jill Winters, is one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States. With its diversity in location, Pathways serves clients in 18 states and the District of Columbia, employing a team of 5,000+ dedicated staff members working across the country to create healthier communities by providing behavioral health services that include counseling, telehealth, autism services, case management, therapeutic foster care, parent education, supportive employment and substance use services. The company also offers employer-based programs through Pathways at Work, a series of customized workplace health and well-being seminars, webinars and other resources for employees.
Winters said, “The support and expertise of Atar Capital guided our acquisition strategy and assures we have the resources necessary to expand our services into new communities.”
Atar’s investment team for the transaction included Founder and Managing Partner of Atar Capital Cyrus Nikou, Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Vice President Roman Zelinsky. Dykema provided legal counsel to Atar Capital.
About Atar Capital Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than 80 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com.
About Pathways Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC is one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States. Originally founded in 1997 as Providence Service Corporation, and subsequently acquired by Atar Capital in 2018, Pathways’ mission is to improve the lives of people by inspiring personal growth, health and wellness. The organization offers a full spectrum of social services and behavioral health solutions, including mental health support, youth and family services, adult services and prevention services, to clients in their homes or through telehealth and community-based resources.
The company also offers employer-based programs to help employees manage stress, anxiety and other behavioral health challenges through Pathways at Work, a series of customized workplace health and well-being seminars, webinars and other resources for employees. For more information visit www.pathways.com.
LOS ANGELES— December 8, 2021 – Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell RWS Facility Services (RWS) to Quest Resource Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: QRHC) (Quest), a national leader in environmental waste and recycling services.
RWS delivers innovative hands-on managed solutions for waste management, commodity recycling and facilities services. Its base of blue-chip national and regional customers includes big-box retailers, quick service restaurants (QSRs), industrial manufacturers, retail centers, enclosed and open-air malls and mixed-used multi-tenant properties. RWS is dedicated to providing incremental commodity revenue streams for its customers by utilizing its innovative asset-light service model. RWS is headquartered in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania with offices across the United States.
Atar Capital acquired RWS in September 2017. Under Atar Capital’s ownership, RWS achieved significant revenue and profitability growth through a focus on diversifying the company’s range of services and addressable end markets. The company improved its core business processes, relying on a distributed workforce and significant investments in back-office technology. RWS further developed its business through the acquisition of Sustainable Solutions Group (SSG) in 2019, providing expansion into the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry. In addition, RWS expanded its service offerings to provide a host of managed facility and building services to its portfolio of existing customers, including HVAC, engineering maintenance and landscaping, among other services. All these impressive accomplishments resulted in exceptional year-over-year financial performance.
Commenting on the sale of the company, Cyrus Nikou, founder of Atar Capital, said, “In just four years, RWS showed an unprecedented momentum in diversifying its business, expanding its service lines and increasing its customer base. We are extremely proud of these accomplishments in partnership with this talented group of individuals.”
“Our partnership with Atar Capital has been invaluable. They played a crucial role in helping us shape and grow the business into one that offers the highest quality of facility management services across the nation,” said Anthony DiIenno, president and CEO of RWS. “We look forward to the opportunities the new ownership will offer our talented teams and valued clients.”
Robert Lezec, senior managing director of Atar Capital, added, “We are pleased to have acquired and owned this exceptional asset and are proud of the progress that RWS achieved over the past four years. We were particularly impressed by the resilience and dedication of the RWS team through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the company remained an essential service provider to many large and small corporate, retail and industrial businesses throughout the nation.”
Atar’s investment team for the transaction included Nikou, Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Vice President Roman Zelinsky. Dykema provided legal counsel to Atar Capital and TM Capital served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor in the transaction.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than 75 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com.
About Quest Resource Holding Corporation
Quest is a national provider of waste and recycling services that help businesses excel in achieving their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. Quest delivers focused expertise across multiple industry sectors to build single-source, client-specific solutions that generate quantifiable business and sustainability results. Addressing a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables, Quest provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services, gives actionable data to improve business operations, and enables Quest’s clients to excel in their business and sustainability responsibilities. For more information, visit www.qrhc.com.
Los Angeles, CA—September 28, 2021—Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, announced today that its portfolio company, Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC (“Pathways”), acquired Renew Consulting. Pathways is one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States; Renew Consulting is a leading residential behavioral health company servicing Northwest Oregon. The acquisition is part of Pathways’ strategic plan to expand access to behavioral health services in inclusive and positive environments. It comes less than one year after Pathways acquired three subsidiaries of Community Intervention Services, Inc. (CIS) in October of 2020. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Renew Consulting, founded in 2004, is headquartered in Albany, Oregon and offers services in seven Northwest Oregon counties, employing more than 200 team members. It is a service-driven organization committed to providing customized, person-centered support for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The organization provides 24-hour care in community-based residential homes. Integrating Renew Consulting’s programs and services into Pathways’ current offerings will enable Pathways to expand the field of behavioral health services geared toward adults and children in the state of Oregon.
Led by Jill Winters, Pathways’ CEO and former United Healthcare executive, the organization will now have physical locations in 19 states and the District of Columbia. The company employs a team of 5,000+ dedicated staff members working to create healthier communities by providing behavioral health services that include counseling, telehealth, autism services, case management, therapeutic foster care, parent education, supportive employment and substance use services. The company also offers employer-based programs through Pathways at Work, a series of customized workplace health and well-being seminars, webinars and other resources for employees.
Winters said, “Renew is a fantastic company with an experienced and dedicated team passionate about serving their clients and community. This acquisition aligns with our mission to improve lives across the country and I am delighted that, together, we will be able to deliver a broad array of behavioral health services in Oregon.”
Cyrus Nikou led the Atar investment team that also included Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Vice President Roman Zelinsky. Dykema provided legal counsel to Atar Capital and Hexagon Capital Alliance served as the financial advisor to Renew Consulting in the transaction.
About Atar Capital Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than 80 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America. Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. Thefirm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com.
About Pathways Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC is one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States. Originally founded in 1997 as Providence Service Corporation, Pathways’ mission is to improve the lives of people by inspiring personal growth, health and wellness. The organization offers a full spectrum of social services and behavioral health solutions, including mental health support, youth and family services, adult services, and prevention services, to clients in their homes or through telehealth and community-based resources. The company also offers employer- based programs to help employees manage stress, anxiety and other behavioral health challenges through Pathways at Work, a series of customized workplace health and well-being seminars, webinars and other resources for employees.
Cyrus Nikou Founder and Managing Partner Atar Capital
Cyrus Nikou is the founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, a private investment firm based in Century City, where he oversees the firm’s strategy, including M&A, operations, and business development. Atar was founded in 2016 and focuses on buyouts of underperforming companies within the lower middle market. In fewer than four years, Atar has built an impressive portfolio of 11 companies with an aggregate revenue of over $1 billion per year, with over 12,000 employees, and operations located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Nikou attributes the success of his firm to building a team that is nimble, adaptive, and responsive to market conditions. During the 2020 lockdown, he guided the firm to acquiring two healthcare companies that are focused on behavioral health and one company focused on sustainable food packaging.
LOS ANGELES, CA—October 5, 2020—Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, announced today that its portfolio company, Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC (Pathways), one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States, has acquired three Community Intervention Services, Inc. (CIS) subsidiaries: Access Family Services (AFS), Family Behavioral Resources (FBR) and Autism Education and Research Institute (AERI), which will operate as a combined entity, FBR-AERI. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Atar Capital acquired Pathways in 2018 as part of a strategy to put the firm’s cross-functional expertise to work in a critical and fast-growing segment in the healthcare space. Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “With this acquisition, Pathways further strengthens its capabilities and ability to meet the increasingly critical need for mental and behavioral healthcare services in the U.S. It is an exciting achievement for Pathways and for Atar as we continue to expand upon our common goal of providing excellent behavioral healthcare services for all the individuals Pathways has the privilege to serve.”
Pathways provides a range of services for adults, children and families that include counseling, telehealth, autism services, case management, therapeutic foster care, parent education, supportive employment and substance use services and provides employer-based services through Pathways at Work. AFS and FBR-AERI’s service offerings align with Pathways’ mission to improve the lives of people by inspiring personal growth, health and wellness. AFS offers community-based, school-based and outpatient behavioral health and autism services in North Carolina and South Carolina. FBR-AERI, serving 30 locations throughout Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of outpatient and community-based behavioral health services. s
“I’m honored to lead this growing team of committed and talented behavioral health professionals,” said Jill Winters, CEO of Pathways. “By joining forces, we can reach and assist more children, families, adults and employees with services tailored to help them reach their goals. This acquisition fulfills our commitment to deliver behavioral health services to more individuals and more communities in inclusive, open, ethical and positive environments.”
Nikou led the Atar investment team that also included Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Senior Associate Roman Zelinsky. Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to CIS in the transaction.
About Pathways
Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC is one of the largest providers of behavioral and mental health services in the United States. Originally founded in 1997 as Providence Service Corporation, Pathways’ mission is to improve the lives of people by inspiring personal growth, health and wellness. The organization offers a full spectrum of social services and behavioral health solutions, including mental health support, youth and family services, adult services, and prevention services, to clients in their homes or through telehealth and community-based resources. The company also offers employer-based programs to help employees manage stress, anxiety and other behavioral health challenges through Pathways at Work. For more information visit www.pathways.com.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than 80 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com.
Acquisition Marks Atar’s Foray into the Growing Category of Foodservice and Sustainable Packaging Solutions
LOS ANGELES—September 9, 2020—Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, announced today it has completed the acquisition of WinCup from funds managed by BlackRock, Inc., a global investment management firm. Headquartered in Georgia, WinCup employs nearly 1,000 people across eight manufacturing facilities that provide nationwide production and distribution of a comprehensive portfolio of traditional and biodegradable foodservice packaging products. The company is first to market with two flagship products, Phade®, an award-winning marine biodegradable, home and industrial compostable straw; and Vio®, the only biodegradable foam-based cups, lids and straws in the US and Canada. WinCup serves an impressive blue-chip client base of distributors, restaurant chains and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retailers that include Fortune 100 businesses with globally recognized brands. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
This is Atar Capital’s seventh platform acquisition since 2017. Commenting on this latest acquisition, Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “While the COVID-19 pandemic created significant barriers to the timely completion of many M&A transactions around the world, the Atar team successfully circumnavigated these challenges to complete the acquisition of a company of such an exceptional caliber as WinCup. We are particularly excited about the opportunity this presents to drive major evolutions in foodservice packaging given the profound changes affecting the FMCG industry. WinCup has a clear head start in responding to these ongoing changes. We look forward to supporting the company as it continues to expand into new brands and categories.”
Robert Lezec, senior managing director at Atar, added, “Today there is an accelerating expectation for eco-friendly packaging solutions, whether in foodservice or in other segments. WinCup has been working diligently to remain at the forefront with a growing portfolio of unique and innovative products and a scalable production footprint that provides proximity to many of the nation’s leading foodservice customers. In this context, we anticipate the next few years to be transformative for WinCup and the customers it serves.”
Through this acquisition, Atar confirms the appointment of a new leadership team for WinCup with Brad Laporte serving as chief executive officer and Michael Winters as president and chief revenue officer. “With the support and direction to be gained from working with Atar Capital, we look forward to leading this evolving market with an even broader range of safe, sustainable packaging solutions,” said Laporte.
Nikou led the Atar investment team that also included Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Senior Associate Roman Zelinsky. Dykema provided legal counsel to Atar Capital and Ares Capital Corporation provided financing. Lincoln International was the sell-side investment bank.
About WinCup
Based outside of Atlanta, Georgia, WinCup is a leading manufacturer of disposable foodservice dine-in and takeout to-go products, such as cups, bowls, containers, lids, straws and stirrers. WinCup is the only US manufacturer of biodegradable foam cups through its Vio® brand; and has recently launched Phade®, the world’s first marine biodegradable, soil biodegradable, home and industrial compostable straw that looks and feels like a traditional straw. Phade® recently won the Plastics Industry Association 2020 Innovation in Bioplastics Award. The company has broad market access across all foodservice channels of distribution and is a trusted producer for many strategic national brands. WinCup proudly operates eight manufacturing facilities across the US committed to delivering high-quality products and superior customer service. To learn more, please visit www.wincup.com.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have completed more than 75 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit www.atarcapital.com.
LOS ANGELES—October 10, 2019—Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, announced today it has completed the acquisition of Keypoint Intelligence, a leading independent source for data analytics, laboratory testing and advisory services for the global digital imaging industry. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, with offices in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan, Keypoint Intelligence is built upon two brands: Buyers Lab and InfoTrends. Along with providing clients access to unique SaaS tools and platforms, the company offers the most comprehensive independent product and market data to OEMs, retailers, software developers, suppliers, and dealers worldwide.
Its core platform, bliQ, built around sophisticated proprietary analytical testing capabilities provides a range of detailed specifications, overviews and in-depth reports for tens of thousands of products that help resellers across a number of industry verticals to sell more. The Buyers Lab awards, reserved for products and imaging OEMs that have undergone a rigorous independent testing process by the Company’s independent, experienced analysts and technicians, will continue.
Atar Capital specializes in corporate divestitures and complex carve-outs across a wide range of industries and geographic markets. Commenting on this latest acquisition, Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “Keypoint Intelligence is a new platform for Atar Capital. The company is known for delivering high-touch, data-driven services that offer powerful value propositions to customers. Atar is well-suited to help accelerate Keypoint’s growth, building on its impressive reputation for offering unbiased and reliable business and product intelligence that moves companies forward.”
Robert Lezec, senior managing director at Atar, added, “Keypoint Intelligence delivers true end-to-end solutions and services, from in-depth laboratory test-generated product information to market intelligence that drive sales enablement and critical decision making for OEMs and resellers/dealers worldwide. We are looking forward to being a part of the company’s exciting future.”
Nikou led the Atar investment team that also included senior managing director Robert Lezec and managing directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony. Raymond James served as financial advisor for the acquisition.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that benefits from over 60 years of combined operationally-focused investment experience from its principals having completed over 60 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America. Atar Capital invests in both performing and underperforming lower middle market businesses that exhibit opportunities for growth, revitalization and value creation.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists with initiatives ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit: www.atarcapital.com.
About Keypoint Intelligence
Keypoint Intelligence is the global data and market intelligence leader for the digital imaging industry. The company is the authoritative provider of test based analytical information, competitive intelligence and sales enablement to the digital imaging industry. Its portfolio of products and services covers hardware, software, consumables and document management. Along with providing clients access to a range of SaaS tools and platforms, the company offers the most comprehensive independent research and data in the industry.
Keypoint Intelligence supports the industry’s leading Original Equipment Manufacturers, Independent Software Vendors and more than 2,000 dealers and leasing companies active in the digital imaging industry. The company’s core platform, bliQ, is based on its sophisticated and proprietary analytical testing capabilities, powering a product offering that includes field and laboratory test reports, product evaluations and outsourced testing services. In addition, Keypoint Intelligence is widely recognized as the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the imaging, document solutions, production print, and digital media industries. For more information, please visit: www.keypointintelligence.com
Media Contact:
Patricia Kilgore Sterling Kilgore, Inc. 630-964-8500 ext. 223 pkilgore@sterlingkilgore.com
Atar Capital Contact:
T.J. McCaffrey Atar Capital 310-870-0808 tjmccaffrey@atarcapital.com
Acquisition Leverages Strengths of Both Companies to Achieve Long-term Strategy for Growth
LOS ANGELES—April 15, 2019—Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, announced today it has acquired Sustainable Solutions Group (SSG) through its portfolio company, Recycling and Waste Solutions (RWS). RWS, headquartered in Chadds Ford, Pa., provides the nation’s largest supply chains with innovative managed solutions for commodity recycling and waste services. SSG, based in Woodstock, Ga., provides and manages recycling, waste and sustainability programs for regional and national companies throughout North America. Consolidating the two companies into a single firm expands their ability to deliver sustainable, economic waste solutions and broadens opportunities for growth. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Founded in 2009, SSG is a leader in commercial waste reduction and recycling solutions nationwide. As one of the fastest-growing companies of its kind, SSG is dedicated to developing comprehensive waste reduction programs for a large portfolio of commercial clients comprised of retail centers, enclosed malls, office buildings, hotels and mixed-use properties, among many others.
This is Atar’s third acquisition in six months. The firm specializes in corporate divestitures, complex carve-outs and turn-around situations across a wide range of industries and geographic markets. Commenting on the acquisition of SSG, Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “We see tremendous opportunity in the commercial property management and multi-family residential sector. Combining the competitive strengths of RWS and SSG provides the opportunity for both companies to achieve their full potential and expand their verticals into multi-family and comprehensive facility services.”
Robert Lezec, senior managing director at Atar, added, “We strongly believe in the future of asset-light facilities management service businesses due to their inherent scalability and value to large national multi-site customers looking for a single source solution provider focused on delivering a wide range of sustainable services. SSG expands and significantly enhances RWS’ already diverse category management capabilities.”
Nikou led the Atar deal team that also included Lezec and managing directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony. Anthony DiIenno, president and CEO of RWS and a member of Atar’s Senior Advisory Board, provided subject matter expertise in support of the transaction.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that benefits from over 60 years of combined operationally-focused investment experience from its principals having completed over 60 private equity transactions across North America, Europe and South America. Atar Capital invests in both performing and underperforming lower middle market businesses that exhibit opportunities for growth, revitalization, and value creation.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists with initiatives ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit: www.atarcapital.com.
About Recycling and Waste Solutions
Recycling and Waste Solutions (RWS) provides the nation’s largest supply chains with innovative managed solutions for commodity recycling and waste services in addition to obsolete destruction services, project management and equipment sales and service. Helping thousands of locations across North America achieve savings and greater sustainability, RWS understands the corporate value of environmental and economic waste solutions that reduce costs, drive commodity revenue and improve overall services through flawless execution. For more information, please visit: https://recyclingwaste.com.
About Sustainable Solutions Group
Founded in 2009, Sustainable Solutions Group (SSG) is leading the industry in commercial waste reduction and recycling solutions nationwide. As one of the fastest growing companies of its kind, SSG is dedicated to developing comprehensive waste reduction programs for its clients by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. SSG continues to build successful relationships with a large portfolio of commercial clients comprised of retail centers, enclosed malls, office buildings, hotels, and mixed-use properties among many others. For more information, please visit http://www.ssgwaste.com.
Media Contact:
Patricia Kilgore Sterling Kilgore, Inc. 630-964-8500 ext. 223 pkilgore@sterlingkilgore.com
Atar Capital Contact:
T.J. McCaffrey Atar Capital, Director + 1 (310) 870 0808 tjmccaffrey@atarcapital.com
