The nine-year partnership exemplifies Atar’s commitment to its affiliate companies, as well as the firm’s overall approach to operational excellence and future-ready stewardship.
LOS ANGELES — Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, today announced the successful sale of Frontier Integrity Solutions (FIS) through a management buyout. The transaction marks the culmination of a nine-year partnership that transformed FIS into a leading provider of pipeline inspection and integrity services that keep America’s energy infrastructure secure.
As the U.S. works to modernize and secure its energy infrastructure and pipeline networks to better serve increasing demand, companies like FIS play an indispensable role in ensuring these systems operate safely and efficiently. The transaction structure ensures continuity of FIS’s mission-critical services while positioning both Atar Capital and FIS for their next phases of growth.
“FIS exemplifies what Atar Capital seeks to achieve through impactful investing,” said Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner of Atar Capital. “Over the past nine years, we’ve worked alongside an exceptional management team to build a company that protects the critical infrastructure powering our nation. At a time when U.S. energy infrastructure has never been more important to our economic security and energy independence, FIS stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when operational excellence meets purpose-driven investment. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and confident that FIS will continue to thrive under management’s ownership.”
Atar Capital acquired FIS from Furmanite America Inc. in December 2016. With nearly 800 certified inspectors and specialists, FIS has become an essential partner to major energy companies, providing comprehensive midstream quality assurance services that ensure the safety and reliability of oil and gas pipeline infrastructure throughout the U.S.
Under Atar Capital’s ownership, FIS underwent significant operational improvements, including the implementation of advanced tracking and compliance systems, expansion of its professional workforce, and strengthening of relationships with key industry customers. The company’s commitment to quality, trust, and honesty—values spanning its over 40-year history—remained at the core of its growth strategy.
“This transition represents an exciting new chapter for Frontier Integrity Solutions,” said Keyth Pengal, CEO of Frontier Integrity Solutions. “We’re grateful to Cyrus and the Atar Capital team for their years of strategic guidance, operational expertise, and unwavering support — all of which allowed us to modernize our operations and expand our capabilities. As we enter this next phase, we’re committed to maintaining the integrity of North America’s critical pipeline infrastructure.”
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 collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge, and investment experience provides a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its affiliate 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.
About Frontier Integrity Solutions
Frontier Integrity Solutions is a leading provider of pipeline inspection and integrity services for the midstream energy sector. With nearly 800 certified professionals and over 40 years of industry experience, FIS specializes in ensuring the safety, compliance, and reliability of pipeline infrastructure across North America. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company serves major energy industry players with precision inspection services, detailed project tracking, and comprehensive quality assurance solutions. For more information, visit www.frontierintegrity.com.
LOS ANGELES — Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, and its affiliate company Keypoint Intelligence today announced the acquisition of DataMaster Online (DMO), a benchmark service and testing resource for the print industry.
Founded and based in France, DMO has built a strong reputation supporting customers with test machines, evaluation services, and technical expertise across IT and printing environments. DMO’s unified platform for office and production printing needs across scanners, printers, and other hardware and software will support Keypoint Intelligence’s best-in-class research and analysis that streamline decisions and drive growth.
DMO will be integrated into Keypoint Intelligence’s global platform, expanding its ability to serve manufacturers, vendors, and end users across Europe with localized insight and on-the-ground support. This will strengthen the company’s presence and capabilities across Europe, with a particular focus on France and broader regional support for customers evaluating and deploying test and production printing technologies.
“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to investing in companies that combine deep domain expertise with global growth potential,” said Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner of Atar Capital. “Keypoint Intelligence has built strong momentum through disciplined, targeted acquisitions, and DataMaster’s expertise and geography meaningfully enhance its European capabilities and customer reach.”
DMO employees will continue to support and operate the business in France following the close. Keypoint Intelligence and Atar are committed to ensuring continuity of service for customers and employees.
“As we deepen our footprint in Europe, we’re committed to preserving the trusted relationships DataMaster has built with its customers,” said Anthony Sci, CEO of Keypoint Intelligence. “Our third acquisition affirms our clear strategy: expand geographically, broaden our capabilities, and deliver high-value intelligence and testing services to the global imaging and technology markets.”
Since Atar Capital’s investment, Keypoint Intelligence has pursued a focused growth strategy centered on geographic expansion, enhanced testing and evaluation capabilities, and disciplined M&A. The transaction marks Atar Capital’s third strategic acquisition for Keypoint Intelligence.
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 collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
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 affiliated 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 https://atarcapital.com/.
About Keypoint Intelligence
For over 60 years, clients in the digital imaging industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research to drive their product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industry’s most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards due to decades of analyst experience.
Set to take place between September 6 and 13 across California, the bike tour will raise funds to support the 60 million Americans living with arthritis. Over the 525-mile route that begins in San Francisco and travels the California coastline to Los Angeles, participants will be able to use phade®’s line of great-performing PHA-based foodservice products with the added peace of mind that every paper cup, straw, and piece of cutlery is entirely home-compostable within a matter of months.
“I’m proud to work alongside WinCup as they simultaneously help solve the plastic pollution crisis while supporting the Arthritis Foundation as they stage a great event for a worthy cause in Atar Capital’s home state of California,” said Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital. “Our Investing with Impact philosophy puts a premium on partnering with organizations like WinCup that make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s supporting cyclists on their journey down the California coast or helping protect our planet with sustainable products that work as well as traditional plastic, these are the kinds of meaningful partnerships that create lasting value for everyone involved.”
Now in its 25th year, the California Coast Classic will bring together hundreds of riders, volunteers, and supporters as they raise awareness and funds for arthritis research and support. WinCup’s phade® line of products will be the exclusive provider of foodservice products to the more than 30 teams planning to conquer the path.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the California Coast Classic and the work of Arthritis Foundation,” said Michael Adams, Vice President, Innovation, Sustainability and Marketing at WinCup. “This event embodies the same spirit of innovation and perseverance that drives us at WinCup. Just as the cyclists push through challenges on their journey, Arthritis Foundation works tirelessly to provide support for those living with arthritis and to one day find a cure. We are honored to contribute to this vital cause by helping the event achieve its zero-waste goals with sustainable phade® products.”
Read the full press release here. Additional riders can learn more about virtual involvement here, and pick up their own set of phade® products at Walmarts nationwide.
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 collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
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 affiliated 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 https://atarcapital.com/.
About WinCup, Inc.
WinCup, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a leading manufacturer of traditional and Eco-Friendly disposable cups, bowls, containers, lids, and straws. The company’s eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. are committed to high-quality products and superior customer service. To learn more, please visit www.wincup.com.
By building on its groundbreaking PHA innovation with premium paper products, WinCup furthers the eco-conscious transformation of the food packaging industry.
LOS ANGELES — Atar Capital, a Los Angeles-based global private investment firm, today announced its affiliate WinCup’s successful acquisition of Conver Pack Inc, a manufacturer of premium paper cup products and accessories based in Medley, Florida.
The strategic acquisition strengthens WinCup’s position as a leader in sustainable foodservice packaging by adding Conver Pack’s SFI-certified paper cups to its innovative product lineup. This addition complements WinCup’s groundbreaking phade® brand of marine-biodegradable and home-compostable straws, cups, and cutlery.
“WinCup’s acquisition of Conver Pack represents another milestone in our mission to be the leaders in sustainable packaging,” said Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner of Atar Capital. “By combining these complementary product lines, we’re creating a comprehensive eco-friendly portfolio that accelerates the transition into sustainable solutions while delivering the performance and customer experience that foodservice operators demand.”
“This strategic acquisition significantly expands WinCup’s sustainable packaging capabilities and product portfolio by combining our innovative PHA-based phade® technology with Conver Pack’s premium paper solutions,” said Brad Laporte, CEO of WinCup. “By offering customary substrates, PHA-based, and paper-based platforms, we can now provide foodservice operators a complete suite of traditional foodservice products plus truly sustainable alternatives that address virtually every packaging need.”
Since acquiring WinCup in 2020, Atar Capital has strategically supported the company’s expansion of its revolutionary phade® product line, which has replaced over 3 billion plastic straws with sustainable alternatives. The addition of Conver Pack strengthens WinCup’s ability to serve the growing market demand for environmentally responsible foodservice packaging.
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 collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
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 affiliate 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 WinCup, Inc.
WinCup, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia is a leading manufacturer of traditional and eco-friendly disposable cups, bowls, containers, lids, and straws. The company’s eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. are committed to high-quality products and superior customer service. To learn more, please visit www.wincup.com.
Atar Capital is proud to highlight the expansion of phade® paper cups, lids, and Flex straws in more than 4,500 Walmart stores across the US and online.
Developed by Atar Capital affiliate companyWinCup, phade® products are made with a revolutionary marine biodegradable polymer that is home and industrially compostable. Now, millions of shoppers at America’s largest retailer can choose their drinkware with confidence, knowing it will fully break down in months, not decades.
“This partnership marks a transformational moment not just for Atar Capital, WinCup, and phade®, but for the entire sustainable packaging industry,” said Atar Capital founder Cyrus Nikou. “We’re excited for even more consumers to replace traditional plastics with innovative alternatives that protect our planet for future generations. This milestone validates our investment thesis that the future belongs to companies solving real-world problems with innovative solutions.”
Since acquiring WinCup in 2020, Atar Capital has provided operational guidance and strategic oversight to a team of world-class leaders. Together, Atar Capital and WinCup expanded the reach of WinCup’s revolutionary phade® technology. Since then, WinCup has achieved remarkable milestones, from winning the 2020 Innovation in Bioplastics Award to partnerships with major sports venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Yankee Stadium.
Read the full press release here. phade® products are available for purchase at Walmart.com here.
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 collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
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 affiliated 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 https://atarcapital.com/.
About WinCup, Inc.
WinCup, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a leading manufacturer of traditional and Eco-Friendly disposable cups, bowls, containers, lids, and straws. The company’s eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. are committed to high-quality products and superior customer service. To learn more, please visit www.wincup.com.
Keypoint Intelligence and Agile Cybersecurity Solutions (ACS) are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic partnership, combining Keypoint Intelligence’s independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research, with ACS’s elite team of cybersecurity professionals.
With security being an ongoing challenge for all organizations, protecting vital assets and determining the appropriate level of security is crucial to ensure companies maintain business continuity and reduce overall risk. The Keypoint Intelligence-ACS partnership brings together a range of comprehensive security assessments, testing, and deployment offerings to help clients uncover vulnerabilities.
“Cybersecurity continues to be one of the biggest areas of concern for our clients and their customers,” commented Anthony Sci, President & CEO of Keypoint Intelligence. “Our partnership with ACS is a very powerful combination. We can help OEMs determine security risks present in their A3/A4 print devices through our testing and security validation services, and now with ACS are able to perform our security penetration test on any IoT device in addition to providing full IT cybersecurity services to our channel partners and their clients.”
“ACS is excited to partner with Keypoint Intelligence to deliver elite cybersecurity services,” stated Carlos Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer at ACS. “Our ACS Cyber SEALs possess the experience and tradecraft necessary to solve the biggest cybersecurity challenges. We are proud of our participation in remediation activities of many high-profile breaches impacting our nation’s cybersecurity, through the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, over the past 10 years. Bringing this elite cybersecurity experience to Keypoint Intelligence’s clients, in addition to our unique vendor-agnostic and product-agnostic approach, marks another step forward toward a safer and more secure digital future.”
By connecting Keypoint Intelligence’s and ACS’s expert teams, the collaboration will utilize proprietary toolsets, along with the latest threat intelligence and advanced countermeasures, to help build effective security programs that protect and enhance business operations.
For more information on the partnership and service offerings, please visit keypointintelligence.com/security or listen to our podcast discussion here.
Fairfield, NJ (September 20, 2022) – Keypoint Intelligence is pleased to announce that it has acquired Karstedt Partners, LLC of Eden, New York. The transaction enables Keypoint Intelligence to accelerate product development efforts to serve all facets of the packaging supply chain that is under extreme pressures to come up with new products and practices over the next decade.
Founded in 1996, Karstedt Partners, LLC has been a trusted source for insights, innovations, and consulting services to constituents in all sectors of the consumer products and packaging supply chain.
“As part of the Keypoint Intelligence family and using the extensive tools and capabilities of their extremely talented team of researchers and analysts, Karstedt Partners will be able to have an even greater impact on the industry that we love so deeply,” said Kevin Karstedt, CEO and Founder. “My partner Jeff Wettersten and I are very pleased to be able to expand the level of consulting and information sharing to an extended range of clients in an industry that is experiencing unprecedented challenges in supply chain and technology disruption.”
Anthony Sci, President and CEO of Keypoint Intelligence, said, “We are excited about the growth opportunities and expansion of our offerings in the packaging and labels market. Combining Keypoint Intelligence’s focus on improving business goals and increasing bottom lines with Karstedt Partners’ unbiased analysis and assessments of the ever-changing landscape of digital package printing is a powerful combination and will allow us to further serve our customers.”
About Keypoint Intelligence For 60 years, clients in the digital imaging industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research to drive their product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industry’s most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards due to decades of analyst experience. Customers have harnessed this mission-critical knowledge for strategic decision-making, daily sales enablement, and operational excellence to improve business goals and increase bottom lines. With a central focus on clients, Keypoint Intelligence continues to evolve as the industry changes by expanding offerings and updating methods, while intimately understanding and serving manufacturers’, channels’, and their customers’ transformation in the digital printing and imaging sector.
About Karstedt Partners, LLC Since 1996 Karstedt Partners, LLC has been a trusted source for insights, innovations, and consulting services to constituents in all sectors of the consumer products and packaging supply chain. Brand Owners, Graphic Service Providers, Package Printers, and OEMs have counted on Karstedt Partners counsel and guidance with developing efficient and effective workflows and tools aimed at improving time-to-market and product quality. Building on a corporate reputation of being both visionary and pragmatic, Karstedt Partners offers insightful and actionable guidance to companies looking to; use existing technologies in innovative ways, build new processes or solutions and bring them to market, validate business and technology prospects.
Our portfolio company, WinCup, was highlighted in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for their revolutionary efforts to halt the global plastic crisis.
The article provides more information about how the Phade Straw works, and how this signature product of theirs is an industry game-changer.
WinCup is a forward-thinking company that understands that many of our old methods of environmental consciousness are outdated and inadequate. Atar is honored and proud to have them profiled in this piece, and we are excited to see where their journey will go next.
Los Angeles, CA—May 10, 2022—Atar Capital, a global private investment firm, announced a sixth acquisition through its portfolio company, Pathways Health and Community Support, LLC (Pathways), with the closing of Psychological Assessment & Intervention Services, Inc. (PAIS). The definitive agreement for the acquisition was originally signed in December 2021. This acquisition allows Pathways to expand its footprint into West Virginia where PAIS currently serves clients in 29 out of 55 counties that are supported by 7 regional offices. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
PAIS offers person-centered home and community-based services, including direct services and case management for individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, along with psychological assessment and general outpatient therapy services for children and adults. The organization’s programs and services align well with those offered by Pathways, making it possible for Pathways to offer a broader range of behavioral health services in more communities.
Pathways has an active presence in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Led by Jill Winters, Pathways’ CEO, the organization employs a team of 5,000+ dedicated staff members working to create healthier communities with programs that include counseling, IDD, telehealth, autism, case management, therapeutic foster care, parent education, supportive employment and substance use. 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, “Atar Capital’s continued guidance and investment in our growth is making it possible for Pathways to broaden the scope of essential behavioral health and wellness services across the country for people struggling with critical life challenges. We look forward to expanding those resources with this latest acquisition.”
Cyrus Nikou, founder and managing partner of Atar Capital, said, “We continue to be excited about the growth prospects ahead for Pathways. This latest acquisition of PAIS, in addition to the five other bolt-on companies acquired for Pathways over the past two years, significantly expands the organization’s footprint and range of services. It is a clear testament to Atar Capital’s mission and commitment to supporting the growth of its portfolio companies.”
Atar’s investment team for the transaction included Atar Capital’s Founder and Managing Partner Cyrus Nikou, Senior Managing Director Robert Lezec, Managing Directors Stanley Huang and Vijay Mony and Director T.J. McCaffrey. Dykema provided legal counsel to Atar Capital.
About Atar Capital 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.
Detroit, Michigan – March 15, 2022 – Solero Technologies, a leading global supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators, and hydraulic control modules, has hired Dr. Donald R. James as the company’s new CEO. Dr. James will oversee Solero Technologies’ sales and engineering center in Detroit, as well as manufacturing operations in Water Valley, Mississippi. Additionally, he will be responsible for the strategic direction of the company and ensuring long-term profitable growth. Don will be based in Michigan with the team in Detroit.
Solero Technologies, formerly BorgWarner North American Controls, was acquired by Atar Capital in December 2021. Ramzi Hermiz, a transformational automotive industry leader, served as interim CEO since that time and will continue with the company as a Board Director.
“Don’s years of success in business and technology along with his extensive automotive industry experience will make him a tremendous asset to the Solero Technologies team,” said Hermiz. “His expertise will be critical to driving greater innovation within Solero, expanding our reach to new markets and maintaining our commitment to sustainability.” Dr. James has more than 24 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry,
domestically and abroad. Prior to joining Solero Technologies, he served as the president of the Americas and an executive committee member at Joyson Safety Systems, where he facilitated the merger of Takata and Key Safety Systems into Joyson, while developing strategic initiatives to drive profitability and growth.
In addition, Don served in a variety of leadership positions at Continental AG in both North America and Europe; most recently as vice president of North America for the company’s Hydraulic Brake Systems. At Continental, he led the launch of new facilities in Mexico and established the company’s commercial vehicle market strategy leading to substantial market growth. He was awarded two Silver Awards; one for ‘Top Turnaround Project in North America’ and the other for ‘Excellence in Project Management & New Business Development’.
“With Solero’s strong reputation of product innovation and manufacturing, I am excited to work with our employees, customers, suppliers and community to elevate Solero’s product reach within and outside the automotive industry,” added Dr. James.
Don earned a bachelor’s in economics from the University of Michigan; and both a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in business administration and sustainability from Lawrence Technological University.
About Solero Technologies Solero Technologies is a leading global supplier of transmission solenoids, engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators, and hydraulic control modules. Our capabilities include advanced design, prototyping, development, and manufacturing combined with a strong intellectual property portfolio across product categories. We have built an acclaimed reputation for developing and delivering quality solenoid products to automotive OEMs, the aftermarket and other industrial sectors. Our industry-leading solenoid products are critical to the optimal performance of vehicles today and tomorrow. The company operates from its manufacturing facility in Water Valley, Mississippi, along with related sales and engineering operations in Detroit. Visit www.solerotechnologies.com for more information.
