Sun Capital Partners, a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies, announced that an affiliate has completed the acquisition of Ames Taping Tools, a leading rental provider of automatic taping and finishing tools, supplies and training to the professional drywall finishing industry. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1939, Ames invented automatic taping and finishing tool technology and has continued to improve speed and productivity. With a network of about 100 company stores and franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada, Ames supports residential and commercial interior finishing contractors with a large tool rental operation.
“Our investment in Ames Taping Tools represents a great opportunity to grow a market-leading provider of specialized contracting equipment,” said Marc Leder, co-CEO at Sun Capital.
Based in Suwanee, Ga., Ames, previously owned by a consortium of private equity firms and banks, is the number one provider of automatic taping and finishing tools used for drywall installation in North America, renting and selling tools under the Ames and TapeTech brands. Sun Capital sees considerable potential to grow the business, and will work with management to implement the Sun Transformation System to maximize operational efficiencies and reduce procurement costs.
“Sun Capital has a great reputation for being able to jump start growth at companies like ours with a leading market position and strong product set,” said Fred Daniels, president and CEO of Ames. “Their team is a great match with ours culturally, and we’re looking forward to working with them to maximize Ames’ potential.”
Daniels told RER the entire management team at Ames is staying on and is “very optimistic” about growth prospects.
Sun Capital has experience in the manufacturing and distribution of building products and related services through current affiliated portfolio companies including Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions, a leading fabricator and distributor of architectural glass and aluminum; Arrow TruLine, a manufacturer and distributor of garage door hardware and fittings; Horizon Services, a residential provider of plumbing, heating and air conditioning services; and Demilac, a spray polyurethane foam insulation provider.
Ames Taping Tools is No. 85 on the RER 100.
