LERETA Expands Board of Directors with Seasoned Technology and Mortgage Veterans
POMONA, Calif., April 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LERETA, a leading national provider of real estate tax and flood services for mortgage servicers, today announced the addition of three new directors to its board as the company continues to emphasize and expand its technology focus. Joining the LERETA Board of Directors are technology and mortgage veterans Stephen Gold, Gene Mergelmeyer and Tony Ebers.
Gold is an experienced technology executive and board director, having held senior leadership roles in companies across a variety of industries including retail, healthcare, digital business and communications technology. His expertise includes the design, implementation, operations management and support of large-scale, technology-driven initiatives. In addition to serving in senior roles at Avaya, Inc., Medco Health Solutions and GSI Commerce, Gold was most recently Executive Vice President, CTO and Chief Process Improvement Officer at Hudson's Bay Company and was previously Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CVS Health.
"LERETA has consistently demonstrated an ability to exceed customer expectations, not just with great service, but with their groundbreaking approach to improve on an industry that was, before now, content with the status quo," said Gold. "They are changing the game, and I'm honored to serve as a director."
Before his recent retirement, Mergelmeyer spent more than three decades at Assurant, Inc., a Fortune 300 company specializing in risk management and specialty insurance in 21 countries. His most recent position was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He spent his career successfully developing and growing numerous businesses to industry leading positions for Assurant and led the company's "Digital First" and other transformation initiatives. Mergelmeyer also created Assurant's enterprise operating model structure that focused on enhancing the company's brand across the globe through its commitment to product leadership, global solutions, enhanced agility and values of common sense and common decency.
"In an industry that has mostly done things the same way for decades with little innovation, LERETA is changing the paradigm to develop tech-informed solutions that improve service and accuracy," said Mergelmeyer. "They are raising the bar and putting a strategic focus on performance results which is producing SLAs that are the best in the industry. I'm delighted to join the very talented team at LERETA."
Ebers, the former Chief Operating Officer of Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., the parent company of Mr. Cooper, brings decades of experience in mortgage lending, servicing and real estate transaction related services. His previous positions include Executive Vice President of Originations at Nationstar and, earlier, President of ServiceLink's Originations Division when ServiceLink was a Black Knight company. Ebers has also held senior leadership positions in retail banking, consumer lending, mortgage originations and servicing at OneWest Bank and IndyMac Bank, all of which will enhance his contributions as a director for LERETA.
"I had the privilege of working with LERETA in my previous roles, and as a result, I know firsthand how the company has advanced tax and flood servicing from a technology perspective, not to mention its commitment to service" said Ebers. "I look forward to being part of their continued growth."
Commenting on the new board members, LERETA CEO John Walsh said: "The addition of Stephen, Gene and Tony to the LERETA team – and the deep-bench experience they bring – is further evidence of our continued commitment to focus on technology and innovation in our company. Our mission is to elevate the quality of tax and flood services in the mortgage industry, which for too long has been subpar. Expanding our Board of Directors with these seasoned industry veterans will help us continue to exceed client expectations and deliver a best-of-class customer experience to both servicers and their homeowners."
About LERETA
Since 1986, LERETA has provided the mortgage and insurance industries the fastest, most accurate and complete access to property tax data and flood hazard status information across the U.S. LERETA is committed to giving customers extraordinary service and cost-effective property tax and flood solutions. LERETA's services are designed to increase efficiency, reduce penalties and liabilities and improve processes for mortgage originators and servicers. LERETA's dedicated teams of real estate tax and flood professionals along with LERETA's experienced management team allow the company to lead the industry in service and technology.
SOURCE LERETA
IRI and NPD to Merge and Create a Leading Global Technology, Analytics and Data Provider
Combines leading CPG, general merchandise, foodservice and food consumption data capabilities to offer innovative view of total retail purchasing and consumption trends
CHICAGO and PORT WASHINGTON, NY, April 7, 2022 – Information Resources, Inc. ("IRI"), a fast-growing global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, and The NPD Group ("NPD"), a global provider of market information and advisory services in more than 20 industries, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement through which IRI and NPD will merge. The combination will create a leading global technology, analytics and data provider that offers clients a view of total retail purchasing and consumption trends powered by advanced, predictive analytics on the industry-leading IRI Liquid Data® technology platform. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
By bringing together complementary leading data assets across a broad range of industries on the most innovative, sophisticated data visualization platform, the combined business will empower brands and retailers to collaborate, better service their customers, respond to trends and leverage more powerful insights to drive growth. NPD provides market information and advisory services for general merchandise, including softlines, technology and retail, as well as foodservice and food consumption. This will be combined with IRI's unparalleled market measurement, supply chain and media optimization solutions, technology platform, retail relationships and data assets for the CPG industry, which encompasses the grocery, convenience and over-the-counter healthcare categories.
Kirk Perry, president and CEO of IRI, said, "This combination is a win for IRI, NPD, our clients and our teams as we bring together two industry leaders to offer a total store view. We look forward to joining forces with the NPD team, which brings expertise in parts of the store that IRI does not cover today. As the global retail landscape continues to evolve, IRI and NPD will have innovative technology, analytics, data resources, talent and geographic reach to best support the growth of the world's leading brands and retailers. Our combined organization will be well-positioned for continued innovation and success, backed by the expertise and resources of our new majority investor, Hellman & Friedman ("H&F"), alongside our long-term partners at Vestar Capital and New Mountain Capital."
NPD CEO Karyn Schoenbart added, "We are excited about the prospect of combining our companies to give clients the tools and information they need to succeed amid changing consumer behavior. Both NPD and IRI share similar client-focused, innovative and collaborative cultures, making this combination a natural fit."
H&F, a premier global private equity firm, will acquire a majority stake in IRI and merge IRI with H&F portfolio company NPD. H&F will lead an ownership group consisting of existing long-term IRI investors Vestar Capital Partners ("Vestar") and New Mountain Capital ("NMC"), which will both retain significant investments in the combined company. Following the close of the transaction, H&F, Vestar and NMC will each have representation on the combined company's board of directors. Kirk Perry will become CEO of the combined company and serve on the board. NPD Executive Chairman Tod Johnson will be chairman of the combined company's board, and Karyn Schoenbart also will join the board. Jeff Ansell, current chairman of IRI's board, will continue on the combined company's board as well. Johnson and Schoenbart will continue to lead NPD until closing and will remain investors in the combined company.
Evercore, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Guggenheim Securities LLC are serving as financial advisors to IRI, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel. Jefferies Group LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to NPD and H&F, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel. Kramer Levin is serving as legal counsel to Johnson and Schoenbart.
ABOUT IRI
IRI unifies technology, analytics and data to reinvent how people and companies make decisions, take action and optimize performance. With the largest repository of purchase, media, social, causal and loyalty data, all integrated into an on-demand, cloud-based technology platform, IRI helps to guide its more than 5,000 clients around the world in their quests to capture market share, connect with consumers, collaborate with key constituents and deliver market-leading growth. For more information, visit www.iriworldwide.com.
ABOUT THE NPD GROUP
NPD offers data, industry expertise and prescriptive analytics to help clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on NPD to help them measure, predict and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce and B2B. NPD has services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys and video games. For more information, visit www.npd.com.
ABOUT HELLMAN & FRIEDMAN
Hellman & Friedman is a preeminent global private equity firm with a distinctive investment approach focused on large-scale equity investments in high-quality growth businesses. H&F seeks to partner with world-class management teams where its deep sector expertise, long-term orientation and collaborative partnership approach enable companies to flourish. H&F targets outstanding businesses in select sectors, including software and technology, financial services, healthcare, consumer and retail, and other business services.
Since its founding in 1984, H&F has invested in over 100 companies. The firm is currently investing its tenth fund, with $24.4 billion of committed capital, and has over $90 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2021. Learn more about H&F’s defining investment philosophy and approach to sustainable outcomes at www.hf.com.
ABOUT VESTAR CAPITAL PARTNERS
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
ABOUT NEW MOUNTAIN CAPITAL
New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, public equity and credit funds, with over $35 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest-quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit www.newmountaincapital.com.
Media Contacts:
IRI
Shelley Hughes
[email protected]
Phone: +1 312-731-1782
The NPD Group
Leslie Singer
[email protected]
Phone: +1 516-316-1583
Hellman & Friedman
Winnie Lerner
Finsbury Glover Hering
[email protected]
Phone: +1 917-375-5652
Vestar Capital Partners
Jennifer Hurson / Caroline Luz
Lambert
[email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +1 845-507-0571
New Mountain Capital
Dana Gorman / Matthew Butler
Abernathy MacGregor
[email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: +1 212-371-5999
Vestar Capital Partners Promotes Kimberly Lu to Vice President
NEW YORK, Feb. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm, today announced that Kimberly Lu has been promoted to Vice President, effective immediately.
Ms. Lu joined Vestar in 2021 as a Senior Associate supporting the firm's Investor Relations activities. Prior to Vestar, she was an Associate at BlackRock, where she focused primarily on product strategy and business development. Ms. Lu graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in International Relations & Affairs.
"Kimberly has had an immediate impact on the firm since joining last year, and we know she's only getting started," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "She is a creative, high-energy executive who has already elevated our investor relations and marketing activities. We congratulate Kimberly, and we look forward to her ongoing contributions to Vestar."
Vestar also announced that Alyssa Stropoli has joined the firm as a Senior Associate, supporting the Investor Relations team. Most recently, she was an Associate in Investor Relations at BC Partners, and previously she was an Associate on BlackRock's High Yield Portfolio Management team. Ms. Stropoli holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, City College.
PetHonesty Appoints Consumer Products Executive Richard Greenberg as CEO
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced it has named consumer products executive Richard P. Greenberg as CEO effective February 14. PetHonesty founder and CEO Ben Arneberg will continue to serve as a Director on the Company's Board, and he and his family will retain their significant ongoing investment in the Company.
"Rich is an inspirational leader with a track record of achieving breakthrough results and driving organizational capability," said Jeffrey Ansell, PetHonesty Chairman and Vestar Senior Advisor. "I've seen the impact of Rich's leadership first-hand, and I'm confident his principle-based and inclusive leadership approach will enable the Company to achieve its next phase of exciting growth. I'd also like to thank Ben Arneberg for his tireless efforts launching and building PetHonesty into a high-growth, high-potential business. We look forward to his continued contributions as a Board member."
A more than 20-year CPG executive, Mr. Greenberg most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer of Sovos Brands, which launched its IPO in the fall of 2021. Sovos Brands includes leading brands Rao's Homemade, Noosa Yoghurt, Birch Benders, and Michael Angelo's. Prior to Sovos, he held key leadership positions in the household products sector, initially at the Sun Products Corporation, which was acquired by Henkel Consumer Goods in 2016, where Mr. Greenberg ultimately served as General Manager and Chief Customer Officer. Mr. Greenberg was recruited to Sun from Kellogg's Kashi Foods division. He currently serves on the Board of Vestar's Roland Foods, and he earned a bachelor's degree in business from Penn State University.
"I'm honored to join PetHonesty and serve as its next CEO as we build upon the Company's strong foundation at a time when the pet products industry is experiencing record growth and strong tailwinds," said Mr. Greenberg. "With the Company's leadership team, I look forward to partnering with Vestar and leveraging their industry relationships and resources as we drive the PetHonesty brand, launch meaningful innovation, and delight pets and pet parents with products that make a difference to pet health and well-being."
"Bringing Vestar on was a significant step in fueling PetHonesty's growth trajectory, and the addition of Rich will further accelerate the Company's strategic expansion plans," said Mr. Arneberg. "I'm proud of the innovative company we've built to address the needs of pets and pet parents, and am energized by the tremendous talent and resources we have been able to attract to help the Company unlock its enormous potential."
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty's products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company's world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
Vestar Capital Partners Promotes Three to Managing Director
NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm, today announced the promotions of Jake Olson, Diya Talwar, and Mike Vaupen to Managing Director.
"Jake, Diya, and Mike have played integral roles in Vestar's success, both on the investment side and within the firm," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "Vestar had an active 2021, investing in five new platform companies, among other accomplishments. We expect this momentum to continue into the new year, with our new Managing Directors helping to lead this activity. On behalf of the firm, we congratulate Jake, Diya, and Mike on their well-deserved promotions."
Mr. Olson is a member of Vestar's Business & Technology Services team and serves as a Director on the Board of Stratus, a Vestar portfolio company. Prior to joining Vestar, he was a Vice President at Tailwind Capital, and began his career at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital. Mr. Olson holds a BA from Columbia College, Columbia University, and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Ms. Talwar is a member of Vestar's Consumer team and serves as a Director on the Boards of Dr. Praeger's and PetHonesty, Vestar portfolio companies. Prior to joining Vestar, she served as SVP, Business Development & Strategy at High Ridge Brands, a private equity-backed personal care company. Previously, Ms. Talwar served as VP, Corporate Development at Jarden Corporation, a publicly traded Fortune 500 diversified consumer products company where she spent 10 years involved in the completion of over 30 acquisitions. She began her career in investment banking at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Banc of America Securities, and holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Vaupen is a member of Vestar's Healthcare team and serves as a Director on the Board of Quest Analytics, a Vestar portfolio company. Prior to joining Vestar, he was an investment professional at Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, focused on healthcare technology and services investing. He previously worked at Pamplona Capital Management, where he helped to establish the firm's healthcare vertical, and prior to that, in the healthcare group at Oak Hill Capital Partners. He began his career in the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Vaupen holds a BS in Economics from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since inception in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
PetHonesty Names Pet Industry Veteran Daniel Horner as Vice President of Sales
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced it has named Daniel B. Horner as Vice President of Sales.
“We are pleased to welcome Dan to PetHonesty and are excited to gain an executive of such caliber,” said Ben Arneberg, PetHonesty CEO. “He has a proven ability to develop initiatives that lead to revenue growth. Dan’s reputation as a team player, combined with his relationships in the pet industry, will prove invaluable as we continue building a leading omnichannel brand in pet supplements.”
A 30-year pet industry veteran with a focus on pet consumables, Mr. Horner comes to PetHonesty after 15 years at Freshpet, where he was a founding member and most recently served as Vice President, Pet Channel, helping to scale the company across the globe. Prior to Freshpet, Mr. Horner held multifunctional roles at The Meow Mix Company and Ralston Purina. He holds a B.S. in Business Communications from DePauw University.
“I am delighted to join this thriving company that is dedicated to improving the lives of pets through science-backed, natural products,” said Mr. Horner. “I look forward to being part of the PetHonesty team as we focus on providing many healthy, joyful years of companionship to pet parents across the country.”
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty’s products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company’s world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of approximately $52 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Media Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
[email protected]
or
Caroline Luz
203-656-2829
[email protected]
SOURCE: PetHonesty
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PetHonesty Appoints Dr. Greg Reinhart as Vice President of Research and Development
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PetHonesty, a trusted leader in premium pet health products and a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners, today announced the addition of Greg Reinhart, PhD, to its executive team as Vice President of Research and Development.
Dr. Reinhart joins PetHonesty from General Mills, where he spent the last five years as Senior Vice President of Research and Development for the Blue Buffalo pet food brands. His previous experience spans 17 years at the Iams Company and Procter & Gamble Pet Care, including serving seven years as the Vice President of Strategic Research and Communication. He also held other positions of increasing responsibility in Research & Development within the company.
"Dr. Reinhart's expertise in pet health is unparalleled, and we are extremely excited for the elevated level of sophistication he brings to our product development initiatives," said Ben Arneberg, CEO of PetHonesty. "In addition to strengthening our Research & Development team, Dr. Reinhart's wealth of knowledge in pet nutrition uniquely positions PetHonesty to bring world-class education and guidance to pet parents around the world."
Dr. Reinhart is the author of over 250 scientific publications and 14 patents, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, his Master of Science degree in Non-Ruminant Nutrition (Animal Science), and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nutritional Biochemistry (Animal Science) all from The Ohio State University. In 2014, Ohio State inducted Dr. Reinhart into the Animal Sciences Hall of Fame for his leadership in the animal nutrition sector and his efforts to combat human malnutrition.
"I am thrilled to be joining the PetHonesty team," said Dr. Reinhart. "The company's commitment to providing a natural and noticeable boost to pet health is inspiring, and I'm excited to help develop new products that will allow pet parents to enjoy more joyful, healthy years with their pets."
About PetHonesty
PetHonesty is a trusted leader in premium pet health products. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, TX, the company provides a natural and noticeable boost to pet health through natural, science-backed products that demonstrate effectiveness pet parents can truly see. PetHonesty's products are formulated to help address a plethora of common pet ailments, including immobility, digestive issues, and allergies. The company's world-class customer service provides personalized guidance and education to help light the way to more joyful, healthy years for pets and pet parents. PetHonesty products are available via its website as well as through Amazon and Chewy. For more information, please visit www.pethonesty.com.
Media Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
[email protected]
or
Caroline Luz
203-656-2829
[email protected]
SOURCE: PetHonesty
Related Links
Vestar Capital Partners Named to Inc.'s 2021 List of Founder-Friendly Investors
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Vestar Capital Partners, a leading U.S. private equity firm, today announced that it has been named to Inc.'s third annual Founder-Friendly Investors list, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs.
The list recognizes firms that entrepreneurs can trust and collaborate with while receiving the financial and strategic support they need to help accelerate growth.
"We founded Vestar on the principle that partnership with great founders and management teams is the cornerstone of any successful investment; for more than 30 years, this approach has led to exceptional outcomes for our companies and investors," said Dan O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Vestar. "In fact, over half of the investments in our two most recent funds are founder- or family-led businesses. We thank Inc. for recognizing Vestar's commitment to this style of investing, and we look forward to building steadfast partnerships with founders and entrepreneurs in the future."
Vestar has invested nearly $3 billion in more than 25 founder- and family-owned companies since its founding in 1988. Vestar's current portfolio consists of 10 founder-led businesses, including four 2021 investments – Dr. Praeger's Purely Sensible Foods, Stratus, PetHonesty and Friday Health Plans.
"Supporting an entrepreneur's vision and driving growth is more than just a financial investment. It's about building a relationship and supporting the founders beyond that initial year. These private equity firms treat the founders like partners," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. media.
Contact:
Lambert & Co.
Jennifer Hurson
(845) 507-0571
[email protected]
Caroline Luz
(203) 656-2829
[email protected]
Vestar Portfolio Company, Stratus, Acquires Chicago-Based MLE
Cleveland, OH – September 28, 2021 – Stratus, a leading facilities services and brand implementation services firm, today announced the acquisition of Chicago area-based MLE Brand Services, creating a $325+ million company with nearly 850 employees throughout the United States. The newly combined Stratus and MLE facilities service offerings cover the full brand lifecycle, including interior and exterior signage, refresh and remodel construction, repair and maintenance, and energy services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Stratus, founded in 1931, has tripled its revenue since 2017 through strategic growth initiatives with its long-term customers in the retail, healthcare, financial, restaurant, hospitality, and convenience-store sectors, as well as through multiple acquisitions. The Stratus client roster includes blue-chip brands like Bank of America, Chase, CVS, Lowe’s, McDonald’s, Target, The Home Depot, and Walgreens. MLE’s reputation, expertise and production capabilities in interior branding, brand installation, and brand rollout warehousing and logistics significantly enhances Stratus’ brand implementation services portfolio, while further expanding its multi-solution facilities services offering.
“MLE and Stratus both have stellar reputations for service, quality, and brand partnership, so this acquisition is a natural next step,” noted Tim Eippert, CEO, Stratus. “Our capabilities are highly complementary, and by joining forces we’ll be able to provide a more holistic offering to our combined client base.”
MLE was founded in 2002 by Mike Loftus, who grew the company to over 130 employees in the Chicago area by building strong relationships with blue-chip customers. The MLE management team will remain intact, and Mr. Loftus will join the Stratus Executive Leadership Team led by Mr. Eippert, effective immediately. “Together, Stratus and MLE will provide superior and seamless end-to-end in-house service offerings, with our clients at the center of everything we do,” said Mr. Loftus.
Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Stratus has operations centers in Illinois, Ohio, Florida and New Jersey, and manufacturing facilities in Illinois and South Carolina. Stratus is a portfolio company of Vestar Capital Partners.
About Stratus
Stratus is a leading brand implementation and facilities services company offering signage solutions, energy services, repair and maintenance programs, and refresh and remodel capabilities across 50 states and 24 countries. With more than 50,000 projects completed annually, the Company provides versatile solutions for some of the world’s largest and most recognized brands. For more information, please visit www.stratusunlimited.com.
About Vestar Capital Partners
Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Business & Technology Services, Consumer, and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $11 billion in 88 companies – as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions – with a total value of over $50 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.
Michael Vaupen Joins Vestar Capital Partners
NEW YORK, NY – September 14, 2021 - Vestar Capital Partners (“Vestar”), a leading middle-market private equity firm, today announced that Michael Vaupen has joined the firm as a Principal and senior member of its healthcare team, focusing on healthcare technology and services. Mr. Vaupen will be responsible for all aspects of the investment lifecycle, from deal sourcing to portfolio company management, and will play a key leadership role in the Firm’s healthcare practice.
“Mike has deep experience in healthcare technology investing, which aligns perfectly with Vestar’s investment focus, and we are confident that he’ll have an immediate impact at the firm,” said Norm Alpert, Co-President and head of Healthcare at Vestar. “As patients, providers, and payers all look to use technology to make more informed decisions on the cost and quality of care, healthcare technology is playing an increasingly important role. We look forward to Mike’s contributions as we identify and partner with innovative companies in this rapidly evolving space.”
Mr. Vaupen joins Vestar from Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, where he focused on healthcare technology and services investing. Prior to that, Mr. Vaupen was an investment professional at Pamplona Capital Management, where he helped establish the private equity firm’s healthcare vertical, and in the healthcare group at Oak Hill Capital Partners. He began his career in the healthcare investment banking group at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Vaupen earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
“I am thrilled to join the Vestar team given the firm’s long history of successful healthcare investing,” said Mr. Vaupen. “I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and our portfolio company management teams as we look to creatively deliver value and capitalize on strong healthcare technology industry tailwinds.”