Houston, TX September 27, 2012
The Sterling Group, a middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, today announced that its affiliated investment fund, Sterling Group Partners III, L.P., entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire all of the equity interests that comprise the Dexter Axle business from Tomkins Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Pinafore Holdings B.V.
The Dexter Axle business manufactures trailer axle, brake and suspension assemblies and related replacement parts and components. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to occur in the last quarter of 2012.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $500 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 41 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of approximately $9.5 billion. Currently, Sterling has $1.2 billion of committed capital under management through three funds. Current portfolio companies include CST Industries, Universal Fiber Systems, Velcon Filters, Express, B&G Crane, Saxco International, Stackpole International and Liqui-Box. Upon closing this transaction, Sterling will have completed 22 corporate carve-outs in its 30 year history.