26.11.2019
Clover Imaging Group’s Executive Leadership Team & Norwest Equity
Partners, Acquire Clover Imaging Group from 4L Holdings Group.
Chicago, IL — Clover Imaging Group
(“Clover Imaging”), the world’s largest collector and remanufacturer of printer
cartridges, announced today that Clover Imaging’s executive leadership team and
Norwest Equity Partners (“NEP”), a leading middle market investment firm, have
entered into a definitive agreement with 4L Holdings Group to acquire the
Clover Imaging business unit. The transaction has been approved by 4L Holdings’
lenders.
With business spanning 43 countries,
Clover Imaging Group is the global leader in producing high quality, low cost
remanufactured printer cartridges that help organizations lower their printing
costs while reducing their environmental impact. Compared to single-use OEM and
clone/new-build cartridges, Clover’s environmentally friendly cartridges have
been shown to use 79% less material and 44% fewer natural resources
—representing a 50% smaller overall environmental impact. On a monthly basis,
Clover Imaging collects and recycles over 3.5 million cartridges and
manufactures over 1.4 million cartridges. Clover Imaging also offers a robust
portfolio of services including managed print, technical support, training and
marketing services.
“Clover’s executive leadership team, in
partnership with NEP, will once again control the destiny of the company we
built — demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the success of the business
and our shared confidence in the aftermarket imaging supplies industry and
consumers’ demand for environmentally conscious products like ours. Under our
new, very low debt structure, we have a lot of flexibility moving forward and
are well positioned to write the next chapter for Clover Imaging Group. We
could not be more excited about the growth opportunities this new capital and
partnership will provide,” said Jim Cerkleski, Chairman of Clover Imaging
Group.
Founded in 1961, NEP has a reputation for
its collaborative investment approach and commitment to partnering closely with
the management teams of its portfolio companies to create long-term success and
stakeholder value. NEP has invested in more than 400 companies to date.
Tim DeVries, NEP Managing Partner, stated,
“We are excited about our investment partnership with Clover Imaging Group — it
is a well-run business with a highly experienced, nimble management team that
knows how to innovate and execute. We look forward to collaborating with them
to leverage the company’s strong position in the marketplace and put our
capital and resources to work to further expand and grow the business.”
Once the transaction closes, which is
expected to occur within the next month, Clover Imaging will operate as a
separate and independent entity from 4L Holdings Group. Clover Imaging’s
management team, including Jim Cerkleski, Chairman; George Milton, CEO; and
Eric Martin, President; will continue to lead the business, which will remain
headquartered in the Chicagoarea. Lincoln International acted as the exclusive investment banking
representative for 4L Holdings and Clover Imaging Group, working closely with
the Company’s management team and shareholders throughout the sale process.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Clover Imaging Group
Centered around sustainable innovation,
Clover Imaging Group offers independent dealers, OEMs, and retailers a complete
imaging and solutions platform. Clover’s broad array of products and services
includes award-winning remanufactured printer cartridges and parts, a
comprehensive suite of managed print and technology services, and unparalleled
marketing and sales support. Far from its early beginnings as an ink and toner
remanufacturer, Clover has evolved into a global enterprise backed by
world-class engineering, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. These
expansive capabilities enable Clover to provide a level of partnership
unmatched in the aftermarket imaging space. For more information on Clover,
please visit: http://www.cloverimaging.com.
About Norwest Equity Partners
Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a leading
middle market investment firm focused on partnering with business owners to
build companies into industry leaders. With a reputation for quality
investments and exceptional financial returns since 1961, NEP offers creative
and flexible transaction solutions and believes in long-term relationships.
With offices in Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, Florida,
NEP focuses on equity investment opportunities for growing and profitable
companies within agriculture, business services, consumer, distribution,
diversified industrials, energy, and healthcare. For additional information
about NEP, please visit http://www.nep.com.