Private Invest Firm Acquires Flexible Packaging Manufacturer Popular Ink

DALLAS—February 19, 2015—Highlander Partners, a leading middle market private investment firm based in Dallas, has announced the acquisition of Popular Ink. Founded in 2011, Popular Ink is a McKinney, TX-based manufacturer of printed flexible packaging and other related goods for the consumer products market.

Popular Ink will continue to operate under its existing operating structure with its current management team, led by the company's founders Dru Riess and Ray Salinas, both of whom are retaining significant ownership in the company. The company's management team has successfully grown the business every year since its founding and has positioned Popular Ink as a leader and innovator in the flexible packaging market.

"I am excited to partner with Highlander Partners to continue to grow Popular Ink and build upon our company's success," Riess commented. "When I started down the path of building this brand, my vision was to build the leading company in the flexible packaging industry, and I believe Highlander is the right partner to help us fulfill that vision. Flexible packaging is only the beginning for this brand, and we will act rapidly to penetrate other market opportunities for Popular Ink."

In connection with Highlander's investment in Popular Ink, Highlander Operating Partner John Beckert will join the board of Popular Ink and serve as chairman. "We could not be more thrilled to partner with the Popular Ink team, which, since the beginning of the company, has established a strong brand and leading market presence," stated Beckert. "We look forward to supporting their vision of being at the forefront of innovation in the flexible packaging space and continuing to expand the company's presence throughout the United States."

Riess, who will continue to lead the business as Popular Ink's president and CEO, added, "Highlander is a perfect fit for Popular Ink, given the extensive background of Highlander's principals in specialty printing and their experience in scaling businesses. And their willingness to invest their own capital shows Ray and I how serious they are about the brand's success. We all look at the growth potential from a long-term strategic approach and have the understanding that nothing happens overnight. Highlander is exactly what Ray and I were looking for when we set out to find a partner to help us bring the business to the next level."

New Direction Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Popular Ink in connection with this transaction. Texas Capital Bank provided senior financing in support of the transaction.

About Highlander Partners
Highlander Partners is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $1 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products and others. Highlander Partners uses a "buy and build" investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions.

About Popular Ink
Popular Ink is a leading printer and converter of flexible packaging materials using a process called flexography. The company utilizes CMYK process, combination screens and line work up to 10 colors. Popular Ink specializes in helping fast-growing consumer product companies grow their business with high quality, high impact packaging solutions.

Source: Highlander Partners.