Platinum Equity Acquires WS Packaging Group from J.W. Childs Equity Firm

GREEN BAY, Wis. - February 6, 2018 - WS Packaging Group has announced that Platinum Equity has acquired the company from J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., WS Packaging Group provides labels and packaging solutions for the food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, and pharmaceutical markets.

WS Packaging Group ranked #12 on the recently published 2017 Printing Impressions 400 list with total sales reported $427.40 million. Click here to access the list.

The company, which primarily markets pressure-sensitive labeling products, is one of North America's leading label converters, providing innovative packaging, shopper promotion and branding solutions that help its customers increase shelf impact, brand consistency and shopper engagement for the products they sell to end consumers.

Platinum Equity Principal Jason Price said he is excited about WS Packaging Group’s prospects as part of Platinum Equity’s portfolio.

“WS Packaging Group has great potential, and we look forward to working closely with the company’s management team, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders,” said Price. “We believe it will benefit from our operational resources and our ability to help identify and pursue new avenues for growth.”

Platinum Equity has considerable experience in the packaging sector and recently owned Mactac, one of WS Packaging Group’s suppliers of pressure-sensitive materials.

J.W. Childs Associates Partner, David Fiorentino, commented, “We have enjoyed our close partnership with WS Packaging Group. The company has made meaningful investments in new technology, has dedicated employees and deep customer relationships. We wish Platinum, the WS Packaging Group management team and all WS Packaging Group employees well with the business.”

WS Packaging Group CEO Dean Wimer is remaining with the company to lead the business.

“We thank the team at J.W. Childs Associates for the guidance and support of the business under its ownership. We’re excited to work with Platinum Equity, who brings a fresh perspective, with new energy and focus to the table,” noted Wimer. “They know our industry well and have the operational and financial resources we need to help maximize our company’s potential.”

Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to Platinum Equity on the acquisition of WS Packaging Group. McDermott Will & Emery served as legal counsel and Barclays as financial advisor to WS Packaging Group.

Source: WS Packaging Group.

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