An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today the sale of Koroseal Interior Products Holdings, Inc. to a subsidiary of Sangetsu Corporation.
Headquartered in Fairlawn, Ohio, Koroseal is a leading distributor of commercial interior products. The Company’s core product portfolio of commercial wallcoverings, wall protection systems and dry-erasable wallcoverings are utilized by interior designers, architects, contractors and corporations, and are primarily featured in the hospitality, healthcare, corporate, retail, and education markets.
An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital acquired the interior products division of RJF International Corporation to create Koroseal in 2014. Since that time, the Company has successfully executed a series of transformational growth and operational initiatives, including a multimillion dollar investment to create a state-of-the-art, 300,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility, built to substantially improve customer service and drive operational efficiencies. In addition, the Company invested in new digital printing equipment and capabilities, as well as the revitalization of the Company’s go-to-market strategy, including a holistic corporate re-branding and the implementation of new tools and processes to support the effectiveness of the Company’s industry-leading salesforce.
Robert Strauss, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital and board member of Koroseal, said, “We could not be prouder of the accomplishments achieved at Koroseal over the past two years. Working closely with the exceptional management team led by Rich Runkel, we successfully supported the Company’s numerous investments and transformative initiatives. With a new facility, leading digital production capabilities, a best-in-class leadership team, and a cohesive marketing strategy, we believe Koroseal is positioned to continue to grow as an industry leader.”
Rich Runkel, Chief Executive Officer of Koroseal, added, “The Peak Rock Capital team has been an invaluable resource over the last two years in supporting the Company’s transition to a standalone interior products platform. Their operational support and willingness to invest in critical strategic initiatives have enabled our organization to significantly expand our commercial and operational capabilities. Looking forward, the Company is excited by the compelling strategic fit with Sangetsu as we continue to grow both domestically and abroad.”
Anthony DiSimone, Chief Executive Officer of Peak Rock Capital, said, “The sale of Koroseal represents a successful realization of Peak Rock Capital’s strategy of investing in leading middle-market businesses that can benefit from our strategic and operational expertise and our willingness to make capital investments to support transformational growth initiatives. We look forward to continuing to pursue opportunities where we can apply our capabilities and experience to positively transform other companies.”
Robert W. Baird & Co. acted as the financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as the legal advisor to the Company on the transaction.
ABOUT KOROSEAL INTERIOR PRODUCTS
Headquartered in Fairlawn, Ohio, Koroseal Interior Products is a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial interior products, sold globally through a dedicated in-house distribution network. The Company’s core product portfolio includes commercial wall coverings, wall protection systems and dry-eraseable wallcoverings. For further information about Koroseal Interior Products, please visit www.koroseal.com.
ABOUT PEAK ROCK CAPITAL
Peak Rock Capital is a leading middle-market private equity firm that makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Peak Rock focuses on investing in opportunities where it can support senior management in driving rapid growth and profit improvement through operational and strategic change. Peak Rock’s principals have deep expertise in complex situations and cross border transactions, with the ability to provide tailored capital solutions and close transactions quickly where speed and certainty are priorities. For further information about Peak Rock Capital, please visit www.peakrockcapital.com.
