Mesirow Financial Advises Boelter Industries on its Sale to WS Packaging Group

CHICAGO—August 07, 2012—Mesirow Financial acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Boelter Industries in its sale to WS Packaging Group (“WS Packaging”), a portfolio company of J.W. Childs Associates, L.P.

Boelter Industries is a full-service folding carton company located in Winona, MN. The Company specializes in the design, manufacturing and distribution of folding cartons and converted paperboard products for a broad range of end-use applications. Boelter Industries offers two distinct converting processes including offset lithography with an emphasis on small- to large-format, multi-colored, key-line, and/or process printing requirements, and flexographic printing with inline diecutting, using state-of-the-art equipment in narrow-web, mid-range, and wide-web capabilities. The Company also provides various finishing capabilities such as window patching, where windows, pockets and patches.

“Mesirow Financial was instrumental in identifying WS Packaging as a strong partner for Boelter Industries. We are truly pleased by the opportunity to join WS Packaging. Mesirow Financial's advice throughout the process resulted in a successful outcome for all parties involved,” commented Dennis Boelter, president of Boelter Industries.

Bill Hornell, managing director of Mesirow Financial also added “We were honored to work with the shareholders of Boelter Industries on this assignment. The Company's unique capabilities are a strong complement to WS Packaging's broad range of product and service offerings.”

The transaction represents another successful assignment completed by Mesirow Financial's Investment Banking group. Mesirow Financial is one of the most active advisors in the paper, plastics, packaging and specialty printing sectors, having completed over 90 transactions in recent years.

About WS Packaging Group
WS Packaging Group, with more than 45 years of experience, is one of the largest printing and label converting operations in North America. It operates 19 manufacturing facilities and produces high-quality packaging products. Its customers range in size from small businesses to large, high-volume manufacturers and consumer product goods companies doing business locally, nationally, and in marketplaces worldwide. WS Packaging Group is majority owned by J.W. Childs Associates, L.P. (JWC), a private equity firm based in Boston, investing in middle-market growth companies. Since 1995, JWC has invested in over 40 companies with a transaction value of more than $12 billion.

About Mesirow Financial
Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the firm remains independent and employee-owned with approximately 1,200 employees globally. The firm is well capitalized and has been consistently profitable, with capital of $352 million, revenues totaling $491 million for fiscal 2012 and $61.7 billion in assets under management, of which $35.4 billion are in currency and commodities as of June 30, 2012. With expertise in investment management, global markets, insurance services and consulting, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations and individuals.

Source: Mesirow Financial.