
| COGNITIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS |
| September 31, 2011 – Cognitive Capital Partners, a Chicago private equity firm focused on building middle-market businesses, announced that Tooling Technology Group (“TTG”) has completed the acquisition of FPM Tooling & Automation (“FPM”) of Fremont, Ohio. In concert with the acquisition, TTG was able to refinance its outstanding subordinated debt, lowering its cost of borrowing. Ever since Cognitive partnered with management to complete a buyout of the business, Tooling Technology Group has proven itself successful in entering adjacent product lines and diversifying its customer base, best evidenced by the Company’s successful entry into Compression Molding in 2007; a product line that is now prominent in the sales mix. With the acquisition of FPM, TTG will be well positioned to expand its Industrial Blow Molding capabilities and expand into automated finishing equipment. Tooling Technology CEO Tony Seger said, “We are delighted to add FPM Tooling & Automation to the TTG family. FPM, its employees and stakeholders will benefit from a larger platform and greater diversification of products and services, while helping Tooling Technology grow its position in the Industrial Blow mold and Automation segments.” “We are extremely excited about the long term direction of Tooling Tech Group. The Company’s acquisition of FPM will help to broaden and strengthen an already solid platform. In fact, TTG’s strong financial footing allowed us to not only complete the acquisition, but also repay existing subordinated debt; thereby positioning the Company for continued growth” said Chet Gougis of Cognitive Capital Partners. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third has proven to be an invaluable partner over the years and their understanding of our business, and responsiveness, has allowed us to thrive,” commented Mr. Seger. November 30, 2010 – Cognitive Capital Partners is pleased to announce that it recently led a recapitalization of VSA Partners. Cognitive teamed with management to invest in VSA Partners in August 2007. Since the transaction, the Company has experienced significant growth and a consistent financial track record which supported both the repayment of sub-debt provided by Smith Whiley & Company, and a substantial dividend. “We are pleased to have been in the position to pay a dividend to the shareholders and employees, while strengthening the Company’s balance sheet along with its relationship with M&I Bank,” said Chet Gougis of Cognitive Capital Partners. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with M&I Bank and Cognitive Capital Partners. Their experience working with growing companies will be valuable as VSA continues to build on its record of success,” commented Dana Arnett, Principal/CEO of VSA Partners. December 15, 2009 – Cognitive Capital Partners is pleased to announce that it recently completed a refinancing of Tooling Tech Group with Fifth Third Bank. Cognitive teamed with management to complete a buyout of Tooling Tech Group in 2006 and was approaching the maturity date for its acquisition debt. Fortunately, during Cognitive's holding period, the Company has built a consistent financial track record by using its strong cash flow to expand its product lines and diversify its customer base. The refinancing was supported by relative stability in the Company’s thermoforming and standard products business, combined with exceptional growth in the compression molding business that was started in mid-2007. “Given the current state of the economy and credit markets we are very proud to have been able to refinance Tooling Tech’s debt with terms that are very favorable to the Company,” said Ronald Yokubison of Cognitive Capital Partners. “We are delighted to have expanded our relationship with Fifth Third Bank. Their long term capital strengthens our balance sheet and helps reposition the Company for its next phase of growth,” commented Anthony Seger, CEO of Tooling Tech Group. |
©2011 Cognitive Capital Partners, LLC |