Blackford Capital Acquires Medical Equipment Maker Mopec, Inc.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following up on its commitment to invest Michigan private equity in Michigan-based companies, Blackford Capital today announced the acquisition of Mopec, Inc., a full-service, full-line manufacturer of pathology and mortuary equipment based in Metro Detroit.

Blackford Capital, a national private equity firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. that acquires, manages and builds middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies, said the acquisition is its second in the firm's Michigan Prosperity Fund. The Fund, created in 2012, aims to generate best-in-class equity returns for investors within the state of Michigan, and also to support the local economy by protecting and creating jobs locally.  

Mopec was founded in 1992 and currently employs 68 people at its 60,000-square-foot facility in Oak Park. It serves customers with a wide range of products for the pathology and mortuary market including the Mayo Clinic, Duke University Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic.

"Mopec is the market leader in its field as a result of its advanced engineering and metal working capabilities, its focus on finding solutions to customer needs, and its passionate team of employees," said Jeff Helminski, managing director of Blackford Capital. "We are honored to be partnering with Terry O'Rourke and the Mopec team in continuing the legacy that Rick Bell and George Hallman built, and we are committed to growing Mopec and creating jobs in Michigan."

Blackford Capital said it will be implementing a board of directors and employing operating partners to support the management team and the growth of the business. Terry O'Rourke, former president of medical device manufacturer Aspen Surgical, will become the new CEO of Mopec. While at Aspen Surgical, O'Rourke helped grow the business from $25 million to $120 million in revenue over a six-year period, creating 500 new jobs.

"I look forward to working with Mopec's board, partners and staff to leverage the company's well-respect reputation, and to increase revenues and add jobs," said O'Rourke. "We expect great things from the future of our company and are proud to be a part of Blackford's vision for Michigan's future."

Comerica Bank and Northcreek Mezzanine provided financing for the transaction.

"We are excited to be partnering with Blackford Capital and new CEO Terry O'Rouke," said Barry Peterson, managing partner of Northcreek Mezzanine. "We are confident the new leadership team will build upon the success of the founders, fostering continued growth and taking  the business to even higher levels."

Mopec's Board of Directors will consist of: Jeff Helminski, Blackford Capital managing director; Terry O'Rourke, CEO of Mopec; Tom Carroll, owner of Label Tape; Joel Carter, Blackford Capital operating partner and former owner of Orlando Recycling; Darren Frankel, principal at Stuart Frankel Development Company; Kathy Nagy, former CEO of Strategy Network; and Thomas Lozser, director of publicly traded Looser Holding AG and who currently sits on the board of Custom Profile, Inc., one of Blackford's portfolio companies. All of these individuals have strong ties to Michigan and represent Michigan's depth of talent and experience.

About Blackford Capital
Blackford Capital is a private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Mich., that acquires, manages and builds middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies, with seven portfolio companies employing more than 950 people and with combined revenues of approximately $225 million. Blackford has offices in Grand Rapids (headquarters) and Santa Monica, CA.

Blackford Capital reviewed roughly 3,400 transactions last year with the goal of closing four to six deals per year. Blackford has closed 26 transactions in the past six years. Mopec is Blackford's seventh portfolio company and its second in Michigan. The firm's investment criteria includes mature, profitable businesses with revenues between $20 million and $100 million and with management teams that are either willing to remain with the company or are seeking to retire.  For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About Mopec, Inc.
Mopec, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of supplies for the pathology, histology, necropsy, autopsy, morgue and mortuary industries. Mopec, based in Oak Park, Mich., has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities to offer customized solutions to its standard capital equipment products to meet the customer's application requirements. For over 20 years, Mopec has been committed to designing and manufacturing innovative research equipment and instruments that meet the needs of the technician while providing a safe, comfortable, ergonomic and efficient work environment. For more information, visit www.mopec.com.

SOURCE Blackford Capital

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