Stackpole International, A Portfolio Company Of The Sterling Group, Completes Refinancing

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Aug 07, 2012, 04:48 ET

HOUSTON, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sterling Group announced today that its portfolio company, Stackpole International ("Stackpole") completed the refinancing of its outstanding debt on August 2, 2012. Stackpole is a manufacturer and sole source supplier of highly-engineered oil pumps and powdered metal components to automotive original equipment manufacturers. Sterling acquired Stackpole on August 2, 2011 from Gates Canada, a subsidiary of Tomkins.

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Stackpole raised $165 million of senior financing from a syndicate of banks, arranged by RBC and CIBC. The proceeds of the refinancing were used to repay existing outstanding debt, including eliminating all mezzanine debt from the original transaction. The refinancing will result in a reduction of Stackpole's annual debt interest costs by over 50%.

Under Sterling's ownership, Stackpole has experienced considerable growth and has expanded both its customer base and geographic end markets. This refinancing provides additional financial flexibility for Stackpole to continue to implement its growth strategy.

About Stackpole International

Headquartered in Ancaster, Ontario, Stackpole is a market leader in both oil pumps and powdered metals and has established a long-standing track record with fifty-five years of manufacturing expertise. Stackpole's products are specified into powertrain (engine and transmission) platforms that have an average lifecycle of ten to fifteen years. These platforms underpin approximately 400+ vehicle nameplates. Stackpole currently has twelve manufacturing facilities and technical centers in North America, Europe, China and Korea.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $500 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 41 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of approximately $9.5 billion. Currently, Sterling has $1.2 billion of committed capital under management through three funds. Current portfolio companies include North American Energy Partners, CST Industries, Universal Fiber Systems, Velcon Filters, Express, B&G Crane, Saxco International, Stackpole International and Liqui-Box.

SOURCE The Sterling Group