The Sterling Group Acquires a Substantial Equity Interest in Saxco International

HOUSTON, Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sterling Group ("Sterling"), a Houston-based private equity investment firm, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of a substantial equity interest in Saxco International ("Saxco").  The acquisition was financed with equity from Sterling Group Partners III, L.P. and debt financing from BNP Paribas and Oaktree Capital Management.

Saxco, headquartered in Horsham, PA, is the leading value-added distributor of rigid packaging products for the wine, spirits and craft beer markets in North America.  With an operating history that spans more than seven decades, the company distributes glass bottles and other packaging products to a customer base of more than 2,000 wineries, distillers, brewers and specialty food manufacturers.  The company has a broad network of sales offices and distribution facilities across the US, Canada and select international locations.  

Saxco was founded in 1936 by members of the Sachs family.  Brothers Keith and Herb Sachs will remain in their current management roles of CEO and President, respectively, and will continue to be significant owners in partnership with Sterling.  "Sterling's investment in Saxco is the start of an exciting new stage in our company's 70- plus year history," said Keith Sachs of the partnership. "We will draw upon Sterling's expertise as we continue to deliver innovation, quality and superior customer responsiveness in the supply of rigid containers."

"Over the past 74 years, the Sachs family has emerged as the leader in the distribution of packaging for alcoholic beverages," said John Hawkins, a Partner of The Sterling Group. "We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Sachs brothers and the rest of the management team to continue to build the business and expand the product offering."

Sterling has a long history of  investing in distribution and packaging businesses and brings a proven track record in these sectors.  Recent investments include Exopack and Roofing Supply Group.

About The Sterling Group, L.P.

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 39 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of approximately $9.0 billion. Currently, Sterling has $1.3 billion of committed capital under management through three funds. Current portfolio companies include North American Energy Partners, CST Industries, Roofing Supply Group, Universal Fiber Systems, Velcon Filters, CCCG Inc. & Subsidiaries ("Express") and B&G Crane Services.

www.sterling-group.com

SOURCE The Sterling Group