Newport Beach, CA – February 1, 2016 – JW Hill Capital announced today the acquisition of Aerospace Contacts LLC (“AC” or the “Company”) in partnership with Gemini Investors. AC is the industry leader in providing highly engineered, short lead-time contacts and hardware for the harsh environment connector industry.
Located in Tempe, Arizona, AC was founded in 1999 by Sal Kielbus. The Company specializes in manufacturing MIL-SPEC contacts with modified terminations for the aerospace industry and contact assemblies of custom design. This capability includes making wire wrap, PC tail, crimp or solder cup terminations using state-of-the-art screw machines made by Tornos, Citizen and Tsugami. Aerospace Contacts provides contacts for the majority of the connector manufacturers.
“I had been thinking of selling for some time, and had been approached by many groups,” said Sal Kielbus, Founder and President, Aerospace Contacts. “I felt like JW Hill Capital really understood my business and would provide a good future for its employees.”
“Having worked with many independent sponsors and investment groups, John and Neal proved unique in the operating experience they brought to the table,” said Matthew Keis, Managing Director, Gemini Investors. “As operators, they commanded a different level of respect from the founder/CEO which was critical to completing this exciting investment.”
“Aerospace Contacts is widely known in the connector industry as the go-to source for short lead-time contacts,” said John Hill, Managing Partner, JW Hill Capital. “Our plans include expanding the capabilities of the business to address a broader range of customers’ needs.”
JW Hill Capital partnered with Gemini Investors in the transaction, which closed on January 27, 2016. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About JW Hill Capital
Based in Newport Beach, California, JW Hill Capital is a private equity firm that leverages its industry expertise and operating experience to acquire and grow lower-middle market manufacturing, value-add distribution, and industrial service companies. The firm focuses on corporate divestitures, owner liquidity, recapitalizations, management buy-outs, and both strategic and add-on acquisitions. It prefers companies between $2 million and $10 million EBITDA specializing in highly engineered components or products in aerospace, defense, nuclear, medical devices, or electronics, but will also target under-performing special situations where its operating expertise is relevant. More information can be found at www.jwhill.com.
About Gemini Investors
Based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Gemini Investors is a private company investor with a focus on the smaller end of the middle market, investing in established companies with experienced management teams and good growth prospects. Gemini can provide both debt and equity capital and its investment can represent either a minority ownership or a control transaction. Areas of particular investment interest include: Business Services, Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Later Stage Technology, Manufacturing & Distribution, and Waste & Recycling. Gemini has invested in over 125 different companies throughout the United States since the firm was founded in 1993. More information can be found at www.gemini-investors.com.