Cancel OK

Agreement to Sell Morbark, LLC, to Alamo Group

General News

Stellex Capital Management (“Stellex”), a middle market private equity firm, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to sell Morbark, LLC (“Morbark” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of high-performance equipment and after-market parts for the forestry, recycling, tree care, sawmill, land clearing and biomass markets to Alamo Group (“Alamo”) for $352 million. The sale includes all assets and operations of Morbark and its affiliate brands.

Founded in 1957 and based in Winn, Mich., Morbark and its affiliate brands, Rayco, DENIS CIMAF, and Boxer Equipment, produce a full line of brush chippers, stump cutters, mini skid steers, forestry mulchers, aerial trimmers, whole tree and biomass chippers, flails, horizontal and tub grinders, sawmill equipment, material handling systems, and mulcher head attachments for excavators, backhoes, and skid steers.

“Together with Stellex, Morbark has achieved our strategic vision by greatly enhancing operations and implementing lean initiatives and best-in-class manufacturing practices that have resulted in new and improved redesigns, significant reductions in lead times, and improved delivery performance,” said Dave Herr, Chief Executive Officer of Morbark. “We are grateful for our time with Stellex and look forward to the next chapter as part of Alamo, an ideal suitor given its operating philosophy that will allow us to maintain our brands, operations, and successful momentum while further enhancing various operational synergies and accelerating international growth.”

Since Stellex’s acquisition of Morbark in 2016, the Company has successfully completed two acquisitions to expand its product offerings and geographic presence. In October 2017, Morbark acquired Rayco Manufacturing, a Wooster, Ohio, based manufacturer of stump cutters, crawler trucks, forestry mulchers, multi-tool carriers, and aerial trimmers. In December 2018, Morbark acquired DENIS CIMAF, a Roxton Falls, Quebec, based manufacturer of industrial brushcutters and mulcher heads. With these acquisitions and other strategic improvements, Morbark has increased its headcount by more than 200 employees and revenue has nearly doubled.

The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019, is subject to a number of conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and other pre-closing requirements. Upon completion of the transaction, Morbark will become part of Alamo’s Industrial Division. Herr will continue in his role as Morbark CEO, and Morbark’s day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.

“This moves provides numerous benefits for Morbark,” added Herr. “Employees, customers, and dealers will notice no significant changes in their day-to-day work. Being part of a publicly traded company provides long-term stability so we can continue our investments in equipment and products to promote continued growth. All of our brands have an excellent reputation in the industry and will be maintained with no changes. We will have a significant opportunity to leverage Alamo’s international presence to expand our sales and sourcing capabilities.”

About Stellex Capital Management LP

Stellex Capital is a private equity manager that invests in and oversees U.S. and European corporate assets. With $870 million of committed capital, Stellex’s focus is on companies going through business or industry transitions, as well as special situation opportunities. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that have the potential to provide stability, improvement, and growth. Portfolio companies benefit from Stellex’s industry knowledge, operating capabilities, network of senior executives, strategic insight and access to capital. Sectors of particular focus include specialty manufacturing, industrial and business services, aerospace & defense, and government services. Additional information may be found at www.stellexcapital.com

About Alamo Group Inc.

Alamo Group is a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution, and service of high-quality equipment for infrastructure maintenance, agriculture, and other applications. Our products include truck and tractor mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, snow removal equipment, excavators, vacuum trucks, other industrial equipment, agricultural implements, and related after-market parts and services. The company, founded in 1969, has approximately 3,650 employees and operates 29 plants in North America, Europe, Australia and Brazil as of June 30, 2019. The corporate offices of Alamo Group Inc. are located in Seguin, Texas and the headquarters for the Company’s European operations are located in Salford Priors, England.

Source: Morbark, LLC