Bertram Capital Completes Acquisition of Webex, Inc.

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bertram Capital announced today its acquisition of Webex, Inc. a leading manufacturer of precision engineered rolls and specialized systems for web handling and converting applications.  Based in Neenah, WI, Webex marks Bertram's second platform investment and third transaction in the plastic processing and web handling equipment industry.  In addition to the equity investment in Webex, Bertram also provided subordinated debt to finance the acquisition, which closed on December 24, 2012.

"Webex is the leading supplier of rolls and specialized machinery modules for a broad range of web handling and converting processes with a strong brand presence supported by unparalleled engineering and manufacturing capabilities," said Kevin Yamashita, Partner at Bertram Capital.  "The company's compelling value proposition is evidenced by its deep and long-standing customer relationships across broad end markets and applications.  We look forward to building upon the strong foundation Webex has established and further enhancing it's leadership position in the marketplace."

Webex designs and manufactures custom rolls, machinery and components for a highly diverse set of customers and manufacturing sectors including: flexible packaging, paper, consumer products, food and beverage, aerospace, pharmaceutical and health care, alternative energy, and general industrial.  The company operates four manufacturing facilities located in Wisconsin and Massachusetts. 

"I'm pleased to announce our continued investment in the plastic processing and web handling equipment industry through the acquisition of Webex," noted Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner of Bertram Capital.  "This partnership will help position the company for accelerated growth through both organic and acquisition focused initiatives, enabling Webex to continue providing best in class products and service to its growing customer base."

The Bertram Capital team was introduced to Webex through a sale process run by Livingstone Partners, a leading independent, international investment banking firm focused on M&A, capital raising and special situations transactions with values up to $500 million.  "We are grateful to Steve Miles and Karl Freimuth at Livingstone for bringing an exceptional investment opportunity to our attention," noted Kevin Yamashita.  "Webex exemplifies the type of market-leading industrial manufacturing company we seek to invest in at Bertram.  Livingstone ran a fair and competitive sale process and we are fortunate to have been successful in acquiring such a high quality business."

About Webex
Founded in 1972, Webex is a leading supplier of precision engineered rolls for a diverse set of customers and applications in the web handling and converting industry.  The company's products include a comprehensive portfolio of web handling rolls including idler, vacuum, heat transfer, and other custom engineered rolls.  The company also designs and manufactures specialized machinery systems for a variety of unique converting applications and supplies various components including airshafts, carbon shafts and tubes, core shafts and chucks.  Visit www.webexinc.com for more information.

About Bertram Capital
Bertram Capital is a Northern California-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market business services, consumer, healthcare, industrial and technology companies.  Bertram is currently investing out of its $500 million second fund and typically allocates $25-$100 million to each investment.  Since the firm's inception, Bertram has managed in excess of $850 million in committed capital and has completed 10 platform investments and 14 follow-on acquisitions.  Visit www.bertramcapital.com for more information.

SOURCE Bertram Capital