Bertram Capital Sweeps Through Awards Season

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bertram Capital was recognized on December 11, 2012 as the Private Equity Firm of the Year at the 11^th Annual M&A Advisor Awards.  In addition to winning Firm of the Year, Bertram Capital was recognized with the Industrial Manufacturing & Distribution Deal of the Year Award for the $200M sale of EDI Holdings, Inc. (EDI) to Nordson Corporation.  These awards follow Bertram's win on October 10^th at the 2012 International M&A Advisor Awards for its $235M sale of Power Distribution, Inc. (PDI) to Smiths Group plc in October 2011.

The cross-border sale of PDI to Smiths Group was the firm's first exit and showcased Bertram Capital's buy and build approach, growing the business more than 4x in fewer than five years. Bertram didn't have to wait long for its second exit, announcing the $200M sale of Extrusion Dies Industries to Nordson Corporation on June 14, 2012 after growing the business over 40% in less than 18 months.

"Bertram Capital is honored to win these prestigious awards from The M&A Advisor, most notably our firm's selection as Private Equity Firm of the Year," said Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner of Bertram Capital.  "While winning the Industrial Deal of the Year Awards for our work on EDI and PDI are significant achievements on their own, being named the Private Equity Firm of the Year recognizes the truly differentiated approach to private equity investing we have created at Bertram Capital.  Our integrated team of deal sourcing, portfolio management and software development through Bertram Labs enables the Bertram High-5^SM buy and build approach to deliver these successful outcomes.  I am extremely proud of the Bertram Capital team and appreciate the recognition from The M&A Advisor."

Bertram Capital acquired PDI in April 2007 and quickly completed two add-on acquisitions, Marelco Power Systems, Inc. in January 2008 and Onyx Power, Inc. in August 2008.  Beginning with PDI as a platform investment with approximately $30 million in trailing revenue, Bertram Capital applied its growth-focused approach of strategic acquisitions, aggressive business development and internal operational improvements to grow the business more than 4x in fewer than five years, despite the challenging economic environment.

Bertram Capital completed the acquisition of Wisconsin-based EDI in December 2010.  By applying the Bertram Capital High 5^SM, a proprietary, systematic approach to business building, Bertram Capital worked with the EDI team to streamline manufacturing operations and increase throughput, expand product categories and sales channels, enhance management, extend its technology and patent portfolio and augment its global operations. 

"Bertram Capital represents the best of the M&A industry in 2012 and earned these honors by standing out in a group of very impressive finalists," said Roger Aguinaldo, CEO and Founder of The M&A Advisor. Since 2002, The M&A Advisor has been honoring the leading M&A transac­tions, companies and dealmakers. Bertram Capital was chosen from 423 nominations and over 600 participating companies to receive the awards.

About Bertram Capital
Bertram Capital is a Northern California-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market business services, consumer, industrial, healthcare 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