Blackford Capital and Mopec Host Government Officials

DETROIT, June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackford Capital, a national private equity firm headquartered in Michigan, and Mopec, a full-service, full-line designer and manufacturer  of pathology and mortuary equipment based in Metro Detroit, hosted an open house today to celebrate Blackford's investment in Mopec through its Michigan Prosperity Fund.

"The Michigan Prosperity Fund was created to invest local money in Michigan companies, supporting the state's economy by protecting and generating jobs," said Jeff Helminski, Managing Director at Blackford Capital and Chairman of the Board at Mopec. "Mopec is the market leader in its field, and we are proud to have them as a part of our vision for Michigan's future."

The event, held at Mopec's facilities in Oak Park, Mich., featured remarks from:

• Michigan State Senator Vincent Gregory
• James Jackson, Senior Congressional Liaison for U.S. Congressman Gary Peters
• Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan

Executives from Blackford and Mopec, as well as additional government and community officials were also in attendance.

"Michigan, and especially Metro Detroit, has faced hard times over the last decade," said Senator Gregory. "If we seek out and invest in opportunities, we can be a part of Michigan's return to prominence. We are here today to celebrate the investment Blackford has made in Mopec, and in Michigan."

Blackford Capital will implement a board of directors and employ operating partners to support Mopec's management team and the growth of the business, all of whom have strong ties to Michigan and represent Michigan's depth of talent and experience. Terry O'Rourke, former president of medical device manufacturer Aspen Surgical, has been named the new president of Mopec.

About Blackford Capital
Blackford Capital is a private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Mich., that acquires, manages and builds middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies, with seven portfolio companies employing more than 950 people and with combined revenues of approximately $225 million. Blackford has offices in Grand Rapids (headquarters) and Santa Monica, CA. Blackford has closed 26 transactions in the past six years. Mopec is Blackford's seventh portfolio company and its second in Michigan through its Michigan Prosperity Fund. The firm's investment criteria includes mature, profitable businesses with revenues between $20 million and $100 million and with management teams that are either interested in remaining with the company to promote its continued growth or are seeking to retire. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About Mopec Inc.
Mopec, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of supplies for the pathology, histology, necropsy, autopsy, morgue and mortuary industries. Mopec, based in Oak Park, Mich., with its highly skilled engineering and manufacturing capabilities specializes in offering customized solutions to its standard capital equipment products to meet the customer's application requirements. For over 20 years, Mopec has been committed to designing and manufacturing innovative research equipment and instruments that meet the needs of the technician while providing a safe, comfortable, ergonomic and efficient work environment. For more information, visit www.mopec.com.

SOURCE Blackford Capital