CSG Partners Advises ISCO Industries on ESOP Transaction

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CSG Partners, LLC, the New York-based boutique investment bank, advised ISCO Industries, Inc. in a recent transaction involving an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) acquiring equity in the company.

Founded in 1962, ISCO Industries is the world's leading comprehensive high-density polyethylene piping solutions provider. ISCO sells an extensive selection of HDPE piping materials, rents and services fusion equipment, and custom fabricates HDPE piping systems for various industries worldwide. ISCO operates more than 30 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Chile, and is one of the largest privately-held companies headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

"The ESOP strategy we've put in place allows us to reward our employees and continue to create opportunities for them going forward," said Jimmy Kirchdorfer, CEO of ISCO Industries. "Nobody has a bigger stake in the success of our company than our people. Now, because of the ESOP, that is even more meaningful," he said.

The CSG Partners team was led by George Thacker, a Managing Director with the firm. "It was a privilege working with a leading company such as ISCO," said Thacker. "Our goal was to deliver a optimal solution that achieves the long-term objectives of the shareholders, keeps ISCO independent, and provides exceptional benefits to its employees," he said.

Kirchdorfer added, "CSG Partners provided tremendous expertise in leading the transaction for ISCO, from advising on structures, negotiating the deal terms, raising capital, and quarterbacking the entire process. They were absolutely critical to the success of the transaction."

The accounting firm of Mountjoy Chilton Medley also advised ISCO on the transaction. Mike Mountjoy, the Managing Partner of the firm, commented, "The ESOP transaction was an ideal solution for ISCO. We see ESOPs increasing in popularity because they provide liquidity and tax savings, while allowing employees to participate in the company's success." Other members of the Mountjoy team included Byron Largen, Brad Smith, and Todd Hamilton.

As part of the transaction, the management team for ISCO will remain in place.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Financing to support the transaction was provided by a syndicate of banks, led by PNC Bank as administrative agent. The PNC team was led by Gregory Carroll and Jerry Kopp, along with David Burns from PNC Capital Markets. The additional banks included Wells Fargo, Fifth Third, and US Bank.

ABOUT CSG PARTNERS

CSG Partners, LLC is a boutique investment bank specializing in ESOPs, mergers and acquisitions, and capital advisory services for middle-market companies. CSG Partners operates from offices in New York and San Francisco. Our clients have spanned the full middle-market spectrum, with values ranging from $10 million to $500 million. Founded in 2001, the firm has built a reputation of having the nation's preeminent ESOP investment banking practice. The firm has closed over 100 ESOP transactions for companies with an aggregate value exceeding $7 Billion. For more information, contact George Thacker at (212) 584-5093 or go to www.csgpartners.com.

SOURCE CSG Partners, LLC