H-D Advanced Manufacturing Acquires Aerospace Gear Manufacturer Sungear

PITTSBURGH, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company (H-D) has acquired Sungear, Inc. (Sungear), a leading manufacturer of high precision gears and assemblies for the aerospace industry. Sungear is the fourth acquisition completed under the H-D platform, joining Overton Chicago Gear Corporation, a manufacturer of large, high-precision gears and gearboxes, Innovative Mechanical Solutions (iMECH), a manufacturer of highly engineered, custom bearings for the directional drilling motor industry and Leading Edge Heat Treating Services Ltd., a provider of superior heat treating solutions.

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Sungear manufactures complex, high quality, precision gear components for many of the world's leading aerospace suppliers. The company's loose gearing and gear assembly products perform critical functions in engine starters, auxiliary power units and other applications. Sungear manufactures products for both OEM and aftermarket applications across a broad range of commercial and defense platforms. Sungear's current President, Roger Gizicki, will continue to lead Sungear within H-D's gearing division.

"The addition of Sungear's expertise and reputation for quality with some of the world's largest aerospace customers advances H-D's goal of becoming a leading global manufacturer of mission-critical products across a wide range of industries," said H-D CEO, Chris DiSantis.

"After over 30 years of growth and relationship development as a family-owned business, I am thrilled to lead Sungear in its next chapter as a part of H-D," said Gizicki. "We are eager to partner with H-D and its tremendous financial, operational and business development resources that can help us take Sungear to new heights for our customers."

Tom Hicks, founder of Hicks Equity Partners added, "We are excited to further expand the capabilities of the H-D platform in the attractive aerospace industry and look forward to supporting Sungear as it continues to grow in the future."

"H-D is happy to welcome a well-established, industry-leading manufacturer like Sungear to the family of companies," said The Riverside Company partner, Tim Gosline. "We are eager to help Sungear expand its relationships with both existing and new customers. H-D is committed to helping Sungear better serve its customers through strategic investments in people, training, facilities and equipment."

H-D was formed in December 2012 by a partnership among The Riverside Company, Hicks Equity Partners and Weinberg Capital Group to acquire and develop manufacturers of mission-critical, precision engineered components. H-D is led by Chris DiSantis, CEO, and Dale Mikus, CFO.  H-D is actively seeking acquisition opportunities in gearing, bearing and other heavy duty, precision-engineered component sectors.

Riverside's Jeremy Holland and Cheryl Strom sourced the opportunity and H-D was advised by KPMG and Jones Day on the transaction.

H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company
H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company seeks to acquire operating companies in the severe duty, high-precision manufacturing sector targeting "mission critical" products and applications. H-D is led by Chris DiSantis, the former CEO of Latrobe Specialty Metals and the former President and COO of Hawk Corporation, and Dale Mikus, the former CFO of Latrobe Specialty Metals. H-D strives to enable its customers to be leaders in their respective industries by providing world class products, excellent customer service, highly responsive lead times and efficient manufacturing operations.

The Riverside Company
The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing businesses valued at up to $250 million (€200 million in Europe). Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 340 transactions. The firm's international portfolio includes more than 70 companies. (http://www.riversidecompany.com or http://www.riversideeurope.com)

Hicks Equity Partners
Hicks Equity Partners is the private equity arm for Hicks Holdings LLC, a holding company for the Thomas O. Hicks family's assets. With 35 years of private equity experience, Mr. Hicks pioneered the "buy and build" strategy of investing and founded Hicks Muse Tate & Furst, which raised more than $12 billion of private equity across six funds and completed over $50 billion of leveraged acquisitions. Hicks Equity Partners looks for established companies with proven track records, strong free cash flow characteristics, a strong competitive industry position and an experienced management team looking to partner with long-term capital.

Weinberg Capital Group
Weinberg Capital Group is a Cleveland, Ohio based family office that specializes in acquiring well-positioned middle-market companies. The group has an established track record of success in the ownership and growth of global manufacturing enterprises. (www.weinbergcap.com).

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SOURCE H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company