Littlejohn & Co. Announces Acquisition of Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. from American Industrial Partners

GREENWICH, Conn., July 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Littlejohn & Co., LLC ("Littlejohn"), a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, today announced the acquisition of Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. ("NWH"), the leading manufacturer and distributor of North American hardwood lumber, from American Industrial Partners ("AIP").

Headquartered in Tacoma, WA, NWH was successfully carved-out of Weyerhaeuser by AIP in 2011. NWH serves the repair and remodel, residential construction, industrial, and export markets, with operations strategically located near high production hardwood timber baskets and key shipping ports. The Company converts hardwood logs into rough cut and kiln dried lumber, and then planes and sorts the lumber boards into an array of quality grades for appearance wood applications. The kiln drying process establishes consistent dimensional stability and improves the boards' visual characteristics and finish. NWH is also one of North America's largest importers of tropical hardwood lumber and hardwood plywood panels and operates a global distribution network to deliver a full complement of hardwood products to over 1,660 customers worldwide. NWH's lumber is a primary material used in the manufacturing of a multitude of products including: kitchen cabinets, hardwood flooring, molding, millwork, commercial interiors, furniture, recreational vehicles, musical instruments, railroad ties, and pallets. 

Edmund J. Feeley, Managing Director of Littlejohn, said, "We are thrilled to acquire such a high quality business that fits well within our investment focus. NWH has built a strong business and an outstanding reputation for working closely with customers and providing quality hardwood products.  We look forward to building its geographic reach and further enhancing its exceptional customer service."

Richard Hoffman, Partner at American Industrial Partners, said, "We are grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with an extraordinary management team led by TJ Rosengarth in our carve-out of NWH from Weyerhaeuser Company three years ago."

TJ Rosengarth, President and CEO of NWH, noted "Our customers have been extremely loyal over many decades and we very much appreciate that. We reward our customers' loyalty by providing innovative products and exceptional service at affordable prices."  Mr. Rosengarth went on to say, "While the ownership group has changed, Northwest Hardwoods will continue to be the same great company our customers have valued for many years. We are excited to be working with Littlejohn."

Littlejohn was advised by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Morgan Stanley.  AIP was advised by Baker Botts and Goldman, Sachs & Co.

About Littlejohn & Co., LLC
Littlejohn & Co. is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity firm investing in middle-market companies that are undergoing a fundamental change in capital structure, strategy, operations or growth that can benefit from its operational and strategic approach.  The firm is currently investing from Littlejohn Fund V, L.P., which has $2 billion in capital commitments.  For more information, visit www.littlejohnllc.com.

About American Industrial Partners
American Industrial Partners ("AIP") is an operationally oriented middle-market private equity firm that makes control investments in North American-based industrial businesses serving domestic and global markets.  AIP has deep roots in the industrial economy and has been active in private equity investing since 1989.  To date, AIP has completed over 40 transactions and is currently managing more than $1.1 billion in equity capital. AIP invests in all forms of corporate divestitures, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and going-private transactions of established businesses with revenues of $100 million to $750 million. For more information about American Industrial Partners, visit www.americanindustrial.com or contact Ben DeRosa, Partner at 212-627-2360, extension 200.

Contact: Chris Tofalli
Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC
914-834-4334

SOURCE Littlejohn & Co., LLC