NEW YORK and RALEIGH, N.C. – October 11, 2018 – Palladium Equity Partners, LLC (“Palladium”), a leading private investment firm managing over $2.5 billion in assets, has announced a significant addition to its portfolio. One of its affiliated private equity funds has successfully acquired Kymera International (“Kymera”), a premier global specialty materials company. The acquisition, finalized on October 11, 2018, sees Kymera transition from the ownership of Los Angeles-based private investment firm Platinum Equity. The financial terms of this transaction have not been disclosed.
Kymera International, formed through the integration of ACuPowder International, ECKA Granules, and SCM Metal Products, boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The company specializes in producing a diverse range of specialty materials, including powders, pastes, and granules. These materials are critical components in various metallurgical, chemical, and industrial processes. A key differentiator for Kymera is its ability to custom-develop products tailored to specific customer applications across diverse end-markets. These markets include the chemical industry, specialty automotive, additive manufacturing, general industrial sectors, mining, and aerospace, among others. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, Kymera operates a global manufacturing network spanning the United States, Australia, China, Europe, and the Middle East, ensuring seamless service to its international customer base.
Under Platinum Equity’s ownership, Kymera experienced substantial growth, evolving from a company focused on two copper powder plants into a global leader in specialty aluminum and copper powders. Platinum Equity Partner Jacob Kotzubei highlighted the strategic approach behind Kymera’s expansion, stating, “Kymera’s success reflects the culmination of a strategy to acquire multiple specialty material companies across the globe and integrate them operationally under one brand.”
Kotzubei further elaborated on the value creation process, “Starting with the carve out of SCM Metal Products, we partnered with management to build on the platform over time, and supported the Company’s organic growth through investments in R&D and deployed our M&A&O® resources to source and execute three add-on acquisitions. The result is a high-performing, well-diversified business with a dynamic leadership team led by Barton White.”
Palladium Equity Partners is committed to supporting the existing Kymera management team and aims to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory. The focus will be on expanding Kymera’s portfolio of high-value-added products and pursuing strategic acquisitions within the specialty materials sector.
Adam Shebitz, Managing Director at Palladium Equity Partners, expressed his confidence in Kymera’s future. “Barton and the rest of the Kymera leadership team have built a leading specialty materials manufacturer with a reputation for delivering excellent service, deep technical expertise, and complete reliability to its customers,” Shebitz remarked. “We are excited about Kymera’s next chapter of growth under Palladium Equity Partners’ guidance.”
Barton White, CEO of Kymera, also commented on the transition, “We are proud of the results we have achieved under Platinum, and thank them for their support over their ownership period. We look forward to working with Palladium Equity Partners and leveraging their industry experience to accelerate our expansion plans, while continuing to focus on serving our customers as their trusted partners.”
Lazard Middle Market acted as the financial advisor to Kymera for this transaction, while Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Baker & McKenzie LLP, and Alston & Bird LLP provided legal counsel to the company. KeyBanc Capital Markets served as the financial advisor for Palladium Equity Partners. Legal advisory for Palladium Equity Partners was provided by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
About Kymera International
Kymera International is a leading specialty materials company specializing in aluminum and copper-based powders, granules, and pastes. Serving over 1,500 active and long-term customers, Kymera’s products are essential across diverse industries including chemical, specialty automotive, general industrial, additive manufacturing, mining, and aerospace applications. Uniquely, Kymera is the only non-ferrous metal powder producer with a global manufacturing presence spanning the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at www.kymerainternational.com.
About Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
Palladium Equity Partners, founded in 1997 and based in New York City, is a middle market private equity firm with over $2.5 billion in assets under management. The firm focuses on acquiring and fostering growth in companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams. Palladium Equity Partners provides capital, strategic direction, and operational oversight to its portfolio companies. With a strong investment history, Palladium Equity Partners has invested approximately $1.9 billion in 31 platform investments and over 100 add-on acquisitions since inception. The firm’s principals possess extensive experience across consumer, services, industrials, and healthcare sectors, with a particular emphasis on companies poised to benefit from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population. Further details can be found at www.palladiumequity.com.
About Platinum Equity
Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm managing approximately $13 billion in assets. With a portfolio of around 40 operating companies servicing a global clientele, Platinum Equity is actively investing through Platinum Equity Capital Partners IV, a $6.5 billion global buyout fund, and Platinum Equity Small Cap Fund, a $1.5 billion buyout fund targeting lower middle market investment opportunities. Platinum Equity has a track record of completing over 200 acquisitions in the past 23 years. Additional information is available at www.platinumequity.com.
Media Contacts:
Palladium Equity Partners:
Todd Fogarty, Kekst CNC, [email protected], 212-521-4854
Platinum Equity:
Dan Whelan, Platinum Equity, [email protected], 310-282-9202
