GTCR Announces Agreement to Acquire Sterigenics International, Inc.

CHICAGO--()--GTCR, a leading private equity firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Silverfleet Capital and PPM America Capital Partners to acquire Sterigenics International, Inc. (“Sterigenics”), the leading global provider of contract sterilization and ionization services for medical devices, food products, and advanced applications.

The transaction will drive the continued expansion of Sterigenics’ service offering globally. Sterigenics is the sole provider of contract sterilization and ionization services on a global basis, with a network of 38 service centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company provides its customers with comprehensive sterilization solutions, offering technology in all leading sterilization modalities and complementary value-added services. Sterigenics has earned a reputation among its customer base for providing high-quality and cost-effective solutions tailored to customer needs.

“GTCR’s extensive experience investing in leading companies in both the healthcare and business services sectors gives us a unique perspective on the Sterigenics business,” said Dean Mihas, Principal at GTCR. “We look forward to partnering with the Sterigenics management team to execute on their plan to grow the business and extend its leadership position.”

“GTCR’s investment is a validation of what we have built at Sterigenics,” noted David Meyer, CEO of Sterigenics. “We are excited to begin a new collaboration with an equity partner committed to our growth as we pursue our strategic goals and expand our service offering to our customers.”

Jefferies & Company, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and UBS advised GTCR on the transaction, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to GTCR. J.P. Morgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Morgan Stanley have agreed to provide debt financing in connection with the transaction. GTCR’s investment in Sterigenics will be made from GTCR Fund IX, a private equity fund with $2.75 billion of committed capital. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2011.

About GTCR

Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm focused on investing in growth companies in the Healthcare, Financial Services & Technology and Information Services & Technology industries. The Chicago-based firm pioneered the “Leaders Strategy” – finding and partnering with exceptional leaders as the critical first step in identifying, acquiring and building market-leading companies. Since its inception, GTCR has invested more than $8.5 billion in more than 200 companies. For more information, please visit www.gtcr.com.

About Sterigenics

Sterigenics is the leading global provider of contract sterilization and ionization services for medical devices, food safety, and advanced applications. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Sterigenics is the sole provider of technology in all leading sterilization modalities, including gamma, ethylene oxide, electron beam, and X-ray. The Company has more than 1,300 employees and operates 38 service centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.sterigenics.com.

About Silverfleet Capital

Established in the mid-1980s, Silverfleet Capital is a leading European private equity firm, specializing in mid-market buyouts, with offices in London, Paris, Munich and Chicago. Since 2000 Silverfleet Capital has invested over €1.5 billion in 25 companies, focusing on buy & build investment strategies. For more information, please visit www.silverfleetcapital.com.

About PPM America Capital Partners

PPM America Capital Partners, based in Chicago, is a leading investor in both private equity co-investments and partnerships and is currently investing its third fund. For more information, please visit www.ppmamerica.com/privateequity.aspx

Contacts

for GTCR
Eileen Rochford, 312-953-3305

Contacts

for GTCR
Eileen Rochford, 312-953-3305