Littlejohn & Co. Acquires 80/20

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Littlejohn & Co., LLC (“Littlejohn”), a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, today announced that it has acquired 80/20 (“80/20” or the “Company”) from MPE Partners. 80/20 is a leading provider of premium, configurable modular framing solutions serving automation, productivity, and safety applications across a diverse range of end markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Columbia City, Indiana, 80/20’s unique value proposition is underpinned by a portfolio of more than 8,500 configurable SKUs, proprietary design software, advanced in-house machining, kitting and value-added services, and best-in-class lead times. The Company reaches customers through a diversified omni-channel go-to-market strategy that includes automation integrators, MRO distributors, eCommerce, and direct channels.

“We are thrilled to partner with 80/20 and its dedicated team as they continue to build a market-leading automation platform,” said Steven Kalter, Managing Director of Littlejohn. “The Company’s custom design tools, comprehensive product offering, and national footprint position it as a highly valued partner to their long-tenured customer base. We look forward to expanding 80/20’s capabilities and geographic reach as it seeks to execute on its growth plan.”

“With 30 years of experience in the industrial distribution and products sectors, we have developed a first-hand appreciation for 80/20’s pristine reputation and the ubiquitous application of its products across the industrial ecosystem,” added Aaron Wasserman, Principal of Littlejohn. “We are excited to invest behind a best-in-class platform at the intersection of several compelling trends including automation, robotics, modular industrial design, lean manufacturing, and the growing demand for reconfigurable, ergonomic workspaces.”

Doug Waldal, CEO of 80/20, added, “Littlejohn has a strong track record of supporting and scaling manufacturing and distribution businesses, and we are excited to have them as partners at this stage in the Company’s evolution. We look forward to leveraging Littlejohn’s portfolio support resources to accelerate our growth while maintaining best-in-class quality and service levels for our customers.”

Jefferies LLC served as sole financial advisor to Littlejohn. Baird served as lead financial advisor to 80/20, while Houlihan Lokey provided co-advisory services. McDermott Will & Schulte provided legal counsel to Littlejohn.

About Littlejohn & Co., LLC

Littlejohn & Co. is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based investment firm focused on private equity and debt investments in growing middle-market industrial and services companies that can benefit from Littlejohn’s 30 years of operational and sector expertise. With approximately $8 billion in regulatory assets under management, the firm seeks to build sustainable success for its portfolio companies through a disciplined approach to engineering change. For more information about Littlejohn, visit www.littlejohnllc.com.