CHICAGO, IL – November 6, 2018 – Frontenac, a Chicago-based private equity firm, today announced the acquisition of Motion Solutions, a leading provider of highly engineered linear motion, motion control and automation solutions for critical, high technology applications. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA, Motion Solutions pushes the limits of motion technology in partnership with innovative OEMs by utilizing extensive mechanical and electrical engineering expertise alongside manufacturing, distribution and assembly capabilities. The company specializes in technical engineered systems for sophisticated applications that require precise, reliable and customized movement. Motion Solutions’ products are sold as individual components or assembled into complex systems to be incorporated into the customer’s final product. In each case, customers rely on the company’s specialized engineering expertise in motion systems to make its products perform properly in cutting-edge applications. Motion Solutions focuses on delivering its solutions to technical end markets such as medical equipment, life sciences, technology and aerospace where the cost of failure is high, and precision, accuracy and repeatability of motion components are vital.
Michael Langdon, Managing Director at Frontenac, said, “Motion Solutions has proven itself as a premier supplier of specialized solutions to customers possessing the highest standards in quality, performance, innovation and customer service. The company represents an ideal fit with Frontenac’s previous experiences in helping engineering-centric manufacturing and distribution businesses achieve their next level of growth and profitability. We are thrilled to be partnering with its accomplished, energetic and action-oriented management team.”
According to Motion Solutions President Scott Depenbrok, the partnership with Frontenac will fuel the company’s future growth plans. “Motion Solutions has built a reputation as a provider of highly engineered systems that address customers’ most critical needs. Our company’s goal of driving strong organic growth alongside strategic acquisitions is supported by Frontenac’s deep understanding of our mission and our value proposition. We are excited to partner with them to further expand our engineering capabilities, increase our geographic reach, continue to build on our partnerships with our customers, and pursue strategic M&A.”
Joining the Board of Directors as Chairman at closing is Frontenac executive partner and industry veteran Ron Kalich. Ron is a veteran distribution and manufacturing executive with experience in motion control and medical equipment end markets, serving as President & CEO of FastenTech, Chairman of Arizant, Inc., in multiple executive positions at Danaher Corporation and in other board leadership roles at SurModics, Safelite and Thomas & Betts.
He will be joined on the Board by Steve McBrayer, CEO of H-E Parts International, a former Frontenac portfolio company. Steve joined H-E Parts International at its founding in 2006 as CFO and later ascended to the CEO position. He was instrumental in driving organic growth, expanding the suite of services provided to customers, talent upgrades and executing on strategic acquisitions. Steve continues his involvement with H-E Parts as a board member and advisor. Both Ron and Steve will assist Motion Solutions in executing on its growth trajectory.
Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP served as legal counsel to Frontenac on the transaction.
About Motion Solutions
Founded in 1956, Motion Solutions provides custom, application-specific engineering and manufacturing services to OEMs and industrial customers in the medical, life sciences, semiconductor, robotics, and industrial automation sectors. The Company provides a complete selection of services, including electro-mechanical design, prototype and volume manufacturing, and engineering services. Motion Solutions is also a leading distributor of world-class automation and motion-control products with an ISO-9001 and ISO-13485 certified headquarters facility in Aliso Viejo, CA and an additional facility in Fremont, CA. For more information, please visit www.motionsolutions.com.
About Frontenac
Frontenac is a leading private equity firm, based in Chicago. The firm focuses on investing in lower middle market buyout transactions in the consumer, industrial, and services industries. Frontenac works in partnership with proven operating leaders, through our executive-centric approach called CEO1ST, to identify, acquire, and build market leading companies through transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. The firm has built a leading franchise working with over 275 owners of mid-sized businesses as they address complex transition issues of liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning. For more information, please visit www.frontenac.com.
