Goldman Sachs to acquire Flint Group

Goldman Sachs’ merchant banking division and Koch Equity Development LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., are to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Flint Group from funds advised by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. 

The Goldman Sachs merchant banking division and Koch Equity Development are to form a new entity to acquire Flint Group, and will support the strategy developed by Flint Group’s management team as it pursues a targeted business mix evolution towards the more attractive and higher growth printed packaging market while maintaining Flint Group’s strong position in the resilient print media business.

Antoine Fady, Flint Group chief executive officer, said: ‘The management team of Flint Group is excited about this planned new ownership, and the opportunities this now presents.

‘The investment by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking and Koch is a clear vote of confidence in our vision, strategic plans and ‘can do’ culture. Flint Group’s fundamental dedication to safety, sustainability, integrity and compliance will continue to form the foundation of all of our business activities.’

Martin Hintze, co-head of corporate equity investing in Europe of Goldman Sachs’ merchant banking division, said: ‘The acquisition of Flint Group fits well into our strategy of investing in leading global franchises and growing them organically and through acquisitions. We look forward to working in partnership with Koch Equity Development and Flint Group’s strong management team to execute on their strategy.’

‘Flint Group is an exciting opportunity for Koch Equity Development,’ added Brett Watson, managing director of Koch Equity Development. ‘Flint Group is a global leader with a clear strategy and a management team that has a consistent record of delivering results.’

Watson’s colleague Matt Flamini, president of Koch Equity Development, said: ‘Partnering with top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs and investing in competitively advantaged businesses with high quality management teams is consistent with Koch’s investment strategy. We look forward to working with Goldman Sachs and Flint Group to assist the company in transitioning to its next phase of growth.’

Chris Wildmoser, a partner at CVC, said: ‘For almost 10 years, CVC has helped to build Flint Group through a series of acquisitions into the global leader it is today. We are pleased that, with Goldman Sachs and Koch Equity Development, we have found new owners who will continue to pursue this strategy in further developing the company.’

Fady concluded: ‘The transition will be seamless for Flint Group’s customers, employees and suppliers. Flint Group’s vision to be the print consumable supplier of choice to the global packaging and printing industries will remain firmly in place. With its unique product portfolio and market-focused approach, Flint Group will continue to provide exceptional value to customers around the world.’

This sale remains subject to customary closing conditions and should be completed by the second half of 2014.