Wingate Partners Acquires Nekoosa Coated Products

Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC has announced the sale of the business to Wingate Partners effective October 2, 2012. Wingate Partners, a Dallas, TX-based investment firm, partnered with Paul Charapata, John Danio and other leaders on the Nekoosa team to acquire the business from Dunsirn Partners, based in Appleton, WI. The company, which manufactures specialty paper products at its Nekoosa, Wisconsin facility, will remain an independent company operating under the same name. Wingate Partners will support the existing Nekoosa management team as they continue to expand the company’s capabilities to serve their growing customer base.

“This investment by Wingate Partners enables us to accelerate our growth as we strive to provide even more value added products and services for our customers through a shared vision of strategic partnerships, including acquisitions,” said Nekoosa Coated Products Chief Executive Officer Paul Charapata. “This is an exciting time for all Nekoosa employees and customers as we build upon the foundation of success we created together with a fantastic new partner.”

Nekoosa Coated Products, formerly part of 3M and Imation, has been a leading innovator in the carbonless and specialty paper markets for over 50 years. It became an independent company in 2005 and successfully strengthened and diversified both its product portfolio and distribution network over the last several years.

“Nekoosa Coated Products is an ideal situation for Wingate - a strong, innovative management team who leads a very well positioned business in vital markets.,” said Brad Brenneman, Principal at Wingate Partners. “We are honored to partner with Paul, John and the Nekoosa team and look forward to supporting their vision to further grow Nekoosa with the end goal of bringing increased value to our customers.”

The deal closed on October 2, 2012.