Wind Point Partners Acquires Clean Solutions Group
Wind Point invests in manufacturer of nonwoven products primarily for filtration and sanitation applications
Chicago, Ill., September 9th, 2024 – Wind Point Partners (“Wind Point”), a Chicago-based private equity firm, announced today that it has partnered with Clean Solutions Group (“CSG” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of nonwoven products primarily for air filtration and sanitation applications across commercial, industrial and residential end markets. CSG is a valuable partner to top air filter manufacturers throughout the U.S., providing differentiated and customized air filtration media. In addition, the Company offers a diverse range of consumable sanitation products and other engineered materials (e.g. safety matting and evaporative cooling products). Initially formed in 2014 following the management buyout of Fibrix Filtration, CSG operates five manufacturing facilities across the Southeast with a combined 820,000 sq. ft. and over 400 employees.
Wind Point is partnering with CSG management, led by CEO Keith White. Under Mr. White’s leadership, the Company has experienced substantial growth by strategically implementing organic expansion initiatives that broadened production capabilities and completing two transformative acquisitions. Together, Wind Point and CSG intend to expand on this track record with an organic and M&A-driven growth strategy oriented around niche nonwoven manufacturing and the Company’s current end markets.
“We are thrilled to partner with Wind Point, who brings a strong track record of success in specialty materials and a robust executive network. Their experience and capital resources will enhance our ability to execute on our growth strategy and service customers,” said Keith White. “With Wind Point’s support, we are excited to capitalize on the compelling tailwinds in our end markets and build upon the foundation of this Company.”
Paul Peterson, Managing Director with Wind Point, commented, “We are excited to partner with Keith and the talented team at CSG. They have built a strong reputation for delivering quality products and innovative solutions to their customers, and we look forward to supporting CSG in their next chapter of growth.”
Kathryn Moffitt, Vice President with Wind Point, noted, “CSG has developed a clear leadership position in growing markets through its differentiated operating model and strong value proposition for customers. We are thrilled to partner with the management team and look forward to investing in the people, processes and capabilities to execute on our shared vision for value creation.”
Wind Point evaluated Clean Solutions Group in partnership with Guy Broadbent and Mike Huff, both of whom are members of the firm’s Executive Advisor Partner (“EAP”) program. Mr. Broadbent and Mr. Huff collectively bring decades of experience in creating value in C-Suite and Board-level roles across the specialty materials industry, including multiple successful partnerships as leaders of Wind Point portfolio companies. Mr. Broadbent and Mr. Huff will serve as Board Co-Chairs upon closing and provide highly complementary experience to CSG’s leadership team and value creation plan.
Wind Point is an active investor in the specialty materials sector, with select prior investments including Critica Infrastructure, Aurora Plastics, Paragon Films, Interface Performance Solutions and Argotec.
Winston & Strawn LLP served as legal counsel to Wind Point and Forvis Mazars LLP provided transaction advisory services. Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor to Branford Castle and Clean Solutions Group.