On January 31, 2024, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) successfully advised Ward Manufacturing, LLC (Ward or the Company), a wholly owned subsidiary of Proterial, Ltd. (Proterial), on its sale to ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC (ASC), a portfolio company of Tailwind Capital (Tailwind). KBCM was chosen to serve as Exclusive Sell-Side Advisor based on its industry-leading Building Products and Diversified Industrials practices, proven M&A execution capabilities, and relevant carveout transaction experience.
Headquartered in Blossburg, Pennsylvania,, Ward is a leading manufacturer of piping components and systems used in project-critical industrial PVF, gas piping, and plumbing applications in commercial, residential, and utility markets. The company maintains a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality, “Made in America,” malleable and cast iron pipe fittings and pipe nipples in addition to its name brand WARDFlex® corrugated stainless steel tubing system. Selling primarily to blue-chip wholesalers, Ward boasts a coast-to-coast distribution network in North America, with four cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, six strategically located distribution centers, and more than 20 manufacturer representatives.
Proterial, Ltd. (f/k/a Hitachi Metals), based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of advanced metal products, materials, and components primarily serving the automotive, energy, electrical, and aerospace sectors. Proterial was acquired in October 2022 by a consortium led by Bain Capital, LP.
Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, ASC (f/k/a Anvil & Smith-Cooper International) is a complete solutions provider offering precision-engineered piping components for pipe joining systems, fire protection and fabrication, flow control, performance products, and support systems as well as ancillary field and design services.
Founded in 2003, Tailwind Capital is a private equity firm based in New York, New York City and focused on control investments in high-quality, middle market companies in large and growing end markets, including infrastructure services, supply chain, and IT services.