Highlander Partners Announces acquisition of Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Ltd.
Highlander Partners, L.P., a leading middle market private investment firm based in Dallas, Texas, today announced the acquisition of Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Limited (“FDL”) in partnership with Chief Executive Officer Mac Mardi. Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $1 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food and beverage, specialty chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions.
Founded in 1884 as a trader of niche commodities, FDL is based in London in the United Kingdom, and operates as a leading global provider of customized specialty ingredients to the food, beverage, fragrance and chemical industries. FDL has capabilities to serve a global customer base, with operations in England, the United States, India and China. The Company offers amino acids, aroma chemicals, beverage syrups, energy and fortification solutions, flavorings and colors, honey, juices and juice blends, preservatives and acidulants, seeds and grains, sweeteners, and sweetener systems.
FDL also continues to play a leading role in trading specialized commodities, such as castor oil, menthol and mint oils. The firm manufactures and supplies specialist ingredients to the food, beverage, fragrance, and chemical industries. It offers amino acids, aroma chemicals, beverage syrups, energy and fortification solutions, flavorings and colors, honey, juices and juice blends, preservatives and acidulants, seeds and grains, sweeteners and sugars, and sweetener systems. The company was founded in 1884 and is based in London, United Kingdom.
FDL will continue to operate under its existing operating structure with its current management team, led by CEO, Mac Mardi, former Head of Global Operations for Danisco and an industry veteran with 25 years of experience in the specialty food and flavor industry. Since assuming his current position in 2006, Mr. Mardi and the Company’s management team have transformed the business into a highly differentiated specialty food and beverage ingredient and flavor company and have executed upon numerous growth initiatives to position the business as an industry leader. HSBC and RBS arranged the senior credit facilities in support of the transaction.
Mr. Mardi, who will also serve as Co-Chairman of FDL’s board, commented, “We are excited to be working with Highlander Partners, which has a strong track record of building long-term value for its portfolio companies, with deep, relevant experience in the food ingredient space. With Highlander’s financial, strategic and operational support, we are excited to expand upon our leading market position with a partner who shares in our strategic vision.”
In connection with Highlander’s investment in FDL, Highlander President Mike Nicolais will join FDL’s board and serve as Co-Chairman. Mr. Nicolais stated, “FDL’s focus on innovation, service and customized solutions have formed a loyal and growing customer base. We are excited to partner with such an experienced and proven management team to continue growing and developing innovative solutions for the Company’s customers. In addition, similar to our other portfolio companies, we intend to supplement organic growth with strategic acquisitions that build on and expand FDL’s existing business and product offerings.”
Mr. Mardi added, “While our ownership has changed, our commitment to our customers remains stronger than ever. We look forward to working with our new partners to accelerate our positive momentum in the marketplace—driving growth by better understanding our customers’ needs and providing differentiation through product innovation and customer service.
