DC Advisory In Spandex Ballet

DC Advisory Partners reports that it acted as the exclusive debt advisor to Gilde Buy Out Partners on the acquisition financing for the Spandex Group.

Spandex (despite the slightly suggestive name) is a leading supplier to the sign-making and display industry. The company specialises in marketing, sales, distribution and support of sign making and printing related systems and materials.

Headquartered in Ruemlang/Switzerland, Spandex has operations across Europe and Australia. Its genealogy is slightly confusing; it has been a business division of Gerber Scientific Inc, an international supplier of automated manufacturing systems for the sign-making, specialty graphics, and packaging industries based in Tolland, Connecticut/USA. Gerber was recently acquired by Vector Capital, a US-based private equity firm.

“The acquisition of Spandex represents an exciting opportunity for Gilde to invest in one of the leading companies in a growing industry”, says Ralph Wyss, managing director of Gilde. “We will support Spandex' growth strategy that is aimed at further expansion in the company’s existing markets as well as in new markets,” Wyss adds.

Rod Larson, CEO of Spandex, says: “We at Spandex are delighted to become associated with Gilde. Spandex, as a stand-alone enterprise, will be able to accelerate its growth and at the same time benefit from the support and resources which Gilde can bring to bear.”

Björn Lauschke, director at DC Advisory Partners, says: “DC Advisory Partners helped in securing the optimal financing package for Spandex. The international club of four banks provided a highly competitive and flexible financing package, which will allow the company to implement its growth strategy going forward.“