Blackford Capital Announces Acquisition of Amtech Corporation

January 1 , 2009 – IRVINE, CA – Blackford Capital, a leading U.S. private equity firm in the middle market, announced today that it closed its acquisition of Amtech Corporation (www.amtechcorp.com).
 
Headquartered in Yakima, Washington, Amtech is a leading designer and manufacturer of custom molded fiberglass and vacuum formed products. Recognized as one of the fastest growing, and most innovative, small businesses in the State of Washington, Amtech offers build-to-print manufacturing of custom parts and assemblies in the Transportation, Recreational Vehicle, and Construction Equipment markets.  Additionally, Amtech has several lines of proprietary products including Mobile Advantage® Meal Delivery Vehicles; and Military Helmet Hardtop® Shelters, Trailer Tops, and Short Cargo Bed Covers. The Company is certified as an ISO 9001:2000 supplier.

Dick Clarke, former owner of Amtech, said “I am honored to have sold my business to Blackford Capital.  Their impressive combination of strategic vision and operational focus will enable Amtech to grow substantially in the coming years.”  Mr. Clarke will remain an active Board Member of Amtech. Martin Stein, Managing Director of Blackford Capital and new Chairman of Amtech, commented “We could not be more pleased with the transaction that has been completed.  Dick Clarke did an impressive job growing the company over the past two decades.  And he built a tremendous team led by Doug Christie, CEO of Amtech.  We are confident that Doug and his team will continue to strengthen Amtech’s position as a market leader.”    

Doug Christie, President and CEO of Amtech, commented, “The recent ownership transition has been seamless and business as usual for our valued customers and dedicated employees.  Blackford Capital is providing a new level of planning and financial strength for Amtech that will enable us to invest in advanced technology, explore the possibilities of strategic acquisitions and enter into new market opportunities that are designed to provide for substantial growth over the next decade.”

The acquisition was financed with equity from Blackford Capital and senior debt from Marquette Business Credit.

Greg Carasik, Regional Vice President of Marquette Business Credit, said, “We’re excited to partner with Blackford Capital and the team at Amtech on this transaction.  We believe Amtech is well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead the composites industry, and we believe Blackford Capital’s heavy involvement will better enable Amtech to become a strong leader in the composites industry.  We are pleased to be a part of this transaction.”

Exvere, Inc., a Seattle-based investment bank, acted as exclusive financial advisor to Amtech.  Michael Brustkern, Chief Executive Officer of Exvere, commented “This strategic partnership was carefully crafted to connect a very successful business with a strong capital firm committed to its future success.”

About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2000, Blackford Capital is a private equity firm focused on acquiring controlling interests in mature and growing businesses which can benefit from the firm's operating experience and flexible capital base. The firm combines the operational expertise and detailed due diligence capabilities of a strategic buyer with the seasoned M&A team of a traditional financial buyer. Blackford Capital has become a successful firm in the middle market having demonstrated over time a reliable track record of creating substantial value in its portfolio companies alongside management. The firm currently has 6 portfolio companies, and its directors have 7 exits. Blackford Capital maintains offices in Irvine and San Francisco, California.  For more information, please visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About Marquette Business Credit
Marquette Financial Companies is a privately held financial services company with a portfolio including real estate investment banking, residential real estate, commercial banking, commercial finance, and financial services companies. Marquette provides financial services to businesses and their owners. For more information, please visit www.marquette.com.

About Exvere, Inc.
Exvere, Inc. advises Northwest businesses on capital transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations. Exvere offers concentrated experience and expertise in key Northwest industries including: aerospace, building materials and construction, general manufacturing and distribution, food products, and business and financial services. For more information about Exvere, Inc. please visit www.exvere.com.

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