Tokyo, Japan – February 21, 2025 – Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced that it has agreed to sell TOTOKU Inc. (“TOTOKU”), a leading Japanese manufacturer of specialty wires and electronic devices, to SWCC Corporation (“SWCC”), a Japanese manufacturer and supplier of electric wires and cables, and the Development Bank of Japan Inc. The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the end of March 2025.

Carlyle acquired TOTOKU in December 2022 and has since worked closely with management to drive transformative growth. During this period, TOTOKU has further consolidated its position as a leading player in each of its business areas, creating a strong foundation for future sustainable growth.

To effectively navigate the evolving business environment TOTOKU operates in, Carlyle supported the company in restructuring across two distinct business divisions, one focused on the mobility, semiconductor, telecom and AI industries, and the other addressing consumer electronics, alongside other markets. Focused on delivering operational excellence, Carlyle supported the business to strengthen cross-functionality between its marketing, R&D, finance, and corporate divisions. Growth has also been achieved through the introduction of more advanced business management processes and the strengthening of TOTOKU’s global management structure.

Ken Maki, CEO of TOTOKU, said: “Our partnership with Carlyle represents an important phase in our growth story. We have benefitted from working alongside a global financial partner with extensive management and industry expertise and an established track record of scaling Japanese businesses. We look forward to continuing our development with our new partner SWCC and are excited to leverage the opportunities created by our complementary product portfolios and shared strategic areas of focus.”

Toshihiko Nishizawa, a Managing Director in the Carlyle Japan advisory team, said: “We are delighted to have supported TOTOKU, working closely alongside CEO Ken Maki and his team, to realize transformational growth. We believe that we have provided TOTOKU with a strong foundation for future growth and look forward to seeing the company continue to go from strength to strength alongside its new strategic partner, SWCC.”

The sale of TOTOKU builds on Carlyle’s well-established track record of investing in the General Industries sector in Japan, delivering strong business growth and value creation across its portfolio companies. Investments in this space include Rigaku, Enewill, Kokusai Kogyo, and SENQCIA. Across all sectors, Carlyle’s Japan buyout platform has committed capital of more than JPY 1 trillion and completed 41 private equity investments since 2000.

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About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Global Investment Solutions. With US$441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs over 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

Media contacts

Carlyle:

Charlie Bristow

+44 7384 513 568

charlie.bristow@carlyle.com

Brunswick Group:

Masato Ui / George Ohyama

+81 80 6538 2109 / +81 80 7340 1015

carlylejp@brunswickgroup.com

Partnership with Total Comfort Solutions expands platform’s footprint into fast-growing Southeast market

BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AE Industrial”), a private equity firm specializing in National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Services, today announced that it has partnered with United Building Solutions (“UBS”), a leading provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) services in the Northeast U.S., to create a comprehensive platform dedicated to complex HVAC services for commercial buildings. In addition, UBS has joined forces with Total Comfort Solutions, Inc. (“TCS”), one of North Florida’s top commercial HVAC service providers, expanding the platform’s capabilities and geographic reach. The senior leadership teams at both companies will remain in place. Financial terms of the private transactions were not disclosed.

“Commercial customers are increasingly seeking service partners who can deliver holistic solutions, including maintenance, controls, and retrofits for this mission-critical infrastructure. With the incorporation of TCS, we have taken the first steps in establishing UBS as a leading, multi-regional platform committed to addressing that demand,” said Bryan McElwee, Partner at AE Industrial. “We have a long and successful track record of investing and operating industrial services businesses, including previous investments in Altus Fire & Life Safety, BHI, Enercon, and Resolute Industrial. We look forward to leveraging our extensive experience, partnering with the outstanding team at UBS, and continuing to build out the platform.”

The U.S. HVAC market is poised for rapid growth over the next decade, driven by efforts to retrofit buildings with advanced technologies, leveraging tools such as AI and automation. With HVAC systems typically accounting for the largest share of a building’s power consumption, operators are also prioritizing upgrades aimed at enhancing energy efficiency.

“The investment from AE Industrial will provide us with the resources and support we need to strengthen our team and capitalize on the new growth opportunities in the commercial HVAC space,” said David Leathers, CEO of UBS. “In addition, by partnering with TCS, we are uniting with an organization whose skills and capabilities are highly complementary to our own and strategically expanding our footprint into the Southeast, which is one of the fastest growing HVAC markets in the country. In this next phase of our growth, UBS will seek additional partnerships with local market leaders in attractive geographies to bolster our aggressive organic growth strategy and develop UBS into a dominant HVAC service solutions provider.”

“Joining the UBS network will enable us to draw upon their extensive experience in executing complex projects, scale our operations, and position us for sustained growth,” added Tom Williams, President of TCS. “We will be able to provide our customers with new offerings while ensuring they continue to receive the industry-leading service they have come to expect.”

PwC served as financial advisor to AE Industrial and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor. William Blair served as financial advisor to UBS and Loeb & Loeb served as legal advisor. The Palmeri Law Group served as legal advisor to TCS.

About AE Industrial Partners:
AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with $5.6 billion of assets under management focused on highly specialized markets including national security, aerospace and industrial services. AE Industrial Partners has completed more than 130 investments in market-leading companies that benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and network of relationships across the sectors where the firm invests. With a commitment to driving value creation in partnership with the management teams of its portfolio companies, AE Industrial Partners invests across private equity, venture capital, and aerospace leasing.

About United Building Solutions:
United Building Solutions is a leading provider of specialty mechanical solutions and building controls/analytics for critical HVAC and related systems. The company operates through three subsidiaries: Lor-Mar, A&B HVAC Services, and Unitemp MDI, which specialize in delivering solutions for optimizing building systems and operations, increasing energy efficiency, and improving business performance.

About Total Comfort Solutions:
Founded in 1999, Total Comfort Solutions, Inc. is a certified mechanical contractor providing specialized engineering and industrial services solutions for buildings in Northern Florida and Georgia. The company’s technicians work closely with industry-leading manufacturers and have an average of 22 years of experience in engineering, mechanical service, welding, and building automation applications.

Media Contact:
Stanton Public Relations & Marketing
Matt Conroy
mconroy@stantonprm.com
(646) 502-3563

Optima Cycles BV, a portfolio company of Bolster Investment Partners since 2021, has acquired Leeflang Poedercoating. The activities will continue under the name Optima Cycles Coating. With this step, Optima Cycles adds a crucial component to its e-bike and e-cargo bike production process, further enhancing its quality standards and flexibility.

Over the past years, Optima Cycles has established itself as a leading player in the market and is one of the largest cargo bike manufacturers in the world. The addition of an in-house powder coating line in the Netherlands allows the company to determine frame colors at a later stage in the production process, increasing flexibility and contributing to more efficient production.

Leeflang Poedercoating, based in Voorhout, is known for its specialized expertise and high-quality powder coating across various industries. Michiel Dreef, CEO of Optima Cycles: “We are very excited about the launch of Optima Cycles Coating and the integration of this team into our organization. The proven expertise of the team aligns perfectly with our vision of continuously delivering top-quality products to our customers, while also providing us with greater flexibility by bringing another key part of the production process in-house.”

• Investment to accelerate Milacron’s growth and strengthen its position as a global leader in highly engineered plastic processing solutions.
• Milacron’s comprehensive suite of equipment offerings and services enables the production of everyday products used across the construction, automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and medical sectors.
• Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), Milacron’s current owner, will continue to remain a significant investor in the business.

BOSTON, Mass. and BATESVILLE, Ind. – February 5, 2025 – Bain Capital, a leading private investment firm, today announced a majority investment in the Milacron Injection Molding and Extrusion business (or the “Company”), a globally renowned provider of highly engineered plastic processing equipment and services. Bain Capital will partner with Milacron’s current owner, Hillenbrand, Inc. (NYSE: HI), who will remain a significant investor in the business to accelerate the Company’s continued growth. Bain Capital entered into a definitive agreement to purchase an ownership stake of approximately 51% of Milacron for $287 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. Hillenbrand will retain an ownership stake of approximately 49%.

Since 1968, Milacron has been a global provider of highly engineered plastic processing solutions including injection molding and extrusion equipment as well as aftermarket parts and services. Milacron has long been recognized as a market leader for its product and service expertise serving a variety of end-markets, including the construction, automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and medical industries. With the largest installed base of equipment in the U.S., Milacron serves as a complete lifecycle partner, leveraging its extensive support network to deliver comprehensive aftermarket parts and services solutions.

“Milacron is an iconic American manufacturing business with a 50-year legacy of driving innovation in plastics,” said Matt Evans, a Partner at Bain Capital Special Situations. “With manufacturers increasingly focused on supply-chain resilience and domestic production, we believe the U.S. is entering a manufacturing renaissance that will create significant opportunities for industry leaders like Milacron. With its advanced engineering capabilities, global reach, and deep customer relationships, Milacron is well-positioned to build on its strong foundation.”

“We are excited to partner with Mac Jones, the President of Milacron, and the entire Milacron team to support the next chapter of growth of one of the world’s premier plastics processing solutions businesses,” added Chris Sun, a Principal at Bain Capital Special Situations. “Milacron combines industry-leading engineering and manufacturing capabilities with innovative technology to enable the production of essential products used daily in the U.S. and around the world. We share a common vision with Milacron’s associates, customers, and other partners to continue building on Milacron’s more than 50-year legacy to create an even stronger future ahead.”

“Following an in-depth portfolio review, we determined that Milacron would be best positioned for the future through this partnership with Bain Capital,” said Kim Ryan, Hillenbrand President & CEO. “Bain Capital has a proven track record of successful corporate partnerships and will provide greater resources to Milacron, which we believe will drive future growth and success for Milacron’s associates and customers, as well as for Hillenbrand’s shareholders.”

Bain Capital’s Special Situations team is making this investment following the successful close of its second vintage of funds, which raised over $9 billion. Bain Capital Special Situations has $22 billion in assets under management and has invested more than $16 billion since its inception in 2018, providing bespoke capital solutions to meet the diverse needs of companies, entrepreneurs, and asset owners. With a long track record of supporting industrial and manufacturing businesses globally, the team brings deep expertise in driving operational growth and long-term value creation.

The transaction is expected to close at the end of the Company’s fiscal second quarter or beginning of the fiscal third quarter. Deutsche Bank is serving as exclusive financial advisor, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisor to Bain Capital.

About Bain Capital

Founded in 1984, Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private investment firms. We are committed to creating lasting impact for our investors, teams, businesses, and the communities in which we live. As a private partnership, we lead with conviction and a culture of collaboration, advantages that enable us to innovate investment approaches, unlock opportunities, and create exceptional outcomes. Our global platform invests across five focus areas: Private Equity, Growth & Venture, Capital Solutions, Credit & Capital Markets, and Real Assets. In these focus areas, we bring deep sector expertise and wide-ranging capabilities. We have 24 offices on four continents, more than 1,850 employees, and approximately $185 billion in assets under management. To learn more, visit www.baincapital.com. Follow @BainCapital on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

About Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI) is a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers in over 100 countries around the world. Its portfolio is composed of leading industrial brands that serve large, attractive end markets, including durable plastics, food, and recycling. The Company pursues excellence, collaboration, and innovation to consistently shape solutions that best serve our associates, customers, communities, and other stakeholders.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements that are within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided thereunder, which reflect the current views of Bain Capital and Hillenbrand regarding future events, expectations, plans, and prospects for Milacron following the announced transaction. These statements are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits of the transaction; Milacron’s future growth, market position, and business strategy; anticipated industry trends, including implications with respect to growing supply chain resilience and domestic manufacturing; and the expected timing of the transaction closing.

Any number of factors, many of which are beyond Hillenbrand and Bain Capital’s control, could cause Hillenbrand and Bain Capital’s performance to differ significantly from what is described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to recognize the benefits of any acquisition or divestiture, including the Milacron injection molding and extrusion business sale (the “Proposed Transaction”), including potential synergies and cost savings or the failure of Hillenbrand and Bain Capital or any acquired company, or the Proposed Transaction, to achieve its plans and objectives generally; any failure by the parties to satisfy any conditions to the Proposed Transaction; the possibility that the Proposed Transaction is ultimately not consummated; potential adverse effects of the announcement or results of the Proposed Transaction on the market price of the Hillenbrand’s common stock; and risks related to diversion of management’s attention from Hillenbrand’s ongoing business operations due to the Proposed Transaction. There can be no assurances that the Proposed Transaction will be consummated.

Readers are urged to consider these risks and uncertainties in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. For a more in-depth discussion of certain factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see the discussions in Hillenbrand’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward-looking information in this release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Hillenbrand and Bain Capital undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, made to reflect new information, future developments or otherwise.