DALLAS, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Wingate Partners, a Dallas Texas based investment firm, announced today that it has partnered with Paul Charapata and other management to acquire Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC, based in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Nekoosa manufactures specialty paper products for use in a variety of printing applications. Wingate Partners will support the existing Nekoosa management team as they expand the company’s capabilities to serve its growing customer base.

Nekoosa Coated Products, formerly part of 3M and Imation, has been a leading innovator in the carbonless and specialty paper markets for over 50 years. It became an independent company in 2005 and has successfully strengthened and diversified both its product portfolio and distribution network over the last several years.

“This investment by Wingate Partners will help us to accelerate our growth as we strive to provide even more value added products and services for our customers through a shared vision of strategic partnerships, including acquisitions,” said Nekoosa Coated Products Chief Executive Officer Paul Charapata. “This is an exciting time for all Nekoosa employees and customers as we build upon the foundation of success we have created together with a fantastic new partner.”

“Nekoosa Coated Products is an ideal situation for Wingate – a strong, innovative management team who leads a very well positioned business in vital markets,” said Brad Brenneman, Principal at Wingate Partners. “We are honored to partner with Paul and the Nekoosa team, and look forward to supporting Nekoosa‘s growth.”

In connection with the transaction, Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC acted as financial advisor to Nekoosa, Haynes and Boone, LLC acted as legal advisor to Wingate, and Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. acted as legal advisor to Nekoosa.

About Nekoosa Coated Products:

Headquartered in Nekoosa WI, Nekoosa Coated Products is known for over 50 years of innovation in carbonless paper technology and more recently an expanding line of specialty products. This offering of specialty substrates includes: Synaps OM and XM, premium synthetic papers from AGFA; ThermaTac, a new digital removable vinyl signage product; Thermanent; a premium digital polyester; MagneCote™, the world’s first magnetic paper; a full line of FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) digital coated papers, and other specialty papers.

For more information, visit www.nekoosacoated.com or call (800) 826-4886.

About Wingate Partners:

Wingate Partners (www.wingatepartners.com) was founded in 1987 to purchase controlling equity interests in companies where there is the opportunity to create value through superior operational and strategic execution. Typically, Wingate‘s investments fall into two primary categories: profitable companies in changing or out of favor industries and under-performing companies. In both cases, equity value is created by improving the operating performance of the business and by developing long-term strategies to exploit changing industry dynamics. Our professionals bring substantial senior-level operating and strategic experience in addition to extensive careers in acquiring companies.

For more information on Wingate Partners, visit www.wingatepartners.com.

SOURCE Wingate Partners