EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Milk Specialties Global (“Milk Specialties” or the “Company”), a leading human and animal nutrition company, today announced that its management team has partnered with an affiliate of American Securities LLC, a leading U.S. private equity firm, to acquire the Company from Kainos Capital, which acquired Milk Specialties in 2011.

Founded in 1949, Milk Specialties is a leading human and animal nutrition company. The Company’s Human Nutrition Business Unit is a leading manufacturer of whey and milk protein ingredients used primarily in the sports nutrition and function food end-markets. The Company’s Animal Nutrition Business Unit is a leading provider of science-based products to the dairy industry.

Dave Lenzmeier, CEO of Milk Specialties, commented, “Milk Specialties has a strong history of growth in an exciting market. Demand for protein has soared driven by global population growth and interest in healthy lifestyles. We are excited about our new partnership with American Securities to support our growth goals in this expanding market.”

“Every individual at Milk Specialties plays an important role, from operators who focus on producing the highest quality products to the executive leadership team,” stated Eddie Wells, President of Milk Specialties. “We are excited to match our dedicated and talented team with the resources of American Securities, and together focus on the goals we set to achieve.”

“We are pleased to partner with Dave Lenzmeier, Eddie Wells and the rest of the Milk Specialties management team,” said David Horing, a Managing Director of American Securities. “We are excited about the company’s leading positions in the rapidly growing dairy protein and animal nutrition markets. The Company’s commitment to product innovation, combined with its experienced and customer-focused management team, positions Milk Specialties for a strong future as a market leader. We look forward to bringing our resources to bear to support Dave, Eddie and their team for Milk Specialties’ continued success.”

Milk Specialties will maintain its headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Executives and senior leaders, as well as its more than 700 employees, will remain in place to take the business to the next level of growth.

The proposed transaction is subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close later in the year.

Morgan Stanley and Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisors and Greenberg Traurig acted as legal advisor to Milk Specialties in this transaction.

About Milk Specialties
Milk Specialties Human Nutrition Business Unit: A leading manufacturer of whey and milk protein ingredients used primarily in the sports nutrition and functional foods end-markets. Milk Specialties is renowned for its specialized processing capabilities and innovation track record including its focus on value-added protein ingredients such as organic, rBGH free and lactose free. Milk Specialties also offers powder contract manufacturing services as a way to provide its customers with a turnkey solution from product development, supply of protein to finished product production.

Milk Specialties Animal Nutrition: Recognized for innovative and science-based products that offer proven benefits to the growing dairy industry. Energy Booster is Milk Specialties’ flagship brand and is a top-selling product on the market improving dairy cow productivity. Milk Specialties is also a top supplier of milk replacer ingredients for calves in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.MilkSpecialties.com.

About American Securities
American Securities is a leading U.S. private equity firm with approximately $15 billion under management. Based in New York with an office in Shanghai, American Securities invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenues generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or EBITDA of $50 million to $200 million. For more information, please visit http://www.american-securities.com.

Contacts
For American Securities:
Caroline Harris-Gibson
Prosek Partners
212.279.3115 x222
cgibson@prosek.com

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SOURCE American Securities LLC