Exited Investment
Messenger
Prairie Capital Fund V
| Location | Auburn, IN |
| Transaction Type | Growth Buyout with Management |
| Investment Date | June 2010 |
| Exit Date | September 2015 |
| Buyer | Orchard Holdings |
| Business | Leading manufacturer and distributor of specialty stationery and related products to approximately 10,000 of the estimated 20,000 total funeral homes located across the U.S. |
| Industry | Business Services, Consumer |
Investment Rationale
- U.S. mortality rates underpinned steady primary demand and were projected to increase as the population aged
- Experienced management team that had achieved success despite underinvestment from a troubled parent company
- Opportunity to create value through growth investment
- Market leader with the largest and most entrenched sales force in the industry
Value Add
- Human Capital
- Sales & Marketing
- Technology
- Infrastructure
- New Products
- Supply Chain
- Add-on Acquisitions
TEAM:
The biggest advantage in working with Prairie Capital was their willingness to invest in our company to get us to the next level, both in time to establish a business strategy for growing sales and in financial resources for equipment and people.
They were easy to do business with – taking the time to understand our business and our industry while allowing management to run the business. They were also receptive to additional investments in the company when opportunities arose.