#USA #Auburn Hills #Air Products #Saothair Capital #AAI

Saothair Capital Partners Completes the Acquisition of AAI

In a significant move within the middle-market manufacturing sector, Saothair Capital Partners, LLC has announced the completion of its acquisition of AAI from Halma Holdings Inc. The acquisition marks a strategic step for Saothair, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in manufacturing companies.

Following this acquisition, the AAI brand will be changed to Air Products and Controls Inc. (APC), reclaiming a name that has been long recognized and trusted within various markets. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, AAI specializes in developing fire and life safety solutions, particularly focusing on wireless smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors used in both residential and commercial settings.

AAI's expertise spans over four decades, showcasing a strong history of innovation and a commitment to regulatory compliance. The company sells its products directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for residential security systems, HVAC and fire safety equipment, as well as through commercial distributors, ensuring its products meet stringent regulatory standards.

Kevin Madden, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Saothair, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition stating, "We are tremendously excited to partner with Chief Executive Officer Kaid Cousineau and the senior leadership team to build on the company's strong foundation and ensure a smooth transition." Madden also acknowledged the partnership with Halma throughout the acquisition process, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to acquire AAI.

On the operational side, Richard Lozyniak, Co-founder and Operating Partner of Saothair, articulated the vision for AAI under its new ownership: "AAI is deeply committed to quality and customer satisfaction. We're eager to collaborate with the team to promote a culture of continuous improvement, enhance customer experiences, and uphold operational excellence."

Kaid Cousineau, the CEO of AAI, conveyed optimism regarding this new chapter. "We are proud of our accomplishments as part of Halma," he said. "Partnering with Saothair allows us to tap into their long-term vision and operational expertise, which will enable us to accelerate our strategic initiatives and continue delivering the quality and innovation our customers expect."

As part of the transaction, Saothair received legal counsel from McGuireWoods LLP, while Halma was advised by Nixon Peabody LLP, and financial advisory was provided by Houlihan Lokey. This transaction positions Saothair to leverage AAI's existing strengths and expedite its future growth.

In summary, this acquisition not only signifies a fresh beginning for AAI under the new brand name APC but also reflects Saothair's strategic commitment to nurturing mid-market manufacturing firms. By implementing their operational strategies and supporting AAI's innovative solutions, Saothair aims to enhance the brand's legacy and expand its operational foothold in the safety equipment market.

For anyone interested in the specifics of Saothair’s investment approach, their focus on various sectors—including automotive, healthcare, and food and beverage—highlights a broad investment strategy that seeks to reinforce long-term growth and success for all stakeholders involved. Saothair's commitment to fostering partnerships will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping AAI’s future initiatives in the fast-evolving safety sector.