Vance Street Capital Partners with Fumex for Strategic Growth in Air Filtration

Vance Street Capital Partners with Fumex Air Filtration

On December 19, 2024, Vance Street Capital, a prominent private equity firm based in Los Angeles, formally announced its partnership with Fumex Air Filtration Systems. This collaboration is set to support Fumex as it embarks on its forthcoming phase of growth. Fumex, recognized for its innovative design and manufacturing of fume extraction technologies, aligns perfectly with Vance Street’s investment portfolio, particularly in the industrial technology sector.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia, Fumex has carved out a reputation as a leading provider of advanced air filtration systems. The company specializes in developing solutions that adhere to stringent health and safety regulations, focused on capturing hazardous materials at their source across various industries. These include laser cutting, 3D printing, soldering, and plastic processing, highlighting the versatility of Fumex's product offerings.

The transaction not only marks Vance Street’s fourth platform investment from its capital fund but also emphasizes the firm’s commitment to the filtration ecosystem. Vance Street's previous investments in Micronics and Keltec further exemplify its focus on industrial technology, allowing for a wealth of expertise to be applied to Fumex’s operations.

In conjunction with this partnership, Kevin East, the CEO of Fumex, will be reinvesting a substantial amount of equity and will continue leading the existing management team. Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, East stated, "On behalf of the entire Fumex team, we couldn't be more excited to begin this next chapter with Vance Street. This partnership will allow us to invest in the business and drive growth both organically and through mergers and acquisitions."

Vance Street's partner, Nic Janneck, acknowledged the successful management history of East and his team, noting, "Over the last 20+ years, Kevin and his team have built a highly differentiated company. With Vance Street's additional support and capital, Fumex will be able to invest in the business, accelerate its new product development, and continue to provide its customers with sought-after solutions."

The benefits of the partnership extend beyond financial backing. Grady Miller, principal at Vance Street, highlighted Fumex’s established market position, stating, "Fumex has established itself as a leader in fume extraction, with products that are critical to the safety and efficiency of its customers' operations." The firm is positive about leveraging Fumex's scalable operations and the company's reputation to tap into the growing demand for reliable air filtration solutions.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to broaden Fumex’s product portfolio and explore strategic merger and acquisition opportunities, fostering an environment conducive to further innovation and market penetration. Yousaf Tahir, another principal at Vance Street, added that this collaboration would enable both teams to enhance their offerings and reach new markets effectively.

To facilitate this transition, Lincoln International LLC served as Vance Street's financial advisor, while Goodwin Procter acted as its legal advisor for the transaction. Financial backing for the deal was provided by Fidus Capital, although the specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In conclusion, the partnership between Vance Street Capital and Fumex represents a significant development in the industrial air filtration sector. It underscores the importance of innovative technologies that not only create safer work environments but also contribute positively to regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, this collaboration stands as a beacon of strategic growth and dedication to excellence in air filtration solutions. Fumex is poised to enhance its operational capacities, ensuring that it continues to provide premier products that cater to the demands of its diverse clientele.