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Mechanix Wear Acquires OTEX, Elevating Protective Apparel Standards

Mechanix Wear®, a top manufacturer renowned for its high-performance hand protection and safety gear, has taken a significant step in expanding its reach and product offerings by acquiring OTEX. This acquisition is particularly crucial as it emphasizes Mechanix Wear's dedication to providing innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) solutions, supported by the backing of Gryphon Investors, a leading private investment firm.

The transaction, although details about its financial specifics remain undisclosed, marks the third acquisition completed by Mechanix Wear under Gryphon's guidance. This proactive strategy reflects Mechanix Wear's commitment to enhance its portfolio and cater to the evolving needs of workers across various industries.

OTEX, known for its cutting-edge R&D-driven safety solutions, is most notable for innovations like its SMARTHOOD™. This unique feature skillfully integrates advanced hood protection with improvements in air quality and cooling systems that can significantly enhance worker comfort and safety in challenging environments.

By retaining CEO Jake Weidert as Vice President of Technology and Materials for this new platform, Mechanix Wear ensures that OTEX's pioneering technologies will continue to evolve and influence their product line moving forward. This strategic leadership move is aimed at sustaining OTEX's innovative edge while seamlessly blending its capabilities into Mechanix Wear’s existing framework.

According to Jesse Spungin, CEO of Mechanix Wear, the collaboration will greatly benefit both companies and their customers. He noted, “OTEX's patented technologies and leadership in air-quality-driven PPE align perfectly with our mission to deliver trusted, innovative protection to workers.” This synergy aims to create a new benchmark for safety standards in the industry.

Keith Christiansen, who serves as the President of Mechanix Wear's Chicago Protective Apparel division, echoes this sentiment, asserting that OTEX has been a major disruptor in the market. He believes that their extensive investment in research and development will be instrumental in accelerating the innovation of next-generation safety solutions, presenting an exciting opportunity for collaboration between the two teams.

Ryan Fagan, a partner at Gryphon Investors, expressed enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, “Mechanix Wear continues to build a differentiated platform of premium, R&D-led protective equipment.” His remarks highlight the value that OTEX brings to Mechanix Wear's already impressive lineup of products designed to improve workplace safety.

Furthermore, Weidert shared his excitement about becoming a part of the Mechanix Wear family, pointing out that the company’s extensive manufacturing resources and commitment to innovation make it the perfect partner to help advance OTEX's mission. This partnership not only promises to support existing customers but also paves the way for future advancements in PPE technologies that prioritize both safety and comfort.

The collaboration will leverage Mechanix Wear's expansive distribution channels and established market presence to elevate the reach of OTEX's innovative products. Mechanix Wear’s diverse range of protective equipment enhances worker safety and comfort, ensuring it remains key to meeting the rising demand for effective PPE solutions across various sectors, including automotive, construction, and tactical markets.

As the industry continues to prioritize safety amid evolving work environments, this acquisition comes at a crucial time. Workers today require not just basic protection but advanced solutions that contribute to their overall well-being while maintaining high-performance standards.

The acquisition is supported by multiple advisory roles, including EC MA as the financial advisor for Mechanix Wear and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as its legal counsel, while OTEX benefited from the expertise of Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. LLP for tax and financial advice alongside Harris Beach Murtha providing legal guidance.

With this acquisition, Mechanix Wear is poised to redefine the standards of personal protective equipment, embracing continuous advancement and innovation to ensure that the safety of workers remains at the forefront of their mission.

About Mechanix Wear

Founded in 1991, Mechanix Wear has garnered a reputation as the leading provider of automotive, industrial, and tactical hand protection. Since its inception with the launch of The Original® work glove at the 1991 Daytona 500, Mechanix Wear has continuously strived to provide superior quality, performance, and reliability, cementing its place as the go-to choice for millions of users worldwide. With products available in over 20,000 retail locations across 70 countries, Mechanix Wear's commitment to innovation remains unwavering.

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is recognized as a top-tier private investment firm focused on cultivating businesses with competitive advantages in various sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, and Technology. With over $10 billion in assets under management, Gryphon aims to foster strong partnerships and accelerate growth, ensuring sustained value creation through its integrated operational model.