Argand Partners Announces the Acquisition of Midwest Can

Argand Partners, LP (“Argand”), the New York- and San Francisco-based private equity firm, today announced its acquisition of Midwest Can Company and Container Specialties, Inc. (together, “Midwest Can”). Midwest Can is a market-leading manufacturer of portable fuel containers (“PFCs”) used for the safe handling, storage and usage of flammable liquids such as gas, diesel and kerosene. The company designs and manufactures PFCs, which contain its industry leading FlameShield Safety System, as well as fluid management accessories such as funnels, drain pans and spouts. The company’s products are sold through a diverse customer base consisting of farm & fleet, lawn & garden, automotive aftermarket, hardware, and gas & convenience retailers. It is the leader in standard PFCs and continues to innovate and expand its product offering. Additionally, its Container Specialties division manufactures custom blow-molded plastic containers for the food, automotive, chemical, and agriculture industries. Founded in 1951, Midwest Can is based in Franklin Park, IL. Argand plans to work closely with Midwest Can management to accelerate growth of new products as well as penetration of new geographies.

Jerry Burris, Midwest Can’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Midwest Can has undergone substantial change over the last three years as we invested in the business and launched our FlameShield Safety System PFC products, and we are excited to partner with Argand during our next phase of growth as we continue to add more products to our lineup that will complement our industry leading standard PFC offering.”

Heather Faust, Partner and Managing Director at Argand, added, “We were attracted to Midwest Can’s leading market position within the portable fuel container market, and we were particularly impressed with the leadership they have shown in the industry with respect to safety and innovation. We look forward to partnering with the management team to continue to build Midwest Can’s position in both the portable fuel container and rigid plastic packaging markets.” The acquisition is supported by a loan facility provided by Benefit Street Partners. Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP acted as legal counsel to Argand.

About Argand Partners
Argand is a New York‐ and San Francisco Bay Area‐based middle market buyout firm founded in 2015 by long‐time colleagues, Heather Faust, Howard D. Morgan, and Tariq Osman. Argand is a growth‐oriented, control investor focused on complex, often contrarian, situations that involve solid, market‐leading industrial and industrial‐oriented consumer and energy businesses, often with significant global operations and expansion opportunities. Argand’s portfolio includes Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corp., Brintons Carpets Ltd., OASE Living Water GmbH, and Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. Argand has approximately $600 million in capital under management.

The Argand team has a disciplined approach of investing in businesses that have the potential for transformational value creation through the implementation of managerial, operating, and strategic initiatives. Argand focuses on investments into manufacturers and service providers, where the team has deep sector experience and can leverage its senior executive advisory network to drive the rapid execution of an investment thesis.
Further information on Argand can be found on the website: www.argandequity.com.

About Midwest Can
Midwest Can designs and manufactures portable fuel containers and fluid management accessories for a diverse customer base consisting of farm & fleet, lawn & garden, automotive aftermarket, hardware, and gas & convenience retailers. Additionally, its Container Specialties division manufactures custom blow molded plastic containers, specializing in food safe bottles, for industries including food, automotive, chemical, and agriculture. Founded in 1951, Midwest Can operates from a ~200,000 sq. ft. facility in Franklin Park, Illinois, and has more than 100 employees.

Further information on Midwest Can can be found on the website: www.midwestcan.com.

For more information about Argand or the Midwest Can transaction, contact:

Heather Faust
Partner & Managing Director
Argand Partners
(212) 588-6470
hfaust@argandequity.com