MiddleGround Capital : Announces its Formation; Closes First Transaction

Co-founders John Stewart, Lauren Mulholland and Scot Duncan today announced the formation of MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround”), a new private equity firm that makes control investments in business-to-business (“B2B”) industrial and specialty distribution companies in the North American lower middle market. With its headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky and an office in New York City, the Firm also announced the closure of its first transaction – the acquisition of Alco Manufacturing Corporation (“Alco” or the “Company”), a leading hydraulic connector manufacturer in the US with five facilities located throughout the Midwest.

“Our acquisition of Alco perfectly illustrates our broader investment thesis,” said John Stewart, co-founder of MiddleGround. “We believe there is a tremendous opportunity to identify and invest in fundamentally good middle market businesses that can benefit from our operational experience. Alco’s unique product, critical position in the supply chain and robust customer and vendor relationships have positioned the Company well in its market. We are excited to add Alco to our portfolio and look forward to working with the management team to drive incremental value.”

Based in Elyria, Ohio, Alco is a precision machiner of high tolerance hydraulic connectors, garden hose couplings and plumbing cartridges. The MiddleGround team will utilize its lean manufacturing expertise to help drive increased operational efficiency. The combination of these resources and Alco’s scale, installed machine base and in-house expertise will support the Company in its pursuit of long-term growth targets.

Mr. Stewart, Ms. Mulholland and Mr. Duncan have been working together in private equity for the past seven years. In addition to their work in the private equity industry, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Duncan have over 30 years of combined experience working in operational roles at Toyota Motor Company, including leadership positions in engineering, maintenance, production and manufacturing.

About MiddleGround Capital

MiddleGround Capital is a newly formed private equity firm that makes control equity investments in lower middle market North American companies in the B2B industrial and specialty distribution sectors. The firm works with its portfolio companies to create value through a hands-on operational approach and partners with its management teams to support long-term growth strategies. Founded by John Stewart, Lauren Mulholland and Scot Duncan, the firm is based in Lexington, Kentucky with an office in New York City. For further information, please visit: www.middlegroundcapital.com

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