Transaction is 5th platform acquisition for the Chicago private equity firm, and 11th deal closed in the past 30 months

WHI Capital Partners (WHICP), a Chicago-based private equity firm focusing on the lower-middle market, today announced the acquisition of Ohio-based Victory Industrial Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom enclosures and fuel tanks for power generating units.

Formed in 1985, Victory employs more than 115 people and operates from a new 112,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio. The company manufactures custom-designed enclosures and integral fuel tanks, known as power packages, which protect the generating units from the environment, provide sound attenuation, and support the unit's electrical and exhaust systems. Power packages are increasingly used in a wide variety of industrial, commercial and municipal applications, including the provision of back-up power systems for hospitals, big-box retailers, airports, data centers, and correctional facilities as well as on and off-shore oil and gas exploration.

"The demand for diesel gensets has increased over recent years and continues to grow as businesses address their back-up power source needs. Victory is ideally positioned to capitalize on that demand," said Eric Cohen, WHICP's Managing Partner. "We are very excited about the opportunities in the market, as well as working with the existing management team, which did an exceptional job building the business."

WHICP has recruited manufacturing veteran Bob Carter as Victory's Chief Executive Officer to augment Victory's current management team. Bob has a 30-year background in manufacturing and operations, most recently as CEO of a commercial and off-road / construction vehicle wire harness manufacturer.

About WHI Capital Partners

WHI Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm that invests in leading niche manufacturing, value-added distribution and specialty service companies with revenues between $10 - 100 million. WHICP focuses on creating a true partnership with a company's management team with the goal of enhancing operational efficiency along with developing and executing a clearly defined growth plan to build value. Backed by the financial strength and resources of its parent firm, William Harris Investors, Inc., WHI Capital Partners provides a unique solution to help a company capitalize on its long-term opportunities. For more information contact Eric Cohen at (312) 604-7901 or ecohen@whicapital.com.