October 23rd, 2018

Clearwell Group Acquires Leading Manufacturer of Waste-Management Equipment

Tampa, FL – October 23, 2018 – Clearwell Group announced today that it has acquired Equipco Manufacturing, Inc. (“Equipco” or “Company”), a Miami, Florida based manufacturer of waste-management containers and compactors, through its portfolio company Iron Container.

Founded in 2003 by the Acosta family, Equipco is one of the Southeast’s largest producers of roll-off containers, compactors, front-load containers, rear-load containers, and other specialty containers and parts for the waste-management industry. The company has achieved its growth through a dedication to building high-quality products, investment in its people and community, and outstanding customer service.

“We are excited to partner with Clearwell Group in the next chapter of the Equipco story,” said Blanca Acosta, co-founder of Equipco. “Since founding the company with my father, the entire Equipco team has worked diligently to grow the business and provide superior customer service for our clients, and this transaction reflects their hard work and dedication.  We chose Clearwell Group to continue the legacy of our family’s business and we look forward to working alongside the Iron Container team in the years to come.  I have no doubt we will capitalize on our immediate growth opportunities with a combined team of over 40 years industry knowledge and experience.”

“Partnering with Clearwell Group and the Equipco team in this transaction will accelerate Iron Container’s growth as we capitalize on the myriad opportunities in front of us in our market,” said John Martorana, President of Iron Container.  

“Equipco’s position as one of the largest providers of waste-management containers, industrial compactors, custom equipment and parts in the southeast United States is a testament to the vision and leadership of Blanca Acosta and her team over many years.  We are excited to partner with Equipco and to continue working with the Iron Container team to build one of the leading manufacturing businesses in our home state of Florida,” said Ryan Cortner, Partner at Clearwell Group.

Clearwell Group partnered with Sterling National Bank, which provided debt in support of the transaction.

“We are thrilled to partner with Clearwell Group and their investment in Equipco Manufacturing.  The Company has built a tremendous reputation as a leading manufacturer of waste management equipment, and we are excited to be a part of this next phase,” said Barbara Coffin, Vice President of Sterling National Bank.

About Clearwell Group

Clearwell Group makes control and meaningful minority investments in companies located in the southeastern United States, with a focus on the state of Florida. We invest with the belief that businesses should generate positive investment return in addition to positive significance. We support high-integrity entrepreneurs with a collaborative approach to creating value that leverages experience and network. This aligns our interests with management to achieve the best possible outcome with the right amount of capital over the right period of time. Unlike the traditional fund structure, we bring patient capital to bear without artificial time constraints. Industries of particular interest include manufacturing, business services, healthcare, software, and financial services.

About Sterling National Bank

Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp, specializes in the delivery of banking services and solutions–to business owners, their families, and consumers within the communities we serve–through teams of dedicated and experienced relationship managers. Sterling offers a complete line of corporate banking and consumer banking products and services.

Clearwell Group’s Direct Investment Criteria

 We are a family office based in Tampa, FL. The goal of our direct investment effort is to build a family of businesses continuing the legacies started by great family entrepreneurs.

Our principals have over 35 years of investment experience covering hundreds of individual investments in dozens of industries. Clearwell Group makes control and meaningful minority investments in companies located in the southeastern United States with a focus on the state of Florida.

FINANCIAL CRITERIA FOR OUR INVESTMENTS IS AS FOLLOWS:

Industries of particular interest include manufacturing, business services, healthcare, software, and financial services. We work with exceptional, entrepreneurial-minded management teams with a vision for growth. We welcome family businesses into our family and are committed to building lasting, well-capitalized, meaningful businesses and brands.

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