Sentinel Capital Partners, New York, N.Y., USA, a private equity firm, this week announced its acquisition of Nekoosa, a producer of specialty paper and film products used in the graphics and commercial print markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wis., Nekoosa produces a comprehensive suite of specialty engineered materials in four key product areas—application and pressure sensitive tapes used to protect and transfer graphics onto surfaces such as store windows and commercial vehicles, specialty synthetic papers that offer a digitally printable tear-and-water-proof alternative to lamination, sheeted digital and offset grade carbonless paper, and extruded film products used in wall panel, credit card, and lighting applications. Through a network of more than 1,000 global distributor partners, Nekoosa serves a highly-diverse base of more than 70,000 commercial print and graphics shops in 65 countries. 

"Nekoosa gives Sentinel an opportunity to partner with a differentiated industry leader that draws on a unique, niche product offering that is considered the 'gold standard' in its markets," said Scott Perry, a partner at Sentinel. "Nekoosa has enhanced its leadership position through its highly-specialized operational expertise, unparalleled distribution network, and excellent corporate culture committed to developing a first-class employee base. We are thrilled to partner with Nekoosa's highly talented and committed management team."

Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa, noted that "Nekoosa has a long, successful track record of innovation, leadership, and growth driven by dedicated employees. In the past five years, we have successfully executed four add-on acquisitions and have developed a playbook for the identification and integration of complementary businesses. We look forward to working closely with our new partners at Sentinel to continue this positive trajectory."

On Oct. 2, 2012, Wingate Partners of Dallas, Texas, acquired Nekoosa Coated Products in partnership with the management team with a common goal of growing the company. Nekoosa Coated Products acquired IGI Corp. of New Jersey eight months later in April of 2013 to form Nekoosa.