Clover Imaging Group (Clover Imaging), the world’s largest collector and remanufacturer of printer cartridges, announced Thursday that Clover Imaging’s executive leadership team and Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a leading middle-market investment firm, have entered into a definitive agreement with 4L Holdings Group to acquire the Clover Imaging business unit. The transaction has been approved by 4L Holdings’ lenders.
With business spanning 43 countries, Clover Imaging Group is the global leader in producing high quality, low cost remanufactured printer cartridges that help organizations lower their printing costs while reducing their environmental impact. Compared to single-use OEM and clone/new-build cartridges, Clover’s environmentally friendly cartridges have been shown to use 79% less material and 44% fewer natural resources, representing a 50% smaller overall environmental impact. On a monthly basis, Clover Imaging collects and recycles over 3.5 million cartridges and manufactures over 1.4 million cartridges. Clover Imaging also offers a robust portfolio of services including managed print, technical support, training and marketing services.
“Clover’s executive leadership team, in partnership with NEP, will once again control the destiny of the company we built — demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the success of the business and our shared confidence in the aftermarket imaging supplies industry and consumers’ demand for environmentally conscious products like ours. Under our new, very low debt structure, we have a lot of flexibility moving forward and are well-positioned to write the next chapter for Clover Imaging Group. We could not be more excited about the growth opportunities this new capital and partnership will provide,” said Jim Cerkleski, chairman of Clover Imaging Group.
Founded in 1961, NEP has a reputation for its collaborative investment approach and commitment to partnering closely with the management teams of its portfolio companies to create long-term success and stakeholder value. NEP has invested in more than 400 companies to date.
Tim DeVries, NEP managing partner, stated, “We are excited about our investment partnership with Clover Imaging Group — it is a well-run business with a highly experienced, nimble management team that knows how to innovate and execute. We look forward to collaborating with them to leverage the company’s strong position in the marketplace and put our capital and resources to work to further expand and grow the business.”
Once the transaction closes, which is expected to occur within the next month, Clover Imaging will operate as a separate and independent entity from 4L Holdings Group. Clover Imaging’s management team, including Cerkleski; George Milton, CEO; and Eric Martin, president; will continue to lead the business, which will remain headquartered in the Chicago area. Lincoln International acted as the exclusive investment banking representative for 4L Holdings and Clover Imaging Group, working closely with the company’s management team and shareholders throughout the sale process.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. NEP’s other office technology industry investments include its 2015 acquisition of Marco.
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About Clover Imaging Group
Centered around sustainable innovation, Clover Imaging Group offers independent dealers, OEMs, and retailers a complete imaging and solutions platform. Clover’s broad array of products and services includes award-winning remanufactured printer cartridges and parts, a comprehensive suite of managed print and technology services, and unparalleled marketing and sales support. Far from its early beginnings as an ink and toner remanufacturer, Clover has evolved into a global enterprise backed by world-class engineering, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. These expansive capabilities enable Clover to provide a level of partnership unmatched in the aftermarket imaging space.
