NEW YORK, NORFOLK, Va., PORTLAND, Ore. & SEATTTLE, Wa. – Global investment firm The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) and private equity firm Stellex Capital Management today announced they have closed on their acquisition of Vigor Industrial LLC and MHI Holdings LLC. In addition, Carlyle and Stellex announced they have appointed Jim Marcotuli as CEO of the newly created company comprising Vigor and MHI, effective today.
Marcotuli brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the defense and manufacturing industries. He has served in a number of executive and operating roles with Carlyle portfolio companies and in industries spanning defense, aerospace, transportation, and automotive.
“Vigor and MHI have tremendous potential for growth and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the new company,” said Marcotuli. “I am eager to engage with the employees who have made these companies what they are today, and to work with the team to create sustainable value for our customers.”
“Jim is a proven leader who excels at driving strong performance through motivating and building great teams,” said Derek Whang, Principal at The Carlyle Group. “He is a natural fit for Vigor and MHI, both in his leadership style and his background, and we’re looking forward to partnering with Jim and all employees and supporting them in this next phase of growth.”
“Jim is a results-oriented executive who builds and successfully executes strategies to drive sustained improvement and growth,” said David Waxman, Managing Director at Stellex Capital. “We have known Jim for many years and are confident that he will build upon the solid foundations of Vigor and MHI to create an even stronger company.”
Frank Foti, Vigor’s founding CEO and prior majority owner, has stepped out of his role as CEO of Vigor while remaining an investor in the new parent company and serving as its Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tom Epley will continue to lead MHI Ship Repair & Services LLC and MHI Holdings LLC and will report to Marcotuli.
Marcotuli previously served as the Interim Chairman and CEO of Remington Outdoor Company and prior to that served as CEO of North American Bus Industries (NABI). He has held board seats and senior positions in various manufacturing companies predominately in the aerospace and automotive industries.
A native of Pennsylvania, Marcotuli holds a multi-disciplinary Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, with emphases in accounting, business administration and management psychology.
Carlyle’s equity for the investment came from the Carlyle U.S. Equity Opportunity Fund II, a $2.4 billion fund that focuses on middle-market and growth companies in the United States and Canada.
About The Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across four business segments: Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $223 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2019, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,775 people in 33 offices across six continents.
About Stellex Capital Management LP
Stellex Capital is a private equity manager that invests in and oversees U.S. and European corporate assets. With $870 million of committed capital, Stellex’s focus is on companies going through business or industry transitions, as well as special situation opportunities. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that have the potential to provide stability, improvement, and growth. Portfolio companies benefit from Stellex’s industry knowledge, operating capabilities, network of senior executives, strategic insight and access to capital. Sectors of particular focus include specialty manufacturing, industrial and business services, aerospace & defense, and government services. Additional information may be found at www.stellexcapital.com.
About Vigor Industrial LLC
Vigor is a values-driven, diversified industrial business operating in seven locations with 2,300 people in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Built around a collection of powerful, unique assets and differentiated capabilities, Vigor excels at specialized shipbuilding, ship repair and handling important, complex projects in support of energy generation, our nation’s infrastructure and national defense. With deep respect for people and the planet, Vigor strives to be a positive, regenerative force for good – environmentally, in the lives of its employees and in the community. Vigor.net
About MHI Holdings LLC
MHI Holdings LLC consists of three major providers serving the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, Maritime Administration and Commercial ship owners and operators worldwide. MHI Ship Repair and Services is a major marine repair and conversion contractor with shipyard and full-service pier facilities located in Norfolk, Virginia. The Company has earned their well-regarded reputation by providing reliable and quality ship repair services to its clients with accurate job pricing for over 33 years. Seaward Marine Services is a global provider of underwater hull cleaning and ship husbandry services to the U.S. Navy. Accurate Marine Environmental performs tank cleaning and gas free engineering, including the removal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials for the marine and commercial industries, disaster response services and operates a wastewater treatment facility in Portsmouth, Virginia.
