Mason Wells Newsletter 2011 – Volume 1

• Dedicated Computing LLC Acquires Tushaus Computer Services
• Coating Excellence International, LLC Acquires Engineered Coated Products Division
• Mason Wells Hires Associate

• Coating Excellence International, LLC
• NEX Performance Films, Inc.
• Oliver-Tolas Healthcare Packaging
• Paragon Development Systems, Inc.
• Prime Distribution Services, Inc.

Dedicated Computing LLC, a manufacturer of purpose-specific computers for use in military vehicles, flight simulation equipment, CT scanning machines, and other products, announced the acquisition of Tushaus Computer Services.

Tushaus, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides a full range of technology-related services including software development, networking, business technology consulting, IP telephony, cloud hosting services, managed services, mobile device management, and technical support.

Tushaus will form the basis of a new division within Dedicated Computing and will remain in the current Tushaus Milwaukee office. Don Schlidt, current Chief Executive Officer of Dedicated Computing, will serve as CEO for both Dedicated Computing and Tushaus.

Gregg Tushaus, founder of Tushaus, will serve as Chief Technology Officer, responsible for leading the development and implementation of technology solutions and for providing information technology and systems oversight for the combined companies. He will also continue to provide strategic information technology services for key Tushaus clients.

With this acquisition, Dedicated Computing will accelerate the deployment of software and services to its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers through the capabilities provided by Tushaus’ cloud hosting centers and managed services.

The acquisition provides Tushaus and Dedicated Computing unique opportunities to leverage the capabilities of both organizations for the development of new solutions and enhanced service offerings.

Both organizations have solid customer relationships and a talented base of employees with deep technical expertise providing a firm basis for potential future growth within each business.

The acquisition by Dedicated Computing will allow Tushaus to grow more quickly by providing the company with an enhanced opportunity to focus on long-term strategic objectives that add value to its customers.

Coating Excellence International, LLC announced the purchase of certain customer assets of Engineered Coated Products (“ECP”). ECP’s plant in Brantford, Ontario, Canada manufactures a diverse portfolio of flexible packaging products for both industrial and consumer markets. ECP is a division of Intertape Polymer Group, a manufacturer of specialized polyolefin plastic and paper-based packaging products.

CEI will benefit from relationships with a number of new Canadian-based flexible packaging customers. CEI will also maintain Canadian-based sales representatives to service existing ECP accounts as well as win new business in the Canadian market.

Christopher Pummill recently joined Mason Wells as an Associate of the firm. Chris is a graduate of The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he received his Master of Business Administration with honors. Chris also has a Bachelor of Science in Business, Cum Laude, from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Prior to joining Mason Wells, Chris was an Associate Intern at the middle-market private equity firm Thoma Bravo in Chicago, Illinois, where he focused on business services, distribution, and technology buyouts. Prior to earning his M.B.A., Chris was an Associate at Western Reserve Partners, a boutique investment bank in Cleveland, Ohio.

Coating Excellence International, LLC was honored with three awards in the 2011 Flexographic Technology Association Excellence in Flexography Awards competition. CEI received a Gold Award for its Domtar Husky Copy Ream Wrap and Silver Awards for its Kaytee(R) Wildlife Squirrel & Critter Blend Food Bag and Kelly Digital Ream Wrap Color Copy. CEI also received the Ameristar Award from the Institute of Packaging Professionals for CEI’s exclusive pinch bottom poly woven bags.

NEX Performance Films, Inc. recently installed an IRSA Vision System and Deacro Rewinder/Slitter at the company’s Rhinelander, Wisconsin facility. The IRSA Vision System is capable of detecting a variety of web imperfections and also provides inspection capability of its pigmented and transparent film. The Deacro Rewinder/Slitter eliminates the need for operators to handle rewind or unwind mandrels. These additions provide tools to reduce scrap, improve quality, and increase productivity.

Prime Distribution Services, Inc. announced the appointment of Mr. Jim Kitz as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Jim has over 20 years of experience leading new business development efforts for providers in the logistics services sector. Prime is a leading provider of warehousing, multi-vendor pool consolidation, and trans-portation management services.

Oliver-Tolas Healthcare Packaging was honored with two achievement awards from the Flexible Packaging Association for 2011. Oliver-Tolas received a Silver Award for its Zone-Coated Tyvek(R) Rollstock and also received recognition for its OstasisTM Reinforced Pouch.