NEWS
Golden
Gate Capital Acquires Neways International
SPRINGVILLE, Utah - November 8, 2006 - Neways International, a worldwide
leader in dietary supplements and personal care products,
announced today that it has been acquired by Golden Gate
Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity firm. For
Neways, founded in 1992 by Tom and Dee Mower, this marks
the completion of its multi-year transition from a small
founder-owned firm to a world-class multi-national company
with top notch management, professional ownership, and sales
in 23 countries. Financial details of the transaction were
not disclosed.
"This sale marks a major milestone in our history,"
stated Eric Larsen, CEO of Neways. "Since 1992, Neways
has been a leader in the personal care and nutritional products
industry, and our partnership with Golden Gate serves to
strengthen that position and maximize our potential."
Larsen, who joined Neways in 2004, will be continuing as
CEO of the Company.
Tom and Dee Mower, founders of Neways, said of the transaction,
"Selling Neways was one of the hardest decisions of
our lives. We believe it is in the best interests of ourselves,
employees and distributors to make the change at this time
and wish to thank everyone who contributed to the success
of Neways."
"As a strategic investor, we focus on businesses with
attractive growth potential and Neways is a perfect fit,"
said Prescott Ashe, a Managing Director of Golden Gate Capital.
"The Company'?s core mission - creating products with
100% non-harmful ingredients - is at the heart of consumers'
desire to live longer, healthier lives and has driven more
than a decade of consecutive, annual revenue growth. By
partnering with the Neways management team and its approximately
500,000 global distributors, we are confident that this
strong historical performance will continue."
Neways is headquartered in Springville, Utah and operates
manufacturing facilities in Salem, Utah, and Auckland, New
Zealand. Neways manufactures and distributes more than 300
innovative and exciting products ranging from shampoos and
shower gel to nutritional supplements and household cleaners.
Neways products are sold by a worldwide network of independent
distributors who are committed to the Neways mission.
About Neways
Neways is a leading manufacturer and distributor of safe, effective
and innovative personal care and nutritional products. Neways'
mission is to enhance the health, wealth and well-being
of people around the world. Products are sold through a
worldwide network of independent distributors with sales
in 23 countries. Neways also operates manufacturing facilities
in Salem, Utah, and Auckland, New Zealand. Neways' headquarters
are located in Springville, Utah.
About Golden Gate Capital
Golden Gate
Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity investment
firm with approximately $3.0 billion of capital under management.
Golden Gate is dedicated to partnering with world-class
management teams to invest in change-intensive, growth businesses.
The firm targets investments where there is a demonstrable
opportunity to significantly enhance a company's value.
The principals of Golden Gate have a long and successful
history of investing with management partners across a wide
range of industries and transaction types, including leveraged
buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures and spin-offs,
build-ups and venture stage investing.
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