Innovative Private Equity Firm, Willis & Smith Capital, Expands Portfolio with Performance Stamping Acquisition

Metal stamping leader, Performance Stamping, joins forces with Willis & Smith Capital to enhance customer offerings and drive growth.

Plano, Texas & Carpentersville, Illinois - Willis & Smith Capital, a dynamic private equity firm specializing in the lower middle market, has announced the successful acquisition of Performance Stamping, LLC. This strategic move, completed on August 7, 2023, is set to strengthen Willis & Smith Capital's portfolio and expand their range of services.

Headquartered in Carpentersville, Illinois, Performance Stamping has established itself as a leading provider of metal stamping solutions to industrial customers. Serving both domestic and international original equipment manufacturers across various industries, such as automotive, appliances, oil & gas, and more, the company has built a reputation for excellence.

Founded in the 1970s, Performance Stamping began its journey under the ownership of Scott Spencer and his father, Ed Spencer, who acquired the business in 1979. Over the years, the company has developed a substantial collection of production equipment, enabling them to offer custom progressive die stamping, compound and blanking die stamping, and value-added engineering services.

Under the new ownership, Performance Stamping's existing management team will remain in place, ensuring a seamless transition. Peter Martel will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer, while Scott Spencer will assume an advisory role, both to the company and its board of directors.

By joining forces with Willis & Smith Capital, Performance Stamping gains access to a wider range of resources and expertise. This collaboration will enable the company to better serve its loyal customer base and cater to their evolving technical and business needs. Willis & Smith Capital's established presence in the lower middle market, coupled with their expertise in sheet metal fabrication and machining through their subsidiary J&E Companies, will undoubtedly provide significant value to Performance Stamping's customers.

Co-Founders of Willis & Smith Capital, Eric Willis and Terrence Smith, expressed their excitement about the acquisition: "We believe that adding Performance Stamping to our portfolio will create tremendous value for our collective customers. By offering more services at a greater scale, we are proud to enhance the options available to our clients. We commend Scott Spencer and his father for their dedication and vision in building Performance Stamping into an organization that can anticipate and meet the evolving needs of its customers."

Scott Spencer shared his thoughts on the transition, saying, "The decision to transition Performance Stamping was not taken lightly by the management team. It was crucial to find a successor who would prioritize the well-being of our employees and offer our customers unique synergies. As we got to know Eric and Terry of Willis & Smith Capital, we realized their commitment to these goals. I am thrilled to continue my involvement with the company as an advisor and play an active role in shaping its future."

Promontory Point Capital provided Performance Stamping with financial advisory services during the acquisition, while Golan Christie Taglia LLP served as legal advisors. Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. provided legal counsel to Willis & Smith Capital.

About Willis & Smith Capital

Willis & Smith Capital is a private equity firm specializing in lower middle market companies with annual revenues of up to $200M. With a focus on driving growth and delivering value, Willis & Smith Capital leverages its expertise to support businesses in unlocking their full potential. To learn more, visit www.willis-smithcap.com.

About Performance Stamping

Performance Stamping is a leading metal stamping provider, delivering high-quality solutions to industrial customers across various sectors. With an extensive portfolio of production equipment and a commitment to innovative engineering services, Performance Stamping has established itself as a trusted partner for original equipment manufacturers. To learn more about Performance Stamping, visit www.performancestamping.com.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Performance Stamping by Willis & Smith Capital marks an exciting chapter for both companies. This strategic move will undoubtedly create new opportunities for growth and innovation, benefiting Performance Stamping's customers and solidifying Willis & Smith Capital's position as a prominent player in the lower middle market.