GTCR to acquire Sterigenics International

GTCR, a leading private equity firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Silverfleet Capital and PPM America Capital Partners to acquire Sterigenics International, Inc. ("Sterigenics"), the leading global provider of contract sterilization and ionization services for medical devices, food products, and advanced applications.

The transaction will drive the continued expansion of Sterigenics' service offering globally. Sterigenics is the sole provider of contract sterilization and ionization services on a global basis, with a network of 38 service centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company provides its customers with comprehensive sterilization solutions, offering technology in all leading sterilization modalities and complementary value-added services. Sterigenics has earned a reputation among its customer base for providing high-quality and cost-effective solutions tailored to customer needs.

"GTCR's extensive experience investing in leading companies in both the healthcare and business services sectors gives us a unique perspective on the Sterigenics business," said Dean Mihas, Principal at GTCR. "We look forward to partnering with the Sterigenics management team to execute on their plan to grow the business and extend its leadership position."

"GTCR's investment is a validation of what we have built at Sterigenics," noted David Meyer, CEO of Sterigenics. "We are excited to begin a new collaboration with an equity partner committed to our growth as we pursue our strategic goals and expand our service offering to our customers."

Jefferies & Company, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and UBS advised GTCR on the transaction, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to GTCR. J.P. Morgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Morgan Stanley have agreed to provide debt financing in connection with the transaction. GTCR's investment in Sterigenics will be made from GTCR Fund IX, a private equity fund with $2.75 billion of committed capital. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2011.