Audax Group Announces The Acquisition Of SS Kemp For Trimark USA

Boston, MA - Audax Group announced it has completed the acquisition of S.S. Kemp & Company ("SS Kemp") for TriMark USA, Inc. ("TriMark"). Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, SS Kemp is a regional provider of food service equipment, supplies, and design services to local restaurants, national chains, hotels, clubs, and institutions. The acquisition follows Audax Group's November 2006 purchase of TriMark, a leading full-service distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies and a provider of design and engineering services to over 10,000 customers nationwide, including restaurant, healthcare, entertainment, and other foodservice venues and facilities. SS Kemp will strengthen TriMark's presence in the Cleveland and Pittsburgh markets.

Geoffrey S. Rehnert, Co-CEO of Audax Group, said "The acquisition of SS Kemp will enhance TriMark's growing national footprint and strengthen its supplies business. We continue to look for strategic add-on acquisitions that complement the company's industry-leading service offering."

Jerald Hyman, President and CEO of TriMark, said "We are excited to have closed our first add-on acquisition with the purchase of SS Kemp. We will continue to work with Audax to source and integrate add-on acquisitions as we expand our supplies business nationally to build upon our industry leading design and equipment services."

Ropes & Gray LLP advised Audax Group. Debt financing was provided through increased commitments from GSO Capital and BlackRock Kelso Capital.

SOURCE: Audax Group