Mark A. Holdsworth

Willkie advised Frontline Road Safety, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, on the acquisition. On June 2, Frontline Road Safety, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, announced the acquisition of the pavement marking contracting operations of Ozark Striping Company, LLC. Frontline's operating companies provide pavement marking and ancillary services to a variety of end markets and customers. Over the last several years, Sterling has executed on its investment thesis to build it into a leader in the road safety and infrastructure maintenance industry. The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. The Willkie team was led by partner Ryan Giggs, and included partners Robert Jacobson, Mark Holdsworth and Eugene Chang, and associates Ryan McNamara, Hayden Kursh, Sydney Jay and Peter Coulson.

Jun 9

1 min

On September 22, Willkie client Shamrock Capital announced its strategic investment in AnswerLab, a leading user experience research firm. Founded in 2004, AnswerLab helps enterprises with their digital transformation efforts by offering research services in digital strategy, optimization and measurement across the product development lifecycle. Its global client base includes Google, Meta, Amazon, American Express, Paypal, Airbnb, Genentech and Fedex. Shamrock Capital is a Los Angeles-based investment firm with approximately $4.1 billion of assets under management. Shamrock Capital invests exclusively in media, entertainment, communications, and related sectors through a multi-fund strategy centered on private equity investments, as well as ownership and financing of content and media rights. Willkie previously advised Shamrock Capital in its investments in Highwire PR; EDO, Inc.; The Religion of Sports Media, Inc.; Pixellot and VidMob. The Willkie team was led by partners Ray LaSoya and Jenny Liu and included partners Russell Pinilis and Mark Holdsworth, and associates Russell Whitman and Eric Lim.

Sep 22

1 min

Willkie advised FFL Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth investments in healthcare and tech-enabled services businesses, on its investment in Apex Infusion, a fast-growing provider of ambulatory infusion therapy services. On June 10, FFL announced that it completed its investment in Apex Infusion, which provides intravenous immunoglobulin, specialty infusion, total parental nutrition, and other therapeutic services. Apex Infusion currently operates 11 locations in California. FFL Partners is a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco. The Willkie team was led by partners Neil Townsend and Caleb Vesey with partners Mark Holdsworth, Laura Jehl, Russell Pinilis and Wesley Powell and associates Brian Kollatz, Chase Tweel, Stefan Ducich, Chase Gorland and Nicole Franki.

Jun 21

1 min

Willkie advised CapVest Partners LLP in the acquisition of Recochem, a leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of aftermarket transportation and household fluids, from H.I.G Capital. On November 6, H.I.G. and CapVest announced that Recochem, a portfolio company of H.I.G., was acquired by funds managed by CapVest, with H.I.G. remaining a minority investor in Recochem. Recochem’s product portfolio spans branded, private label, and bulk offerings and includes coolant, appearance products, windshield wash fluid, diesel exhaust fluid, and a broad range of household fluids and industrial chemicals. With revenues in excess of $1 billion, the company serves consumers and industrial customers worldwide through its operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. CapVest is a leading international private equity investor focused on investments in companies supplying essential goods and services. The Willkie team was led by partners David Arnold, Neil Townsend, Patrick Sandor, Andrew Gray and Jenny Liu and included partners Russell Pinilis, Jennifer Coffey, Melissa Fischetti, Spencer Simon, Mark Holdsworth, Daniel Alvarez, Britt Mosman and Rahul Saha.

Nov 8

1 min

Willkie advised Second Nature Brands, a leading portfolio of premium and better-for-you snacks and treats brands, on its acquisition of the Voortman cookie brand from The J.M. Smucker Co. On October 22, Second Nature Brands, a portfolio company of CapVest Partners LLP, announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Voortman Cookies Limited, a leading manufacturer and marketer of zero sugar cookies and wafer cookies, in a transaction valued at approximately $305 million. Second Nature Brands owns a growing portfolio of leading snack and treat brands. The acquisition of Voortman expands Second Nature Brands’ portfolio and better positions the company in the specialty cookies category. Willkie previously advised CapVest Partners on numerous transactions, including its acquisitions of Second Nature Brands and Natra, a European producer and distributor of chocolates and cocoa products. Willkie also previously advised Second Nature Brands on its acquisitions of Brownie Brittle and Sahale Snacks. CapVest Partners is a leading international private equity investor headquartered in London. The Willkie team was led by partners David Arnold and Ryan Giggs and included partners Russell Pinilis, Mark Holdsworth and Spencer Simon and associate R. Connor Brown.

Nov 4

1 min