Feb 27, 2013

Lone Star Recaps Trinity Forge February 27, 2013 Lone Star Investment Advisors has recapped Trinity Forge Inc., a manufacturer of closed die forgings and machined parts. The company is based in Mansfield, Texas. Lone Star is a Dallas-based private equity firm. PRESS RELEASE Westlake Securities, LLC, a Texas based middle-market investment bank, is pleased to announce that Trinity Forge, Inc. (“Trinity Forge” or the “Company”) has completed a leveraged recapitalization with Lone Star Investment Advisors LLC (“Lone Star”). Established in 1955, Trinity Forge is a leading independent manufacturer of closed die forgings and machined parts based in Mansfield, Texas. The Company’s products are used across many industry sectors including oil & gas, mining, handtools, power generation and industrial equipment. The quality of its products along with renowned customer service has resulted in phenomenal long-term growth and customer retention. Lone Star is a Dallas-based private equity firm that specializes in leveraged acquisitions and recapitalizations of strategically viable middle-market businesses with strong potential for growth. Lone Star invests in a wide variety of industry sectors including manufacturing/industrial, distribution, business services and energy. Lone Star has a dual mission of for-profit private equity investing in low-income areas of the state. Westlake Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Trinity Forge on the transaction, led by Westlake’s Dallas-based Managing Directors Brad Purifoy and Terry Fick. Senior facilities were provided by Comerica Bank- Middle Market Banking Division. Robert R. Kibby, of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C served as Trinity Forge counsel. Baker & McKenzie LLP represented Lone Star in the transaction, led by Ted Schweinfurth. Mr. Purifoy commented “The transaction was a win for all parties, providing the Company’s shareholders with an excellent exit result, while Lone Star’s vision for and commitment to Trinity paired with the Company’s seasoned management team will ensure continued growth of the Company’s high quality operation to the benefit of its customers and employees.” “The management team at Trinity Forge is pleased to join forces with Lone Star,” commented Dick Johnston, President of Trinity Forge. “We are eager to pursue new avenues of growth while preserving the pillars of our success: value, service, and integrity.” “We were very impressed with Westlake’s team of Brad Purifoy and Terry Fick, and their skilled leadership throughout all stages of the preparation, marketing, and sale process. They remained steadfastly committed to representing our shareholders’ interests and guiding us through to an excellent end result with Lone Star,” stated Dennis Withers, Trinity Forge CEO Emeritus. Mr. Purifoy said “Westlake sees an active M&A transaction environment for 2013 due to generally improved economic conditions, and an over abundance of corporate and institutional investor liquiditysearching for high quality companies in which to invest.” Ends About Westlake Securities, LLC: Westlake Securities, LLC is an investment banking firm serving middle-market companies, with offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Lafayette. Westlake’s clients include family-owned businesses, privately held companies, publicly traded companies, and private equity and venture capital funds. Services include merger and acquisition advisory, equity capital and debt placement, fairness opinions, valuations and research. Westlake is a member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit the Westlake website at www.westlakesecurities.com © 2015 Buyouts Insider / Argosy Group LLC