Investments

Company is the Premier Manufacturer of Lithographic Labeling Equipment for the Corrugated Packaging Industry
Automatän, based in Plover, WI, is a leading manufacturer of lithographic labeling equipment sold to the corrugated packaging industry worldwide. “Automatän has achieved excellent brand recognition through its superior technology, product performance and customer service,” said W. Kent Velde, president of Lakeview Equity Partners, LLC. “With the trend toward large-format labeling in product displays and in-store advertising, Automatän’s products make it possible to add high-quality graphics to corrugated packaging.”
A partner in the acquisition, Kevin Widder, will serve as the new president and chief executive officer of Automatän. He has more than 20 years of experience in the capital equipment industry.
“We’re very excited about this acquisition,” said Widder. “Automatän is a great company with a terrific reputation in the industry. The new management understands Automatän’s market and its customers, and Lakeview Equity Partners has the financial capacity and strategic resources to support the company and bring it to the next level.”

For more information, visit www.automatan.com

LS Research, LLC, Cedarburg, WI Company Develops and Tests Wireless Technologies
On May 30, Lakeview Equity Partners, LLC, announced the acquisition of LS Research, LLC, Cedarburg, WI. LS Research is a national leader in wireless design and product development solutions.
LS Research customers include both Fortune 500 firms and innovative middle market companies. “The unique skill sets and proprietary trade expertise at LS Research helps its customers get a wireless product designed, built and — through the LS Compliance division — tested and certified for production,” said Kent Velde, president of Lakeview Equity. “In fact, the LS Compliance test lab is the only facility of its kind in Wisconsin.”
This is the third investment made by the one-year-old private equity fund. “We are impressed with the experience, talent and tenure of the management group at LS Research, which will co-invest in the transaction and continue to manage the company,” said Velde.
“With Lakeview Equity, LS Research will be able to continue to expand our capabilities and provide new opportunities in this exciting technology field,” said Bill Steinike, president of LS Research. “We are very enthusiastic about the future of our company.”

For more information, visit www.lsr.com

Firehouse Animal Health Centers, Denver, CO Denver-based Company Growth Strategy Based on Exceptional Medical Care for Pets
Lakeview Equity added Firehouse Animal Health Centers, Denver, CO, to its portfolio in April 2006. The company’s two animal hospitals in the Denver metropolitan use a unique service model that is both profitable and attractive to customers seeking superior medical care for their pets.
“The company has an exceptional management team,” said Kent Velde, president of Lakeview Equity. “Our investment will provide capital to fund the company’s articulated growth strategy, which includes acquisition of existing animal hospitals and development of ancillary services.”

For more information, visit www.firehousehospital.com

5 Alarm Fire & Safety, Inc., Fort Atkinson, WI Original Investment Puts Fire Safety First
5 Alarm Fire & Safety, Inc., Fort Atkinson, WI, became Lakeview Equity’s first investment in February 2006. “5 Alarm is a very well-managed company that offers industry-best products used by firefighters, EMTs and first responders,” said Kent Velde, president of Lakeview Equity. “Its extensive sales and service network represents excellent opportunities for acquisition of new customers.”
5 Alarm is one of the largest fire and safety equipment distributors in the Midwest. The company’s diverse customer base includes fire departments, emergency government departments, municipalities and industrial plants.
Our partnership with Lakeview Equity will allow us to push forward and explore growth strategies that were not previously possible,” said Paul Kotz, vice president of 5 Alarm.

For more information, visit www.5alarmfire.com.