Insight Equity Holdings LLC (June 10th, 2016)

SOUTHLAKE, Texas and SHELTON, Connecticut – June 10, 2016 – Insight Equity Holdings LLC (“Insight Equity”), a leading middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Panolam Surface Systems, a leading supplier of integrated surface solutions, from Apollo Global Management, LLC.

Panolam Surface Systems (“Panolam”) is a designer and manufacturer of highly engineered, integrated surface solutions including high-pressure laminates, thermally-fused laminates, fiberglass reinforced laminates, and other specialty products available in hundreds of colors and styles under the well-known Panolam, Nevamar, Pionite, Pluswood, Conolite, and other brand names. The Company offers high quality, innovative surfacing solutions for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Panolam is based out of Shelton, CT and employs approximately 1,000 people across North America.

“Panolam is a key supplier of high quality laminates to companies across multiple attractive end-markets. The Company has strong brands, extensive customer diversification, and a strategic footprint across North America. We look forward to partnering with Panolam and believe our hands-on, collaborative approach will allow us to complement the team, driving additional growth and innovation for Panolam’s customers,” remarked Andrew Boisseau, a Principal at Insight Equity.

Al Kabus, President and CEO of Panolam, noted, “Insight Equity distinguished itself in the acquisition process both in their deep understanding of our business, as well as their commitment to pursuing growth opportunities, enhancing competitive advantages, and expanding the Company’s capabilities to serve new markets. We are excited to work with the Insight Equity team as we continue to add dimension to our Surface System platform by bringing forward great new designs, enhanced marketing materials, highly developed field professionals, and world class manufacturing and service.”

Eliot Kerlin, a Partner at Insight Equity, noted, “Panolam has differentiated itself through its ability to deliver high quality products with superior color/finish matching across a variety of laminate materials. We are excited about the Company’s potential and look forward to partnering with management to continue building on Panolam’s solid foundation of exceptional products, brand awareness, and high service levels.”

About Panolam Surface Systems
Panolam Surface Systems (www.panolam.com) is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly engineered, integrated surface solutions including high-pressure laminates, thermally-fused laminates, fiberglass reinforced laminates, and other specialty products available in hundreds of colors and styles under the well-known Panolam, Nevamar, Pionite, Pluswood, Conolite, and other brand names. The company offers high quality, innovative surfacing solutions for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Panolam is based out of Shelton, CT and employs approximately 1,000 people across North America.

About Insight Equity 
Insight Equity (www.insightequity.com) makes control investments in strategically viable, middle-market manufacturing and distribution businesses across a wide range of industries.  Leveraging a proven, collaborative value creation model, Insight Equity facilitates operating enhancements and growth. The firm specializes in partnering with companies in complex or challenging situations, including corporate divestitures, management buyouts, aggressive growth opportunities, going-private transactions, restructurings, and transitions from family ownership.  Insight Equity’s headquarters is located near the Dallas / Ft. Worth International Airport in Southlake, Texas. The firm also has an office in New York City.