InvestMichigan Mezzanine Fund Makes First Investments in Michigan Companies
TROY -- Credit Suisse's Customized Fund Investment Group and Beringea, co-managers of the InvestMichigan Mezzanine Fund, Thursday announced the Fund's first investment -- Lexington-based Huron Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Huron is a leading manufacturer of value-added precision machine products for the automotive industry.
The InvestMichigan Mezzanine Fund, formed in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration's Start-Up America Impact Investment SBIC Initiative, will make investment commitments totaling $130 million to lower-middle-market Michigan companies over the next five years. Michigan was the first state to benefit from the program, which aims to commit $1 billion nationwide.
"It's exciting for Michigan to see the InvestMichigan Mezzanine Fund complete its first investments," said Sean O'Donnell with the Credit Suisse CFIG Michigan investment office. "We have been very pleased with the strong interest we've received from Michigan's business community since the launch of the fund. We expect this fund will be a great resource for Michigan businesses and have a favorable impact on the future of the Michigan economy."
The InvestMichigan Program focuses exclusively on providing capital to businesses that are headquartered, have a significant presence, and/or plan to expand or relocate in Michigan.
Closely following the Huron investment, a second investment was made to a Michigan-based grocery distributor. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 1943, Huron Inc. is a manufacturer of precision components, primarily bar-turned products and tubular assemblies that are used in automotive engine, transmission, fuel and climate control systems. The company is one of the largest independent producers of precision bar-turned products in the United States and has successfully leveraged its position to expand into the specialized tubular fabrication market.
The company has 271 full-time employees in Michigan and is one of the largest employers in Sanilac County. Huron manufactures more than 380 different highly engineered components and is the sole-source supplier for each of its products. They are found on a diverse mix of more than 75 cars, trucks, and crossovers, including 10 of the top 20 best-selling vehicles in North America. For more information, visit www.huroninc.com.
More about the fund managers at www.credit-suisse.com or www.beringea.com.
