Kirtland Expands Operating Council with Addition of Tom Kroeger

June 27, 2008
Cleveland, Ohio – Kirtland Capital Partners (Kirtland), a private equity firm focused on the middle-market, announced today that it has expanded its Operating Council with the addition of Tom Kroeger, an executive with expertise in management development and human resources.

Kroeger has extensive, firsthand experience working with CEOs and boards of directors on the identification, assessment, selection and development of management talent at all levels, in all functions, and across a broad range of businesses.

He is currently with executive search firm Howard & O'Brien Associates. Kroeger has more than 15 years of senior executive experience, having served as the chief human resources officer for The Sherwin Williams Company, Office Depot and Invacare Corporation. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and a master's of science in management degree from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

The Operating Council supports Kirtland in building the value of its portfolio companies and consults on new investment opportunities. Members of the Kirtland Operating Council have extensive business contacts, international business experience and industry expertise in manufacturing, distribution and business service companies. Additionally, the Operating Council provides mentoring to Kirtland portfolio company CEOs and functional expertise as needed.

"Kirtland Capital is delighted to add Tom to an outstanding group of professionals that make up the Operating Council," said John Nestor, Kirtland senior managing partner and CEO. In addition to Kroeger, the council consists of Tom Willis, group president of Danaher Corporation and president of Matco Tools; Jim Garrison, retired president and CEO of Instron Corporation; and Bill Kelly, chairman of Unifrax Corporation. Instron and Unifrax are former Kirtland portfolio companies.

About Kirtland Capital Partners
Kirtland Capital Partners is a relationship-oriented private equity firm focused on accelerating the growth of middle-market companies by leveraging its internal operating, financial and strategic resources. For more than 30 years, Kirtland has executed a disciplined investment strategy that has created long-term value in its portfolio companies and delivered superior returns to its investors and management teams. Kirtland invests in niche manufacturing, distribution and business service companies with potential for growth organically and/or through strategic acquisition. The firm has $293 million of capital under management from institutional and individual investors. Kirtland is known for the strong partnerships it builds with its operating management teams and the experience of its professionals.

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