Evanston, Ill., August 4, 2020 – Industrial Opportunity Partners (“IOP”), an operations-focused private equity firm based in Evanston, Ill., today announced that its existing portfolio company PolyVision Corporation (“PolyVision”), has acquired the assets of Marsh Industries (“Marsh” or the “Company”). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Marsh manufactures visual board products primarily for schools such as markerboards, tackboards, space dividers and acoustic panels. The Company will operate as an independent brand and continue to focus on board manufacturing for its existing product lines. Marsh is based in New Philadelphia, Ohio and will continue to be led by Brian Marsh.
This acquisition will create synergies with PolyVision’s existing manufacturing facilities and operational resources, enabling PolyVision to grow its architectural panel business in North America, expand capacity and offer shorter lead times.
“I’m excited to combine two of the industry’s legacy brands,” says Peter Lewchanin, President & CEO of PolyVision. “Marsh has a rich history dating back to 1914, with five consecutive generations of family ownership who share the same core values as PolyVision. This new operations platform will enable us to expand our panel fabrication capacity and our geographic presence, offer higher volumes of quality CeramicSteel panels and local mass customization.”
Norm Young, Chairman of PolyVision and an IOP Operating Principal, commented “I am thrilled to have Marsh Industries join our portfolio company PolyVision Corporation. We believe Marsh has built a solid company over the years and look forward to expanding the business across PolyVision’s served geography.”
About Marsh
Marsh is based in New Philadelphia, Ohio. The business manufactures various visual display products primarily for schools such as markerboards, tackboards, space dividers and acoustic panels. For more information, visit www.marsh-ind.com.
About PolyVision
PolyVision is a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of CeramicSteel for a variety of industries. For over 65 years, PolyVision has helped make the world a better place by creating products that enhance visual experiences and connect people to their environments. PolyVision CeramicSteel is used around the world for traditional chalkboard and whiteboard surfaces, modern collaboration products for many of the world’s most influential organizations and architectural walls and cladding for public spaces. Headquartered in Johns Creek, Ga., PolyVision does business in over 65 countries. For more information about PolyVision as well as CeramicSteel and its uses,
visit www.polyvision.com.
About Industrial Opportunity Partners
IOP, an Evanston, Ill.-based private equity firm with $910 million of committed capital since inception, is dedicated to creating value through investing in manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses with revenue between $30 million and $450 million. IOP focuses on businesses with strong product, customer, and market positions, and provides management and operational resources to support sales and earnings growth at its businesses. For more information, visit IOP’s website at www.iopfund.com.