Castle Harlan

Castle Harlan is a private equity firm founded in 1987 and based in New York. The firm specializes in acquiring controlling interests in middle-market private enterprises, focusing on various sectors including software, manufacturing, commercial products, and consumer services. As a registered investment adviser, Castle Harlan aims to leverage its expertise to enhance the growth and value of its portfolio companies, primarily in the United States and Europe.

Leonard Harlan

Co-Founder, Chairman and Executive Committee

Irem Metin

Associate

Eric Schwartz

Managing Director

Patrick Zyla

Managing Director

28 past transactions

Alumni Educational Solutions

Acquisition in 2024
Alumni is a manufacturer and distributor of educational furniture, serving the North American pre-school through grade twelve market.Alumni products are designed, engineered, and manufactured to strict standards for quality, that are inspected numerous times during the manufacturing process; including a final inspection prior to packaging for shipment.

Baja Aqua Farms

Venture Round in 2023
Baja Aqua Farms is a tuna farming company dedicated to the sustainable production and distribution of high-quality Pacific Bluefin tuna. The company employs environmentally friendly ranching practices and specializes in various aspects of the tuna industry, including fishing, farming, and feed fishing. Additionally, Baja Aqua Farms invests in research and development to enhance its operations. Its commitment to sustainability ensures that clients, ranging from restaurants to supermarket chains, receive products that are both responsibly sourced and of superior quality.

Sunless

Acquisition in 2019
Sunless, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of UV-free tanning and related beauty products, operating under well-known brands such as Mystic Tan®, Norvell®, VersaSpa®, and Dancing With The Stars®. Established in 1983 and based in Macedonia, Ohio, the company specializes in providing sunless tanning solutions for salons, spas, resorts, and fitness studios. Its product range includes heated airbrush tanning systems, automatic spray booths, and a variety of consumable products such as sprays, lotions, skin rejuvenating treatments, daily moisturizers, and body scrubs, many of which are formulated with marine algae to promote healthier skin. Sunless products are distributed both domestically and internationally through a network of distributors, solidifying the company's position in the beauty industry.

Titan Production Equipment

Acquisition in 2018
Titan Production Equipment, LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Spring, Texas, specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of production equipment for the oil and gas industry. The company focuses on creating custom solutions, including two and three-phase separators and glycol regeneration dehydrators, for the separation, processing, and treatment of hydrocarbon streams at various stages, including the wellhead and gathering and processing sites. With a commitment to deep engineering expertise and substantial manufacturing capabilities, Titan aims to provide high-quality products with reduced lead times, positioning itself as a market leader in the sector.

Shelf Drilling

Post in 2017
Shelf Drilling is an offshore drilling company that specializes in providing shallow water services to the oil and gas industry. Headquartered in Dubai, the company was formed through the acquisition of 37 jackup rigs and one Swamp Barge from Transocean Inc. It focuses on the drilling and completion of exploratory and developmental offshore oil and natural gas wells, operating primarily in the contract services segment. The majority of its revenue is generated from operations in Saudi Arabia, with additional activities in Thailand, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, India, and other countries.

Gold Star Food Service

Private Equity Round in 2017
Gold Star Foods began operations in 1966 as a distributor of meat products primarily to coffee shops in the Los Angeles area. Gold Star Meat Company, a family owned business, was purchased in 1978 and under new ownership the focus of the business shifted from restaurants to Southern California School Districts. To better reflect the image of a changing inventory, the name was changed to Gold Star Foods in 1983 and most recently to Gold Star Foods Inc. Since 1978, Gold Star Foods customer base has grown to over 300 school districts throughout the Southwest. As a result of our commitment to excellence, we have been recognized nationwide by the United States Department of Agriculture and the American School Food Service Association as one of the outstanding food service distributors to school districts.

Tensar International

Acquisition in 2014
Tensar Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in providing site development solutions and technologies for various markets, including commercial, residential, industrial, and transportation. Founded in 1983, the company has evolved from a joint venture to a privately owned entity, focusing on customized, technology-based solutions for common site development applications. Tensar's offerings include soil reinforcement technologies and proprietary products, such as geogrids and geopier intermediate foundation solutions. These products are designed to support structural load-bearing elements in demanding earthwork construction projects, offering stabilization for roadways, rail tracks, and other paved and unpaved areas subjected to traffic and loading. Tensar aims to deliver cost-effective, reliable, and efficient solutions for pavement construction, soil stabilization, and earth reinforcement challenges, serving a diverse range of clients, including owners, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.

Securus Technologies

Acquisition in 2011
Securus Technologies, Inc. is one of the largest providers of detainee communications, parolee tracking, and government information management solutions, serving approximately 2,600 correctional facilities in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico, and more than 1,000,000 inmates nationwide. A recognized leader in providing comprehensive, innovative technical solutions and responsive customer service, Securus' sole focus is the specialized needs of the corrections and law enforcement communities. Securus is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, including four regional offices in the Dallas metro area as well as one in Atlanta, Georgia.

Pretium Packaging

Acquisition in 2010
Pretium Packaging, headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, is among the nation's largest manufacturers of customized, high-performance rigid plastic bottles and containers. With more than 650 customers, including global consumer packaged goods companies, as well as national, regional and local customers, the Company supplies a wide range of bottles and containers to food, personal-care, household, healthcare and pharmaceutical products end markets. The Company currently operates ten manufacturing facilities, nine in the United States and one in Canada, and employs more than 1,000 personnel.

AmeriCast Technologies

Acquisition in 2006
AmeriCast Technologies Company offers designing, tooling, stainless steel castings, assembling, and testing services. AmeriCast Technologies serves mining and heavy construction, energy, rail, transport, and defense markets worldwide.

United Malt Group

Acquisition in 2006
United Malt production, sale and distribution of bagged malt, hops, yeast, adjuncts and related products to major brewers, craft brewers, distillers and food companies.

Bravo Brio Restaurant Group

Acquisition in 2006
BRAVO BRIO Restaurant Group strives to be the Best Italian Restaurant company in America. BRAVO BRIO Restaurant Group develops loyal, lifelong guests by delivering the highest quality food and service.

Precision Castparts

Acquisition in 2006
Precision Castparts is a leading metal manufacturing company founded in 1949 and headquartered in Oregon, United States. It specializes in producing complex metal components, including large structural investment castings, airfoil castings, and forged products, primarily serving the aerospace, power, and general industrial markets. The company is recognized for its expertise in manufacturing critical fasteners and aerostructures for both commercial and military aircraft, as well as airfoil castings for the industrial gas turbine sector. Precision Castparts also offers a range of products such as extruded seamless pipes, fittings, and clad products for power generation and oil and gas applications. By utilizing advanced materials like nickel, titanium, and cobalt-based alloys, the company is committed to delivering quality and cost-effective solutions to its diverse customer base.

Baker & Taylor

Acquisition in 2006
Baker & Taylor is a leading distributor of books, video and music products to libraries, institutions and retailers. We are passionate about book and entertainment products. Many of us have been here for a long time - 20, 30, 40 years. We form deep and lasting bonds with our supplier partners and customers; and we always strive to delight the readers, viewers and listeners. We have been in business for over 180 years and have developed long-term relationships with major book and music labels. We have more than 36,000 customers in more than 120 countries. We ship more than 1 million unique products (SKUs) annually. We also maintain one of the largest in-stock inventories of books, videos and music in the U.S. - about 385,000 titles in inventory and more than 1.5 million titles available for order. We have substantially increased our book inventory with our new Print on Demand (POD) program, allowing customers to access the titles they need, when they need them. Baker & Taylor also provides books and entertainment products to warehouse clubs and Internet retailers, and publishes several successful lines of books, including the best-selling Uncle John's Bathroom Reader series. Baker & Taylor is also committed to being an industry leader in digital media delivery. Through best-of-breed technologies, Baker & Taylor offers its publishers and customers bundled physical and digital media distribution services. We empower publishers to manage content distribution in multiple formats, to numerous digital devices and merchandising channels worldwide. We supply customers both the physical books and digital content they want, from one trusted source. As the digital future takes shape, Baker & Taylor is delivering success for suppliers and customers. Want to know more about Baker & Taylor? Just click the appropriate link below to find out more about our history, our senior management team, our locations, a career with Baker & Taylor or recent news.

Polypipe

Acquisition in 2005
Polypipe is a manufacturer of plastic piping systems, for use in the residential, commercial, civil, and infrastructure sectors. With over 20,000 product lines, a fleet of over 400 vehicles, and a workforce of almost 3,000 people, we have developed a deep understanding of the Residential, Commercial and Civils, and Infrastructure market sectors. Founded in 1980 in Doncaster, Polypipe was producing a full range of plastic drainage products by 1988 and we have continued to grow and open up exciting new markets ever since. In 2014 Polypipe Group plc was admitted to the London Stock Exchange.

Horizon Lines

Acquisition in 2004
Horizon Lines, Inc. was an American company specializing in domestic ocean shipping and logistics. It provided container shipping services primarily to the regions of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The company offered a range of shipping solutions, including transportation for general cargo, vehicles, household goods, hazardous materials, refrigerated items, as well as military and government cargo. Horizon Lines focused on meeting the unique needs of these markets, ensuring reliable and efficient service for its clients.

AMES

Acquisition in 2004
AMES is a manufacturer and distributor of hand-powered landscaping tools, operating primarily in the United States and Canada. The company offers a diverse range of products, including long handle tools, wheelbarrows, planters, hose reels, snow tools, striking tools, decorative accessories, lawn carts, pruning tools, and specialty tools. With a legacy of innovation, AMES continuously updates its designs and materials to enhance its product offerings. The company boasts a strong brand portfolio that includes well-known names such as Ames, True Temper, Southern Patio, and Hound Dog, alongside contractor-focused brands like UnionTools, Razor-Back Professional Tools, and Jackson Professional Tools. This extensive range allows AMES to cultivate enduring relationships with major retailers and implement tailored branding strategies to meet market demands.

Caribbean Restaurants

Acquisition in 2004
Caribbean Restaurants, LLC, known as Burger King Puerto Rico, is a prominent operator of Burger King restaurants in Puerto Rico and Mexico. Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Cataño, Puerto Rico, the company specializes in offering a diverse menu that includes grilled hamburgers, salads, beverages, chicken wings, sandwiches, desserts, as well as breakfast and kids' options. As a market leader in the quick-service restaurant sector, Caribbean Restaurants provides convenient fast-food alternatives to its customers, establishing itself as a successful franchise in the region.

Advanced Accessory Systems

Acquisition in 2003
Advanced Accessory Systems is a company that was acquired by Castle Harlan Inc. in 2003.

Technifor SA

Acquisition in 2003
Technifor SA manufactures industrial marking and verification equipment for quality control, automatic identification.

Austar United Communications

Acquisition in 2003
Austar United Communications is a prominent provider of subscription television services in regional and rural Australia, boasting a subscriber base of over 740,000. The company serves approximately 2.4 million homes, which is about one-third of Australia's total households, primarily utilizing digital satellite technology. In addition to its satellite offerings, Austar operates a digital cable network in Darwin. The company distributes a variety of popular channels, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Discovery Channel, Channel [V], [V]Hits, MAX, Arena, The Lifestyle Channel, Lifestyle Food, LifeStyle You, the Country Music Channel, and The Weather Channel, catering to diverse viewing preferences across its service areas.

Morton's Restaurant Group

Acquisition in 2002
Morton's Restaurant Group is the largest owner and operator of upscale steakhouse restaurants worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States. The group operates Morton's The Steakhouse, known for its high-quality offerings, including fresh fish, lobster, veal, and chicken. In addition to steakhouses, the company manages Italian dining establishments under the Bertolini's Authentic Trattorias and Trevi brands, catering to diverse culinary preferences in locations such as Canada, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. Morton's Restaurant Group not only focuses on restaurant operations but also provides strategic support to its subsidiaries and assesses potential sites for new locations, ensuring a robust expansion strategy.

Land 'N' Sea Distributing

Acquisition in 1998
Land 'N' Sea Distributing is the One of the largest distributors of marine accessories to the recreational boating industry. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the company's inventory includes marine hardware, engine parts and accessories, electrical and electronic components, paint and related items, and several other types of boating equipment. Land 'N' Sea operates throughout the United States and, through its telemarketing service, on an international scale.

US Synthetic

Acquisition in 1997
US Synthetic is a developer and producer of polycrystalline diamond cutters (PDCs) specifically designed for the oil and gas industry. The company offers a range of products, including diamond fixed cutter bit inserts, rock bit inserts, hammer bit inserts, and down-hole bearings, all aimed at improving drilling efficiency and durability. US Synthetic utilizes proprietary cubic press technology for the high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis of diamonds, which enables the manufacture of robust PDCs. Additionally, the company has a dedicated research and development team that focuses on enhancing existing diamond solutions and exploring new technological advancements.

Mccormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants

Acquisition in 1994
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc. operates a chain of upscale seafood restaurants that cater to a diverse clientele, including casual diners, families, tourists, and business travelers. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the company emphasizes a unique and inviting atmosphere in each of its locations, which range from urban centers to suburban retail areas. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood sourced from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico, along with beef, salads, and pasta dishes. In addition to food service, the restaurants include full-service bars. As of May 2011, McCormick & Schmick's operated 94 restaurants across the United States and Canada, including establishments under The Boathouse name. The company is a subsidiary of Landry's Restaurants Inc.

Smarte Carte

Acquisition in 1993
Smarte Carte is a provider of self-serve vended luggage carts, electronic lockers, commercial strollers and massage chairs at more than 1,900 locations worldwide. Whether its operations at a major international airport, mall, theme park, or ski resort the Smarte Carte team remains committed to providing great products, service and support to our clients and customers.

INDSPEC Chemical

Acquisition in 1993
INDSPEC Chemical Corporation is a leading manufacturer of resorcinol and the only producer of this chemical in North America. Operating from its facility in Petrolia, Pennsylvania, the company has a production capacity of 50 million pounds per year, which constitutes half of the global supply of resorcinol. In addition to resorcinol, INDSPEC produces sodium sulfite and sodium sulfate, which are utilized in a variety of applications, including tires, wood adhesives, sunscreens, pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs, and fire retardants. The company also provides chemical analysis and physical testing services to clients both domestically and internationally. INDSPEC is committed to high standards of workplace and environmental safety, holding ISO 9001:2008 certification and adhering to the RESPONSIBLE CARE® initiative, reinforcing its reputation as an industry leader through its quality materials, robust safety policies, and reliable customer service.

MAG Aerospace Industries

Acquisition in 1993
MAG Aerospace Industries is a worldwide supplier of aircraft sanitation systems, trash compactors and related products, and a successor to the former public company, Monogram Industries.
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