Stouse Announces Recapitalization, Looks Forward to Strong Growth Trajectory

Stouse has announced that Goldner Hawn Johnson & Morrison Incorporated (GHJ&M) has partnered with management and previous ownership to recapitalize the company and support its continued growth trajectory. This will enable additional investment in the company's already robust production capacity and will position Stouse as a platform to support an ever-expanding relationship with its customer base.

"The entire Stouse team is excited about our new association with GHJ&M and the opportunities this partnership will bring,” said Bruce Reed, CEO of Stouse. “We look forward to utilizing the resources of our new partner to further invest in our business and better serve our customers with best-in-class quality printed products."

"Going forward, we want to reassure our customers that this transition has been well thought out and will involve no changes to your relationship with Stouse,” Reed continued. “Aside from the minor name change from Stouse Inc. to Stouse LLC (for tax and legal purposes), nothing else will change."

Bary Marquardt, who purchased Stouse in 1977, added:

Will Lewis, who has co-owned Stouse with me since 1981, and I sought a partnership with a new investor that would carry on the culture that we have worked to build at Stouse over the past four decades. We are excited to have found that partner in GHJ&M. With the continuity of our management team and the additional resources of GHJ&M, the team is in a position to truly take Stouse to the next level.

Stouse will continue to operate from its New Century, Kansas, headquarters. Marquardt will remain active at the board level going forward.

"It is rare to find companies and management teams with the operational strength and strong growth trajectory that is so evident to us in Stouse,” noted Joe Heinen, managing director for GHJ&M. “The company has worked hard to secure its strong reputation in the industry, and we look forward to working with the team to help write the next chapter in the Stouse growth story."

About Stouse
Stouse is one of the nation's largest wholesale specialty printers offering a complete line of high-quality decals, magnets, roll labels, signs, plastics and custom items made-to-order. Its products are backed with superior customer service, the fastest possible turnaround times and competitive prices. The company’s broad selection of more than 3,000 items reaches any business or industry.

About GHJ&M
Founded in 1989, Minneapolis-based GHJ&M is one of the longest-standing private equity firms in the Midwest. GHJ&M's investment in Stouse represents the ninth investment in its $250 million Trailhead Fund. GHJ&M makes control equity investments in lower middle-market companies with enterprise values from $20 million to $150 million.