An affiliate of Sun European Partners, LLP (“Sun European Partners”), today announces that it has acquired C&K Holdings, Inc. (“C&K” or the “Company”), one of the world’s most trusted brands of high-quality electromechanical switches, for an undisclosed sum.

C&K was founded in 1928 and has one of the industry’s broadest product portfolios, offering more than 55,000 standard products and 8.5 million switch combinations to companies that design, manufacture and distribute electronics products. In addition, the Company’s unmatched custom design capabilities are recognized globally by engineers who demand reliable switch performance.

The Company is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts (US), with more than 1,500 employees working at its global design centers in Newton, Dole, France, and Huizhou, China. C&K delivers reliable, cost-effective and high-quality electromechanical switches to more than 20,000 customers in the industrial, automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer products, transportation and telecom industries.

Jerome Nomme, Managing Director at Sun European Partners said: “We are excited by the high potential of this investment. The electromechanical switch market is estimated to be worth €6 billion globally and is highly fragmented. C&K can improve its strong market position and cement its status as the manufacturer of choice in the sector. We look forward to working with C&K to accelerate the Company’s profitable growth.”

John Boucher, CEO at C&K added: “Partnering with Sun European Partners is an important milestone for C&K. Their investment is strong recognition of both the tremendous growth and success we’ve experienced – and agreement that our market leadership and unique capabilities have us positioned for future success. By combining our strengths with Sun’s, we gain the opportunity to expand into new markets and add even more innovative switch products to our existing portfolio.”

Sun European Partners has substantial experience in making acquisitions in France. Among its affiliated portfolio companies it has a number of leading businesses including; Albea, which offer the world’s largest range of beauty, personal care and pharma packaging; Flexitech, the leading global designer and supplier of high quality brake hose products for the automotive industry; Robertshaw, the global specialist in energy management for white good appliances. Recently sold portfolio companies include DBApparel (DIM, Playtex, Wonderbra), which an affiliate of Sun European Partners sold to basic apparel global leader HanesBrands Inc, and also Manoir Aerospace, sold to Lisi Group.

The sale process was managed by Lincoln International and Sun European Partners was advised by Kirkland & Ellis, Ernst & Young and DLA Piper. Tikehau provided the acquisition financing.

Contact:
Fergus Wheeler
FTI Consulting
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1522