Wynnchurch Capital is taking final round bids later this week for the sale of its 2019 portfolio company Eastern Metal Supply, a distributor of aluminum extrusion products, three sources familiar with the matter told PE Hub.
Large-cap private equity firms and some strategics could show interest in acquiring the Lake Worth, Florida-based metals distributor, two of the sources said.
Wynnchurch launched a sale process earlier this year for the company with sellside adviser Moelis & Company. It surpassed $100 million of EBITDA at the time the sale process was launched, the three sources said.
Inflation and global tariffs could come into play when potential buyers ultimately decide to submit a bid for EMS, one source cautioned. Rising prices for aluminum in the US this year, partly caused by tariffs between the US and various countries like China, could cause valuations for EMS to appear inflated, the same source said.
Founded in 1982, EMS has grown under its six-year hold by Wynnchurch, and now operates 19 facilities with more than 800 employees nationwide.
It also made four add-ons over the hold period. In its most recent, in 2024 it scooped up two Florida-based aluminum companies: Eagle Metal Distributors, a distributor of pool enclosures and patio screens, and Aluminum Products Wholesale, a wholesale distributor of extrusions, beams and screens.
PE Hub highlighted EMS’ shift away from the manufacturing side of the aluminum business in an early 2024 listicle featuring the company’s 2023 sale of its Eastern Architectural Systems division to Cornerstone Building, a Clayton, Dubilier & Rice portfolio company.
Wynnchurch and EMS did not respond to requests for comment. Moelis declined to comment.