HDT Global Announces the Acquisition of DHS Technologies' Operations

SOLON, OH--(Marketwired - Feb 5, 2015) -  HDT Global (HDT), a leading provider of solutions for government, military, commercial and industrial customers, announced today the acquisition of the business and assets of DHS Technologies, LLC (DHS) from Kanders & Company. DHS is a provider of rapidly deployable expeditionary equipment, including its DRASH^® shelters. With this completed transaction, HDT enhances its comprehensive expeditionary product portfolio and advances its ability to provide integrated systems to its customers.

With a legacy beginning in 1937, HDT is the recognized leader in expeditionary solutions. HDT is also known for its unparalleled dedication to customer training and for outstanding support of its fielded systems.

"Adding value for our customers has always been our primary focus, and with this acquisition we will continue our legacy of providing world-class products and services," said Andy Hove, President and CEO, HDT Global. "This transaction enhances our ability to provide state-of-the-art, expeditionary solutions with components that are designed to work as an efficient system throughout the lifecycle -- from development through sustainment."

"This acquisition will also strengthen HDT's customer partnerships, augment our product development capabilities, and expand our team of talented and experienced personnel," added Jack Custer, Senior Vice President, HDT U.S. Business. "We are all excited about the future and our increased ability to support our customers globally."

Additional equity for this transaction was provided by private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, which acquired HDT Global in September 2014. Josh Klevens, Managing Director at Charlesbank, said, "This transaction unites two industry leaders with a shared heritage of operational excellence and unrelenting customer focus. Together they are even better equipped to meet their clients' needs with the broadest product offering and best-in-class service."

As part of the transaction, Kanders & Company also provided equity for the transaction and will retain a minority shareholding in the combined company.

"I commend the DHS team for their hard work and dedication, which have helped fortify the company as a leader in its space," said Warren Kanders, President of Kanders & Company. "Joining with HDT is an exciting opportunity for DHS and its employees, and we look forward to continuing our participation with the combined business."

Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor to HDT and Charlesbank Capital Partners on the transaction while Rothschild served as financial advisor to DHS and Kanders & Company.

About HDT: Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, USA, HDT Global is widely recognized for its industry-leading production of state-of-the-art, fully integrated deployable solutions, including shelters, generators, heaters, air filtration devices, robotics and other engineered technologies, currently used by U.S. and allied military units worldwide, as well as civilian government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.hdtglobal.com.

About Charlesbank Capital Partners: Based in Boston and New York, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity investment firm managing more than $3 billion of capital. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, typically investing $50 million to $150 million per transaction in companies with enterprise values of $100 million to $750 million. The firm seeks to partner with strong management teams to build companies with sustainable competitive advantage and excellent prospects for growth. For more information, visit www.charlesbank.com.