• AWT Labels & Packaging is a leading provider of labels and flexible packaging solutions

• Partnership with Morgan Stanley Capital Partners will further AWT’s long-term growth objectives

• The sale executed by Mesirow highlights the firm’s expertise within the labels and flexible packaging sectors

CHICAGO, December 21, 2020 – Mesirow acted as exclusive financial advisor to Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company (“AWT” or the “Company”), a portfolio company of Mason Wells, on its sale to investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (“MSCP”), the middle-market focused private equity team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management headquartered in New York, NY.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, AWT is a leading provider of labels and flexible packaging solutions focused on healthcare, personal care and food & beverage end markets. Founded in 1976, the Company operates through three facilities in the U.S. and holds a top three market position in the medical device labels and clinical trials labels segments. Through its innovative product design approach and swift speed to market, AWT helps customers address mission-critical application needs.

Michelle Zeller, president & CFO of AWT, commented, “Mesirow’s work was exemplary throughout the process. Their relationships and deep industry experience were instrumental in bringing this transaction to fruition. We are thrilled to partner with MSCP for our next phase of growth.”

“Mesirow served as a trusted advisor to us and the AWT team throughout the process. The entire Mesirow team’s process, knowledge of the labels and flexible packaging industry and work ethic translated into a highly efficient process and successful outcome for all parties involved,” added Jay Radtke, senior managing director of Mason Wells. “We are proud of the accomplishments AWT has achieved during our ownership and look forward to their continued success under MSCP’s ownership.”

Louis Mitchell, managing director of Mesirow Investment Banking, said, “We were honored to advise Mason Wells and AWT, a truly exceptional, high-growth business. We believe MSCP is a great strategic partner, committed to furthering the Company’s long-term growth objectives while supporting AWT’s strong position within the labels and flexible packaging industry.”

The sale of AWT to MSCP represents another successful assignment completed by Mesirow Investment Banking. Mesirow is one of the most active advisors in the paper, plastics and packaging sectors, having completed over 150 transactions in recent years. Committed to leveraging extensive sector-specific expertise across industry groups and nurturing deep long-standing relationships, Mesirow has a proven track record of completing highly tailored and successful transactions on behalf of clients.

About Mesirow
Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Global Investment Management, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture. To learn more, visit mesirow.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Mesirow was also recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune and one of the Top Places to Work by Crain’s Chicago Business.

About AWT Labels & Packaging
For over 40 years, AWT Labels & Packaging has been providing high-quality labels and flexible packaging solutions for a diverse set of end markets including healthcare, food & beverage, personal care, household and OEM/industrial. AWT retains long-standing relationships with some of the most recognized brands and companies in the world by providing superior quality, unrivaled customer service, state-of-the art color management and cutting-edge technical design capabilities. With approximately 300 employees, AWT operates three facilities, including the headquarters in Minneapolis, MN focused primarily on label converting (with some flexible packaging); a flexible packaging plant in South Elgin, IL and a manufacturer and supplier of pharmaceutical labels used in clinical trials in Long Island, NY. For more information, please visit the Company’s website www.awtlabelpack.com.

Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow Financial investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Advanced Web Technologies Hol­ding Company, Mason Wells, Morgan Stanley Capital Partners or their affiliates. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC.