CHICAGO, March 14, 2016 – Mesirow Financial acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Excel Displays and Packaging (“Excel” or the “Company”), on its sale to Georgia-Pacific (“GP Corrugated”).

Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, Excel is an innovative designer and manufacturer of award-winning point-of-purchase displays, high-graphic retail packaging, in-store signage and industrial packaging.

Billy Medof, president of GP Corrugated, commented, “Excel has a highly regarded team and a reputation for quality packaging and innovative displays. We are excited to welcome them to the GP Corrugated team, and look forward to enhancing the solutions we bring to our customers.”

Excel’s founder and CEO, Michael Mikula, stated, “Mesirow Financial’s deep knowledge and relationships in the packaging industry were integral in securing the right partner for Excel. As our growth and national presence accelerated over the past several years, we were looking for a company that could take our investments, grow them further, and provide access to a larger customer base that can benefit from all that Excel has to offer. I’m proud of everything we've built, and I'm confident that GP will make the Excel brand even stronger.”

Bill Hornell, managing director of Mesirow Financial’s Investment Banking group, said, "Mesirow Financial was honored to represent Excel in this transaction. We believe the Company’s wide-ranging capabilities, coupled with its unique approach to the market, present an exciting future for this strategic partnership.”

The transaction represents another successful assignment completed by Mesirow Financial's Investment Banking group. Mesirow Financial is one of the most active advisors in the paper, plastics, packaging and specialty printing sectors, having completed over 100 transactions in recent years.

About Georgia-Pacific Corrugated
Georgia-Pacific is a recognized leader in innovative, customer-focused packaging solutions. The company maintains a commitment to safety, sustainability and consistent quality in its manufacture of high graphic and traditional corrugated packaging, with brands such as CubeLogic® Greenshield®, Color-Box® Litho-Corr™ and Brand Ready Packaging®. The company’s Innovation Institute® simulates retail and packaging environments, allowing customers to experience sustainable innovation and novel package design solutions in action. For more information, visit gpcorrugated.com.

Excel Displays and Packaging
Since 1989, Excel has been designing and producing award winning point-of-purchase displays, high-graphic retail packaging, in-store signage, and industrial packaging. Excel continues to be an industry leader by combining shopper marketing and retailer expertise with innovative and industry pace-setting manufacturing capabilities. For more information, visit xlpop.com.

Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Excel Displays and Packaging, Georgia-Pacific, 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.