CHICAGO, January 4, 2018 – Mesirow Financial acted as lead financial advisor to Ideal Box Company (“Ideal Box” or the “Company”), on its sale to Stronghaven, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hood Container Corporation (“Hood Container”).

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Ideal Box has provided superior products and services to its customers for over 90 years. With a focus on design and production of enhanced graphic packaging and point of purchase displays, Ideal Box has evolved into a creative and technological leader in the retail merchandising industry. Ideal Box’s state of the art manufacturing capabilities, creative vision and sincere approach to customer relations has earned it the reputation as one of the premier independent corrugated packaging companies in the country.

Scott Eisen, president of Ideal Box, commented on the transaction, “Mesirow Financial’s relationships within the industry and its expertise were vital in bringing this transaction to fruition. Hood Container represents the right strategic partner for Ideal Box going forward.” Scott and COO Yale Eisen added, “Hood truly understands the value to our stakeholders – our employees, our customers and our suppliers – and we are eager to show the marketplace why we are so thrilled about the alliance.”

Bill Hornell, managing director of Mesirow Financial’s Investment Banking group, said, “We were honored to represent the owners of Ideal Box. Our deep experience and long-standing relationships within the packaging industry allowed us to run a process that paired Ideal Box with a great strategic partner.”

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 Ideal Box Company
Ideal Box is a premier, full-service provider of high-graphic and industrial packaging, including point-of-purchase displays, counter units, high-graphic boxes and brown boxes. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Ideal Box is one of the largest independent corrugators in the U.S., serving an impressive blue-chip customer base due to its superior level of customer service, innovative product design and engineering capabilities, comprehensive suite of services and quick speed-to-market. To learn more, please visit idealpop.com.

About Stronghaven, Inc./Hood Container Corporation
With the aforementioned transaction, Stronghaven operates locations in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio and California. Hood Container Corporation also owns and operates containerboard and specialty paper manufacturing operations in New Johnsonville, TN and St. Francisville, LA. Hood Container Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hood Companies, Inc. Hood Companies is a privately owned, closely held holding company and is the parent to operating subsidiaries involved in the manufacture and distribution of forest and wood products, building and construction materials, and flexible and corrugated packaging products throughout North America. To learn more, please visit hoodcontainer.com.    

About Mesirow Financial
Mesirow Financial is an independent, employee-owned firm founded in 1937. As specialists in investment, risk management and advisory services, we are committed to helping our institutional, corporate and individual clients achieve their objectives. Our professionals are inspired by an entrepreneurial desire to develop tailored solutions that deliver measurable results. To learn more, please visit mesirow.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 Ideal Box Company, Stronghaven, Inc., Hood Container Corporation 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.