CHICAGO, August 9, 2018 – Mesirow Financial advised Nuconic Packaging, LLC ("Nuconic" or the "Company"), a portfolio company of Carlin Capital Partners, LLC, in connection with a strategic investment from Graham Partners.

Headquartered in Vernon, CA, Nuconic is a premier supplier of rigid PET plastic packaging solutions to commercial and industrial food processors. Nuconic offers versatile and dependable food packaging solutions for a wide range of end markets, including bakery goods, confectionary, snack food and produce, among others. The Company operates a first-class production facility that consistently receives an "A" rating from its BRC Global Standards, demonstrating its commitment to food safety in manufacturing.

Jason Farber, chairman of Nuconic, commented on the transaction, "Mesirow Financial's experience in this sector and long-established relationships within the industry were vital in pairing us with an exemplary partner."

Rick Weil, managing director of Mesirow Financial's Investment Banking group, said, "We are thrilled to have advised Nuconic in connection with this investment. The Company has developed a strong competitive position and will continue to prosper in the thermoformed packaging space under Graham Partners' leadership."

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 125 transactions in recent years.

About Nuconic Packaging, LLC
Led by a team of proven industry veterans, Nuconic Packaging, LLC is a premier supplier of rigid PET plastic packaging to food processors in North America. Having recently made a substantial investment in brand new thermoforming and extrusion equipment, Nuconic is operating a first-class production facility that has consistently received an "A" rating from its BRC food safety audits. Nuconic prides itself not only on the quality of its products but on its attentive and responsive customer service; viewing itself not just as a supplier but a partner to its customers. To learn more, please visit nuconicpackaging.com.

About Carlin Capital Partners, LLC
Carlin Capital Partners is a private investment firm focused on acquiring or making control-oriented investments in established small- and micro-market businesses. Carlin seeks businesses that possess strong, stable customer relationships with demonstrable opportunities to grow revenue or improve profitability. As active investors, Carlin is most interested in situations where it can work closely with management, leveraging its professionals' backgrounds in operations, finance and M&A, to help position a business for long-term success. To learn more, please visit carlinpartners.com.

About Graham Partners
Graham Partners is a private investment firm focused on investing in businesses with advanced manufacturing know-how, innovative product development capabilities and strong growth potential. Based in suburban Philadelphia, the firm has access to extensive operating resources and industrial expertise and is a member of The Graham Group, an alliance of independently owned and operated industrial and investment management businesses that share in the common legacy of plastic packaging entrepreneur Donald C. Graham. To learn more, please visit grahampartners.net.

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 designed to 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 investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Nuconic Packaging, LLC, Carlin Capital Partners, LLC, Graham 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.