News

December 23, 2004

Norwest Mezzanine Partners Invests $24.5 Million in Quickie Manufacturing Corporation

Norwest Mezzanine Partners invested $22.5 million of senior subordinated debt and $2.0 million of equity in Quickie Manufacturing Corporation, the largest North American provider of household cleaning tools and related products to a wide range of distribution channels. Quickie is the leading overall supplier across North American retail channels in its market segments.

Centre Partners served as the private equity sponsor on this transaction. Visitwww.centrepartners.com for more information.

NMP Contact: Shani Graber, 612-215-1694, sgraber@nmp.com

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a leading middle market investment focused on partnering with business owners and building companies into industry leaders. With a reputation for quality investments and exceptional financial returns since 1961, NEP manages nearly $5 billion of capital through a series of equity and mezzanine funds. Offering creative and flexible transaction solutions through management buyouts, recapitalizations and growth financings, NEP seeks $30-$150 million equity investment opportunities for growing and profitable companies within the agriculture, applied technology, business services, consumer products and services, distribution, healthcare and industrial industry sectors. NEP is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota; please visit nep.com for more information.