News

October 15, 2003

Norwest Mezzanine Partners Invests $8.9 Million in Paladin Brands, LLC

Norwest Mezzanine Partners invested $8.9 million of senior subordinated debt in Paladin Brands, LLC (formerly known as Attachment Technologies, Inc.), a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of high quality construction equipment attachments.  Paladin holds the leading market share among independent manufacturers of augers, backhoes, trenchers, and excavator buckets, and is one of the top three independent manufacturers of backhoe buckets, skid buckets, carriages, and forks.

Norwest Equity Partners served as the private equity sponsor on this transaction. Visit www.nep.com for more information.

NMP Contact: Neal Sette, 612-215-1689, nsette@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.