Watermill Group Company Research Report

Company Overview

• Name: Watermill Group

• Mission of the Company: To help companies achieve their full potential through strategic transformation by coupling strategic insight with management expertise.

• Founded: 1978

• Founders: Steven Karol and his father

• Key People:

• Steven Karol, Founder & Managing Partner

• Julia Karol, President & COO

• Scott Oudheusden, Partner (recently promoted)

• Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

• Number of Employees: No information available

• Revenue: No information available

• Recognition: The firm is known for acquiring, operating, and improving companies, providing strategic direction and hands-on operational support to help them grow.

Products and Services

The Watermill Group is primarily involved in strategic investments rather than traditional product offerings. It focuses on the acquisition and development of companies across various sectors.

Key Portfolio Companies:

1. Beck Industries - Manufacturer and distributor of secure bolting components.
2. Cooper & Turner - Manufacturer of high-strength industrial fasteners.
3. QMC-EMI - Metal solutions provider, dealing in automotive metal forming.
4. Enbi - Manufacturer of precision rollers and components.
5. Weston Forest - Distributor and remanufacturer of softwood, hardwood lumber, and specialty panel products.
6. Musser Biomass and Wood Products - Producer of premium dried hardwood fiber.

Recent Developments

Investments:

• Musser Lumber Company (May 21, 2024): Watermill completed an investment in Musser Lumber, a leader in premium dried hardwood fiber and converted products in the mid-Atlantic region.

Management Changes:

• Promotion of Scott Oudheusden to Partner (January 23, 2024): Scott Oudheusden was promoted to partner, responsible for transaction evaluation and portfolio company support.

Acquisitions:

• Kings Wood Products (July 21, 2023): Acquired by Weston Forest, it expands manufacturing capacity in Canada.

• Industrial Lumber Sales, Inc. (August 22, 2022): Another acquisition by Weston Forest to enhance supply chain efficiencies and product diversification.

Certification:

• Weston Forest Certification: Recognized as a Great Place to Work® based on employee feedback, emphasizing its people-first culture.

Sales:

• Sale of Tenere to CGI Manufacturing Holdings (July 19, 2022): Watermill sold its portfolio company Tenere, emphasizing their strategic business transformation over the past decade, growing Tenere's employee base and expanding its strategic capabilities.

Other Noteworthy Information

• Women-focused Initiative (WMX): Launched by Julia Karol to enhance access to capital for women-led businesses.

• Core Values:

• Empowering teams, global perspective, integrity, and professional entrepreneurship.

• Watermill emphasizes a collaborative environment driven by mutual respect and open communication.

This report reflects the comprehensive strategy of Watermill Group to leverage strategic insights for company growth, illustrated through its thoughtful acquisitions and management practices.