Center Rock Partners with Founder of Leading Industrial Distribution Company

CHICAGO, IL and BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI — September 18, 2018 — Center Rock Capital Partners, LP (“Center Rock”), is pleased to announce that it has invested in LINC Systems, LLC (“LINC”), a leading North American distributor of fastener, packaging and MRO tools and supplies serving a broad range of industrial customers and end markets. Center Rock invested in LINC out of its inaugural investment vehicle, Center Rock Capital Partners Fund I, LP, to support LINC’s continued expansion and pursuit of growth opportunities.

Center Rock is partnering with LINC founder and President, Ted Azar, who will continue to lead the Company. Headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, LINC provides industrial fastening solutions, packaging and MRO supplies to a broad base of customers across 22 states. Its strong portfolio of brands, quick turn fulfillment capabilities and unwavering commitment to customer service have established the company as a market leader.

“At the core of everything we do is our commitment to great people and great customer service,” said Mr. Azar. “I chose Center Rock as my partner because they understand that LINC’s success is the result of our investment in our employees who, in turn, provide unmatched technical expertise and service to our customers.”

“Ted and his team have built a remarkably strong business by investing in their employees, systems and resources to provide exceptional value-added services and expertise that are critical to their customers,” said Ian Kirson, Partner at Center Rock. “LINC represents a unique opportunity to partner with the highly successful founder of a market leading business to pursue opportunities for growth. With LINC’s strong ʻcustomer-firstʼ culture, and dedication to character and values, we are thrilled to partner with Ted and his team,” added Terry Theodore, Partner at Center Rock.

About LINC Systems

LINC Systems is a leading distributor of fastening solutions and industrial supplies serving a broad range of industrial end markets including pallet, furniture, housing, construction and general industrial. For more information, please visit www.lincsystems.com

About Center Rock Capital Partners

Center Rock is a Midwest-based private equity firm focused on building leading industrial companies in the lower middle market. Center Rock seeks industrial manufacturing, industrial services and industrial distribution companies headquartered in North America, often with multi-national operations and locations that serve both domestic and global markets. With substantial expertise working constructively with management teams to drive both operational and strategic improvement, Center Rock’s investment professionals have the flexibility and tools to invest in a broad array of transactions and build value in lower middle market industrial companies.