[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Lapmaster Group Holdings LLC, a leading supplier of high-precision equipment and services for lapping, polishing, grinding, and honing, announced today that it has acquired Peter Wolters GmbH, a provider of machine tools and systems for high-precision surface processing. Headwaters MB, a middle market investment banking firm, advised Lapmaster on the transaction.

“This merger of complementary market leaders will create an even stronger global player with unparalleled technical capabilities in the industry,” said Brian Nelson, President and CEO of Lapmaster. “The team of 600 professionals in the combined entity will provide the level of service and support that customers have come to expect from Lapmaster and Peter Wolters across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Headwaters served as an invaluable advisor to Lapmaster in developing an attractive financing package during our acquisition of Peter Wolters.”

Len LaPorta, Managing Director in Headwaters MB’s Industrials practice, added, “Lapmaster and Peter Wolters have complementary product offerings across single- and double-sided finishing services. Their ability to together provide the widest range of the latest technology at competitive prices will help them continue their growth in their domestic markets as well as Asia and Latin America.” Phil Seefried, Founder & CEO of Headwaters MB, added, “These two companies belong together. Their market position both in terms of product specialties and geographic coverage are a perfect match.”

CEO of Peter Wolters, David Celli, further commented, “This combination provides a clear choice for end-users globally that require micron-level surface finishing solutions for the most stringent and demanding applications in consumer electronics, prime wafer and general industries. We look forward to working together over the coming years.”

Since 1948, Lapmaster has solved the most challenging precision surfacing problems. With over 65 years of experience, Lapmaster has a proven history of successfully developing cost effective processing solutions for virtually any application. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.