Shields

Founded in 1935 and based in Yakima, WA, Shields Bag & Printing Co. (“Shields”) is a top 25, independent, custom blown film extruder, printer and converter. Family owned for four generations, Shields is one of the largest privately held film and flexible packaging companies in the United States. Leveraging exceptional financial performance and a strong management team, Shields’ shareholders sought a partner with additional resources, institutional knowledge and relationships to execute on the company’s strategic plan to accelerate growth. The shareholders believed a strategic partner with deep flexible packaging experience would be the best steward for the company, while simultaneously enabling the shareholders to realize a liquidity event at maximum market value.

Solution

We prepared the company for a sale process and contacted a highly focused universe of strategic buyers, as well as a select group of financial sponsors with deep flexible packaging experience. As a result of our careful selection of potential suitors, numerous buyers aggressively pursued the transaction, with Novolex emerging as the prevailing party.

Ultimately, the shareholders realized a liquidity event at a very attractive valuation, while ensuring the preservation of Shields’ legacy, employees and community.