San Mateo, CA, March 3, 2015 – Bertram Capital today announced its investment in Clarus Glassboards, LLC (“Clarus”), a leading designer and manufacturer of branded glass markerboards and architectural glass systems serving a wide range of commercial, institutional and industrial markets. Since the company’s inception in 2009, Clarus has revolutionized the visual display market with the introduction of modern glass markerboard products and other unique glass solutions. Clarus is based in Ft. Worth, TX and represents Bertram Capital’s thirteenth platform investment overall and sixth platform investment within the industrial vertical. Continuing Bertram Capital’s approach of partnering with business owners, Clarus Co-Founders Jeremy Rincon and Robby Whites as well as President Andy Philipp will retain significant ownership in the company.
“The Clarus team has quickly established the company as the leader in an attractive and high-growth market” said Kevin Yamashita, Partner at Bertram Capital. “We believe the company’s rapid growth and market position are representative of Clarus’ superior product and design, differentiated manufacturing and service capabilities, and entrenched relationships within the architect and designer community. Additionally, I would like to recognize Rob Parker, Managing Director at Quarton Partners, who did an exceptional job managing the sale process.”
As an innovator and leader in glass markerboards and architectural glass systems, Clarus delivers solutions that are aligned with market trends and tailors its product offering across a number of custom features, including size, style, finish, shape, color, pattern and logo. End users of Clarus products include distinguished companies and institutions such as Apple, Google, PepsiCo, JPMorgan, Tesla and Harvard University.
Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner of Bertram Capital, noted, “Clarus represents exactly the type of business Bertram Capital seeks to partner with: a market leading company in a niche sector, benefitting from strong secular tailwinds, and in a position where Bertram Capital can assist the company in reaching its next phase of growth.”
In addition to increasing adoption of glassboards over traditional whiteboards, Clarus has benefited as businesses are increasingly shifting towards more collaborative and open work environments. The contemporary, sophisticated look of Clarus glassboards is viewed by many customers as an important feature in recruiting and retaining top talent, while improving culture, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“As we reach an inflection point in our growth, we are excited to partner with Bertram Capital to strengthen our leading market position and continue to aggressively pursue new growth opportunities,” said Jeremy Rincon, Co-Founder of Clarus. Robby Whites, Co-Founder of Clarus, added “The Bertram Capital team differentiated itself in the sale process through its emphasis on growth, the Bertram Labs platform, enthusiasm for the product, and a clear understanding of our market trends. We look forward to leveraging Bertram Capital’s knowledge and expertise to achieve our shared vision for the future.”
About Clarus
Clarus Glassboards is a leader in glass visual display systems for offices, conference rooms and hospitals with a wide range of glass whiteboard products. Clarus Glassboards are made in the USA, eco-friendly and will last the life of your wall. For more information, visit http://www.clarusglassboards.com/.
About Bertram Capital
With over $850 million in capital under management, Bertram Capital is a private equity firm targeting investments in lower middle market companies. By supplying flexible investment capital and committing a wealth of operational and strategic resources to each investment, we make it our core objective to move companies, management teams, and employees toward unlocking their full potential. Visit www.bcap.com for more information.
Contact:
David Hellier
Bertram Capital
(650) 358-5000