September 05, 2010

TorQuest Partners is one of Canada's leading managers of private equity funds. The firm has more than $700 million of equity capital under management and a proven track record of identifying and building value for its investors and portfolio companies. TorQuest invests in middle market companies to build value through opportune acquisitions, strategic leadership, a commitment to operational excellence and the timely use of financial expertise.



about

TorQuest Partners Inc. was formed in 2002 to provide institutional investors with an opportunity to participate in the Canadian private equity markets. The Fund's objective is to acquire, alone or with partners, significant ownership stakes in established businesses and then to work closely with management to create value and drive growth.

TorQuest is a generalist firm with deep relationships across many different industry sectors, but has developed particular competitive advantages in the most attractive sectors of manufacturing, business services, financial services, food, consumer products, and chemicals. TorQuest is focused primarily on opportunities within Canada, but has made a number of successful U.S. investments as well.

TorQuest has a growing team of investment professionals with deep experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, business operations, finance, credit policy and risk management. The leadership was a key participant in the success of Harrowston Inc., a publicly traded private equity fund founded by TorQuest's Senior Managing Partner, Brent Belzberg, in 1993. Under Brent's leadership, Harrowston delivered a compound IRR of 44% on its realized investments from inception through to its acquisition by the Toronto-Dominion Bank's private equity group in 2001. The TorQuest team was built on this successful foundation.

TorQuest's first investment vehicle, TorQuest Partners Value Fund L.P., with a capitalization of over $180 million, was raised from a group of principally Canadian institutional investors, including many of the largest banks and pension funds. The fund has invested in five platform companies: Granby Steel Tanks, GCAN Insurance Company, CNC Global, DayMen Lowepro, and Associated Brands Income Fund with four successful realizations to date.

TorQuest's second private equity fund, TorQuest Partners Fund II L.P., with a capitalization of $550 million raised from a group of institutional investors, including many of the largest banks and pension funds in Canada and institutional investors in the U.S. and Europe, began its investment period in May 2006.



team

Brent Belzberg
Brent Belzberg,

Senior Managing Partner, founded TorQuest in 2002. Previously, Mr. Belzberg founded Harrowston Inc., a former TSE listed company, in 1992 to acquire or invest in and build businesses. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Belzberg was President of First City Financial Corporation. Mr. Belzberg currently serves as a director of CIBC, DayMen Lowepro, Herbal Magic, and Global Traffic Technologies. He is a director of Mount Sinai Hospital. Mr. Belzberg formerly served as a director of O&Y REIT, Four Seasons Hotel, CNC Global Ltd. and GCAN Insurance Company. In 1999, he co-chaired the Toronto United Jewish Appeal's fundraising campaign. Mr. Belzberg received a B. Com. (Honours) from Queen's University in 1972 and a J.D. from the University of Toronto in 1976.

416-956-7006


 
Eric Berke
Eric Berke,

Managing Partner, joined TorQuest in 2002. Prior to joining TorQuest, Mr. Berke led the turn around and sale of Gustin Kramer, a manufacturer of paper and non-woven consumer products, where he served as the company's President and CEO and controlling shareholder from 1994 to 2002. Mr. Berke serves as a director for Associated Brands, DayMen Lowepro, Global Traffic Technologies, Herbal Magic, FirstOnSite and is on the board of the Canadian Venture Capital Association. Formerly he served as a director of Granby Income Fund, GCAN Insurance Company, CNC Global Ltd. and Crescent School. He has been a member of the Young Presidents' Organization since 1994. He holds an MBA from Boston University and a B.A. from the University of Vermont.

416-956-7034


 
Marc Lipton
Marc Lipton,

Partner, joined TorQuest in 2004. He is responsible for investing in established businesses and taking a leadership role in developing these businesses, helping to create and implement value-creation and growth strategies. Prior to joining Torquest, Marc was a private equity investor in, and an operator of, businesses in a wide range of industries. Marc serves as a director of TorQuest portfolio companies including: DayMen Lowepro, Firstonsite and Global Traffic Technologies. Marc's community work includes sitting on the board of the Toronto JF&CS, a United Way Member Agency, and Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) from the University of Toronto, an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and holds a chartered accountant designation.

416-867-2481


 
Daniel Sonshine
Daniel Sonshine,

Partner, joined TorQuest in 2004. From 2001 to 2004, he worked at CIBC Capital Partners, the principal investing arm of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Mr. Sonshine was involved in various private equity and subordinated debt transactions, including investments in GCAN Insurance Company, Accor Casinos, and Bell ActiMedia (Yellow Pages). Prior to joining CIBCCP he worked at CIBC World Markets in both the Mergers and Acquisitions and Real Estate Investment Banking groups. Mr. Sonshine serves as a Director of Herbal Magic, Associated Brands, and formerly served as a Director of the GCAN Insurance Company. Mr. Sonshine is also active in the community where he sits on the Board of Directors of the Speech and Stuttering Institute and is Co-Chairman of the Toronto Jewish Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sonshine graduated as the gold medalist from the combined J.D. / MBA program at the University of Toronto and received an A.B. (cum laude) in Economics from Harvard University.

416-867-2482


 
Alan Lever
Alan Lever,

Partner, joined TorQuest Partners at the inception of Fund I in 2002. Previously, he was with Credit Suisse First Boston in the Investment Banking Division. While there, he was involved in various mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity issuances related principally to the oil and gas, power and utilities sectors. Prior to that, Mr. Lever worked in Equity Research with FirstEnergy Capital, a specialized Calgary based investment bank covering the energy sector. Mr. Lever is a director of Firstonsite and also serves as a director of the Lake of Bays Sailing Club. He holds a B.A. (Honours) degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

416-956-7017


 
Matthew Chapman
Matthew Chapman,

Partner, joined TorQuest in 2007. From 2000 to 2007, he worked at Workbrain, Inc., an enterprise software company that was acquired by Infor Global Solutions in June 2007. Mr. Chapman joined Workbrain in 2000 as Director of Finance, and served as Vice President Finance (2002), CFO (2003-2006) and Senior Vice President of Operations (2006-2007). Prior to joining Workbrain, he worked at RBC Capital Markets in the Investment Banking group. Mr. Chapman serves as a Director (President Elect) of the University of Toronto Alumni Association, Matchpoint Investment Management, and Dayforce LLC. Mr. Chapman holds an M.B.A. from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and a B. Sc. and an M. Sc. from McGill University.

416-867-2480


 
Michael Hollend
Michael Hollend,

Partner, joined TorQuest in 2009. Prior to TorQuest, Michael was a Partner in the venture capital funds of EdgeStone Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm where Michael worked from 2002-2009. Michael had responsibility for investing in and working with some of Canada's most innovative and successful technology companies, including SlipStream Data, Workbrain, Inc. and Protus IP Solutions. Previously, Michael worked at Goodmans LLP where he established the Venture Group, a team dedicated to investing in and working with early-stage technology companies. Prior to Goodmans, Michael worked in the investment banking group of Griffiths McBurney & Partners. Michael is a volunteer mentor with The Mentoring Partnership program and was a volunteer member of the Investment Committee of the Province of Ontario's Investment Accelerator Fund. Michael holds both LL.B. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Toronto and a B.A. (Economics) from the University of Western Ontario.

416-867-2487


 
Darin Brock
Darin Brock,

Business Development, joined TorQuest in May 2006. Previously he worked as a Manager of Business Development at Platinum Equity a global acquisitions firm specialized in the operation of mission-critical solutions and services companies. Mr. Brock worked both in the Los Angeles-based Business Development Group focused on deal sourcing and research, and in the New York-based Corporate Strategy group where he spent time cultivating relationships with the investment banking and Fortune 500 communities. Mr. Brock is currently on the Board of the Association for Corporate Growth – Toronto Chapter. Mr. Brock holds a BA degree from the University of Western Ontario.

416-867-2486


 
John Trang
John Trang,

Associate, joined TorQuest in July 2009. Previously, he worked in Group Strategy and Corporate Development at the Lloyds Banking Group in London, England. At Lloyds, Mr. Trang was involved in the merger between Lloyds TSB and HBOS plc., two of the UK’s largest financial institutions. Prior to joining Lloyds, he worked in the investment banking division of UBS, where he was involved in a variety of mergers and acquisitions and financings across several industry sectors including the restructuring of Stelco, the acquisition of Inco by CVRD, and the acquisition of Dofasco by Arcelor. Mr. Trang holds a B. Comm (Honours) degree from the Queen’s School of Business at Queen’s University.

416-867-2474


 
Wayne Pommen
Wayne Pommen,

Vice President, joined TorQuest in August 2009. Previously, he was a consultant with Bain & Company in London, England and Toronto. At Bain, Mr. Pommen was engaged in strategy and performance improvement projects for corporate clients, commercial due diligence and post-acquisition assignments with Bain's Private Equity Group, and was involved in the start-up of a private equity deal origination team. In 2008, Mr. Pommen was on secondment to BPP Holdings plc, a UK-based professional education business, as strategy director for the publishing business unit. Mr. Pommen holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, England, where he wrote a doctoral thesis on the North American Free Trade Agreement, and an A.B. (magna cum laude) from Harvard University. Mr. Pommen is also a former member of the Canadian national rowing team.

416-956-7035


 
Jonathan Fraser
Jonathan Fraser,

Associate, joined TorQuest in August 2009. Previously, he worked at National Bank Financial in the investment banking group. At NBF, Jonathan was involved in various M&A and financing related transactions including the initial listing, and subsequent sale of the Montreal Exchange. Jonathan holds a BBA degree from Bishop's University and has completed an MBA from the University of Cambridge.

416-867-2472


 
Kimberly Davis
Kimberly Davis,

CFO, joined TorQuest in November 2005. Prior to joining TORQUEST, she spent over 10 years working in public practice, with more than eight years with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Most recently Ms. Davis was a Senior Manager in the firm's corporate tax group where she spent a significant portion of her time assisting private equity and venture capital funds with fund structuring and tax structuring of portfolio companies. Ms. Davis also spent four years with the firm's audit practice. She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a B.A.S. (honours) from York University.

416-867-2483


 
Craig Rankine
Craig Rankine,

VP, Finance, joined TorQuest in 2006. Prior to joining TorQuest, he spent over 5 years in public practice with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Most recently Mr. Rankine was a Manager in the firm's corporate tax group where a significant amount of his time was spent on tax structuring for private equity funds and their portfolio investments. Prior to joining the tax group, Mr. Rankine spent one and a half years with the firm's audit practice. Mr. Rankine is a Charted Accountant and holds a BCom from the University of Toronto.

416-867-2484


 
Steven Hudson
Steven Hudson,

Operating Partner, is the founder and principal of Cameron Capital a private investment firm established more than 20 years ago. Mr. Hudson has a distinguished track record across several business sectors, most recently in the personal care market where he has served as CEO for Hair Club for Men and Women, the U.S. leader in hair restoration, and for BeautyFirst and PureBeauty, which he combined to form the fourth largest beauty retailer and service provider in the U.S. Since February 2009, Mr. Hudson has served as CEO for Herbal Magic, a leading provider of commercial weight loss centers with over 330 centers in Canada. Mr. Hudson's investment thesis is to invest significant capital in companies that he leads. Mr. Hudson's association with TorQuest commenced in the Herbal Magic investment however his operating experience has led to the review of several new opportunities for TorQuest.

905-212-9446 ext. 228


 
Jonathan Tarshis Neil
Jonathan Tarshis Neil,

Analyst, joined TorQuest in September 2009. Previously, he worked at National Bank Financial in the investment banking group in Toronto. At NBF, he was involved in a variety of M&A transactions and financings across several industries, including the Canadian government's strategic review of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and the sale of Universal Energy to Just Energy Income Fund. Jonathan holds a B. Comm (Honours) degree from the Queen's School of Business at Queen's University.

416-867-2473


 



strategy

TorQuest's private equity funds seek control or joint control through management buyouts, leveraged buyouts, and recapitalizations in companies that operate in established industries. TorQuest is a generalist firm with deep relationships across many different industry sectors, but has developed particular competitive advantages in the most attractive sectors of manufacturing, business services, financial services, food, consumer products, and chemicals. TorQuest is focused primarily on opportunities within Canada, but has made a number of successful U.S. investments as well.

  • Preferred Deal Size:
    • Equity Investment of C$15 - $100 million per transaction
    • Enterprise Value of C$40 - $250 million
  • Investment Preferences:
    • Corporate Spin-Off
    • Entrepreneurial Transition
    • Management Buyout
    • PIPE Investments
    • Growth and Expansion Capital
    • Recapitalizations

TorQuest's principals have completed 15 investments in the chemicals sector over a 20 year period and have purchased over 10 divisions from large corporations. Examples of chemical industry investing and corporate carve-outs include:

Case Study: The Growth of Marsulex Inc.

  • In 1989, Brent Belzberg, TorQuest's founding partner, spearheaded the acquisition of CIL Inc.'s sulphur products business, forming the independent company Marsulex in the process. At that time, Marsulex was the leading player in the North American sulphur chemical industry.
  • Over the next nine years, Marsulex strengthened its relationships with key customers and expanded its technology base, product and service offerings and geographic reach, and established leadership positions servicing new industries such as oil refining and coal fired power plants.
  • In 1996, Marsulex was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Based on the listing price, the original investors' equity value had grown by approximately 20 times since 1989. Marsulex has since partnered with several major corporations, including Syncrude Canada in the Canadian Oil Sands to construct an environmental compliance facility.
  • To date, the company's equity value has grown by nearly 100 times what Belzberg and others paid 20 years ago.

Case Study: Building SPI Polyols, Inc.

  • In 1994, Belzberg lead the acquisition of ICI Plc.'s sugar alcohol business in Delaware and formed SPI Polyols.
  • Working with management, they set out to globalize the business, strengthen its relationships with customers, add new products and applications, and drive innovation and operational efficiencies.
  • Between 1994 and 1998, SPI Polyols completed four strategic investments in Brazil, France and North America, partnered with a Belgian company to build a new plant in France and successfully developed a number of new products.
  • In four years, SPI Polyols grew into a global supplier of value-added specialty products.
  • In 1998, Associated British Foods, a large diversified British conglomerate, acquired SPI Polyols in a transaction that valued the company at approximately five times what it was purchased for in 1994.

Case Study: Acquisition of Priority Control Systems and Traffic Detection Division from 3M

  • In 2007, TorQuest partnered with management to acquire 3M's Opticom& Priority Control Systems and Canoga® Traffic Detection businesses. The independent company, which is headquartered in Minnesota, was named Global Traffic Technologies (GTT).
  • TorQuest identified a number of opportunities that exist for the business as a standalone company and made a commitment to investing in the development of new products, services and technologies that provided value to GTT's customers.
  • In the eighteen months of ownership, GTT's total number of employees increased from 27 on closing to approximately 50, primarily to support product development and sales.
  • The investment in R&D has resulted in six patents being awarded, two patents pending, two filings and five in draft. In addition, three new software and one hardware application have been successfully launched to market during TorQuest's ownership.
  • Despite the challenging environment for municipal spending, the investment in sales resources has dramatically increased the sales pipeline with significant sales being funded through stimulus dollars.

There are a number of attributes and guiding principals that make TorQuest Partners a unique investment partner:

We know how to find and create value

The TorQuest team has a proven track record in identifying and building value, as the case studies in the investment section show. We add value by identifying companies with significant growth potential, and by participating in the development of growth and acquisition strategies. We identify and arrange the most appropriate capital structures, provide equity and expertise, and work closely with quality management teams to build value.

We understand the power of partnership

Our position in the community provides access to the highest quality investors, managers and business partners. Where a transaction is too large for TorQuest, or where additional value may be achieved through the addition of partners with significant expertise, we will readily find those partners to invest alongside us. Many of our investors will want to co-invest with TorQuest which allows us to do larger sized transactions. We believe that creating partnerships, both inside and outside our investee companies, is essential. We seek to partner with strong management teams in our investments and, where necessary will work with them to supplement their skills and abilities to ensure success in areas such as acquisitions and capital markets.

We build strategies that outperform

Only by developing a deep understanding of operating environments, industry dynamics and specific business characteristics can we create sustainable value. We work with management to understand the nuts and bolts, not just the paperwork of our investments and the markets that affect their success. Our growth strategies are built on understanding businesses and the markets surrounding them, on partnering with experienced management and on a keen ability to execute.

We exercise discipline in our investment and operating approach

TorQuest invests in businesses which perform well but may require additional financial and operating support to ultimately realize maximum value. We also invest in under-performing businesses that require significant improvements. We will consider situations where there is a window of opportunity as a result of corporate restructuring, either operational or financial. We will not invest in under-performing businesses which lack strong financial or market fundamentals or where we cannot identify a clear opportunity to create them.

We place a high value on ethics

We are a highly principled team, placing a great value on a culture that breeds respect and co-operation with all those with whom we are involved. This is a central element of what makes us different and is not incidental to our strategy but ensures that we operate, at all times, in a respectful manner in whatever we do and that we share our skills and successes with the broader community. The partners of TorQuest are committed to participating, both financially and by investing their personal time, in community service.



investments

4Refuel
4Refuel

Business Description

4Refuel is the Canadian market leader and among the largest North American providers of on-site refueling and fuel management services. 4Refuel delivers diesel fuel directly to clients' vehicles and equipment on a 24/7 basis, saving customers the time, expense, and liability associated with managing their own refueling. The customer base includes a significant number of Fortune 500 companies and represents a range of industries including transportation, construction, rail, oil and gas, and marine. The Company operates primarily in Canada through corporate-owned operations in major centres and a small number of franchises in more remote areas. As part of its service offering, 4Refuel provides each client with Fuel Management Online (FMO), an industry leading and proprietary web-based application that enables clients to review detailed real-time data on refueling and consumption by vehicle, analyze price history, confirm deliveries and manage fuel budgets.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest invested in 4Refuel based on the company's strong track record of growth, leading market position, unique service offering, competitive barriers, and outstanding customer loyalty and advocacy. We have identified several avenues to accelerate the growth the business and we intend to invest significantly in these opportunities. 4Refuel is led by an exceptional management team which has partnered with us in this investment.

http://www.4Refuel.com

 
Pinova
Pinova

Business Description

Pinova, Inc. is a manufacturer of specialty chemical products derived from pine trees and citrus fruit peels. Located in Brunswick, GA, in the heart of the pine forests of the southeastern U.S., Pinova produces rosin and terpene based resins that are used in a wide range of specialty applications around the world, including food and beverage, adhesive, construction and agriculture.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest acquired Pinova from Ashland Inc., one of the world's largest chemicals manufacturing and distribution companies, in January 2010. Our decision to invest in Pinova was based on the company's strong past performance, proven track record of developing innovative and industry leading products, unparalleled customer service, exceptional management team and diverse customer base that includes many leading international companies. We identified a number of opportunities to both expand the business and increase operational efficiency, and we believe that Pinova, through increased focus, flexibility and investment, is well positioned to thrive and grow as a standalone business.

http://www.pinovasolutions.com

 
Firstonsite Restoration
Firstonsite Restoration

Business Description

Firstonsite Restoration, is the leading provider of disaster restoration services in Canada to residential, commercial and industrial clients. The Company is a full service restoration provider with emergency and re-build expertise in water losses, wind damage, fire and smoke damage, sewer backup, document restoration, hurricane and tornado restorations, odour control, contents handling, drying, electronic repairs, mould remediation, asbestos remediation, petroleum spills and infection control.

Firstonsite was formed in February 2007 by the merger of Edenvale Restorations and Woodhouse Contracting, two leading regional disaster restoration firms. Subsequent to the initial capitalization, Firstonsite has acquired an additional 14 regional disaster restoration firms in Canada and now operates as seven regional hubs with offices in 38 cities across all but one of the Canadian provinces. The combined entity has over 1,100 employees and over $200 million of annual revenue.

The Company's vision is build the pre-eminent disaster restoration company in Canada with coast to coast representation, a consistent service offering, internal and external consistency and a corporate sales and marketing group capable of driving national deals to the operations in the field.

Firstonsite is a true operating partnership whereby all of the vendors / founders have stayed on in their original capacity as managers and most are also owners in Firstonsite. The Company is extremely proud of its entrepreneurial and regional heritage and continues to foster this in its culture.

Investment Thesis

Firstonsite's management team has a proven track record of extraordinary growth. With the restoration industry in Canada being highly fragmented, TorQuest invested in Firstonsite to back the existing management team and add additional management talent to widen its footprint in Canada to service a customer base that is more national in scale. By expanding its geographic reach and expanding its service offering there is an opportunity to increase the value proposition to its customers.

http://www.firstonsite.ca

 
Herbal Magic
Herbal Magic

Business Description

Herbal Magic is Canada's largest franchisor of commercial weight loss centers with over 330 centers across North America providing an exclusive line of herbal supplements and weight management services. Herbal Magic weight loss programs combine one-on-one counseling, grocery store foods and supplement support. Each program is tailored to meet a specific client's needs and the client is given the information and tools necessary to help them lose the weight and keep it off.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest has invested in Herbal Magic based on its strong and scalable franchise model and excellent growth trajectory. Since 2003, the current management team, which has partnered with TorQuest on this transaction, has done a formidable job of improving the business and identifying and implementing growth initiatives that will continue to pay dividends in the years to come. The business is driven by the global trend towards healthier living and capitalizes on its highly effective weight loss program and easily scalable franchise model. Herbal Magic intends to continue to open new franchises in under penetrated markets across Canada and TorQuest will support the Company with the necessary systems and marketing investments to grow the business and reinforce Herbal Magic as an established national brand.

http://www.herbalmagic.ca

 
Associated Brands
Associated Brands

Business Description

Associated Brands is a leading North American manufacturer and supplier of private-label dry blend food and household products that sells to 45 of the 50 largest North American food retailers. Associated Brands' principal focus is on manufacturing dry blend food products such as flavoured drink mixes, iced tea, hot chocolate drinks, dessert mixes, soups, bouillon, side dishes and sweeteners. Associated Brands has grown to become one of the three largest suppliers of a diverse range of private-label dry-blend food products in North America, producing over eleven million cases annually.

Investment History

TorQuest's initial investment in Associated Brands was through an exchangeable debenture in November 2005, when Associated Brands was a publicly traded income fund. In May 2007, TorQuest successfully completed a going private transaction, following a board supported bid to acquire all of the operating subsidiaries of the income fund.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest has invested in Associated Brands based on its strong customer base, diverse portfolio of stable products, strong recent sales momentum, and opportunities for efficiency enhancements and related acquisitions. We believe the privatization will prove to be beneficial; as a small, underperforming public company, the Company was unable to attract the capital necessary to make efficiency enhancing investments nor related acquisitions to gain scale or scope. The Company was also burdened by substantial public company costs that given its small size represented a significant strain on cash flow. Prior to the going private transaction, TorQuest was instrumental in the hiring of a new Executive Chairman who has made, and is planning a number of significant changes that will lead to enhanced profitability.

http://www.associatedbrands.com

 
GCAN Insurance Company
GCAN Insurance Company

Business Description

GCAN is a Toronto-based commercial line property and casualty insurance company that has operated in Canada since 1956.  The company was formerly the Canadian primary property and casualty operation of the German insurance conglomerate, Gerling Group.

GCAN focuses on “niche” insurance lines that require technical expertise to assess risk attributes and determine appropriate policy provisions.  The company employs highly experienced underwriters, engineers and loss control experts that provide specialized insurance expertise from offices in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.  The company uses its underwriting and loss control expertise to build a degree of brand loyalty among brokers and insured.

Investment Thesis

GCAN’s management team has consistently grown premium volume while continuing to earn underwriting profit.  The company has achieved this due to its focus on niche insurance business with no personal lines, a strong broker distribution network, and excellent direct relationships with its customers.  TorQuest’s plan was to maintain management’s successful yet prudent growth strategy while assessing potential acquisitions of targeted books of business in similar lines and with similar risk profiles to the company’s current portfolio.

Investment Results

On October 7 th 2005, GCAN was sold to a large financial buyer.  During the period of TorQuest’s ownership, GCAN‘s annual net income increased from $10.7 million to $19.0, while book value increased from $75.3 million to approximately $107.0 million.  Under TorQuest’s leadership, the company was successfully re-branded as GCAN Insurance Company and improved its AM Best rating to “A”.

http://www.gcan.ca

 
CNC Global Ltd.
CNC Global Ltd.

Business Description

CNC Global is Canada’s leading provider of full-service IT staffing to a client roster that includes 33% of the companies listed on the S&P/TSX 60. Since 1981, the Company has worked with organizations across Canada to develop and implement full-service staffing strategies that improve new hire quality, streamline the recruitment process and contain the costs associated with resource management, providing advantages over resources obtained in-house or through other third-party staffing firms. The Company’s Contract Consulting and Permanent Search lines of business lead the industry, while its vendor management program provides sophistication. CNC Global now ranks 10th in Branham’s list of the country’s “Top Professional Services Companies” and was recently selected as #1 on the 10 Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada for 2004 according to the QCED and Hewitt Associates BSME study.

Investment Thesis

CNC Global's management team has been able to broaden the Company's product offering of full service IT staffing solutions and develop a technology platform which is unrivalled in the industry in terms of scalability and cost effectiveness.

TorQuest has invested in CNC Global's extraordinary management team and hopes to build on the Company's successful track record of profitable growth. Coupled with organic growth, TorQuest will work with management to complete potential strategic acquisitions in this fragmented market.

Investment Results

On May 1st, 2006, CNC Global was sold to the North American division of Vedior NV, one of the world’s largest staffing companies based in the Netherlands.  During the period of TorQuest’s ownership, CNC’s annual revenues increased from C$150 million to C$260 million with profitability also increasing significantly.  This was achieved through organic growth initiatives and the implementation of a strategic acquisition plan.

http://www.cncglobal.com

 
DayMen Photo Marketing LP
DayMen Photo Marketing LP

Business Description

DayMen Photo Marketing LP is the trademark holder of Lowepro, the worldwide leading brand of protective carrying bags and packs for imaging and electronic equipment. DayMen and its subsidiaries oversee the design, manufacturing, marketing and merchandising of Lowepro products, which are distributed through DayMen's wholly-owned operations in Canada, US, UK and Germany as well as through third party distributors in over 90 countries. In addition to Lowepro branded products, the DayMen companies distribute a number of other photographic and consumer electronic products and accessories in the imaging and photography industries.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest has invested in DayMen based on the Company’s outstanding track record of growth and the prospects for continuing on its growth trajectory.  DayMen will continue to benefit from the worldwide growth in the imaging market and the growing importance of photographic accessories to retailer profitability. DayMen also has a number of identified opportunities to enter new markets.  Lowepro is the leading brand in the industry and is known for its innovative designs and quality.  Finally, DayMen and its subsidiaries are led by an outstanding management team, which has partnered with us on this acquisition.

http://www.lowepro.com

 
Granby Steel Tanks
Granby Steel Tanks

Business Description

Granby Steel Tanks is North America's leading manufacturer of high quality steel tanks for fuel oil storage used in connection with residential and light commercial oil-fired furnaces and boilers. Since 1954, the Company has built a reputation as the premier manufacturer of residential steel tanks by continually improving product quality to levels that have become the benchmark for the industry. In December 2002, TorQuest Partners purchased the Company from Carrier Corporation, a division of United Technologies.

Investment Thesis

Granby's management built its dominant market share by attracting and growing with the industry's largest distributors. There was an opportunity for Granby Steel Tanks to introduce new products into this distribution network. TorQuest's view was that Granby's distribution network was a tremendous asset. TorQuest's plan was to position Granby as an HVAC competitor and to assist Granby in acquiring companies which manufacture complementary products that Granby could introduce into its existing distribution network.

Strategic Initiatives

TorQuest led the corporate development and strategic planning roles at Granby. Under TorQuest ownership and through exceptional leadership in the Company, Granby increased revenue, increased quality and workplace safety and dramatically increased profitability through operational improvements. In February 2004, Granby closed the acquisition of Kamco Products, North America's largest manufacturer of coated copper tubing products for use in HVAC applications. The acquisition gave Granby the critical size to access the capital markets as an income trust. Furthermore, the growth potential of the coated copper tubing industry added a growth element to the Granby story.

Investment Results

On December 16th, 2004, TorQuest Value Fund L.P., through its investment in Granby Steel Tanks Limited Partnership (GSTLP), closed the initial public offering of Granby Industries Income Fund at an 11.25% yield.  TorQuest retained 20% of the interest in Granby Industries Income Fund by holding Class B subordinated units.

http://www.granbyindustries.com

 
SCM Insurance Services
SCM Insurance Services

Business Description

Founded in 1986, SCM has grown both organically and by acquisition to become Canada's largest independent national providers of outsourced services to the P&C insurance industry. From its beginnings as a regional independent adjuster in Alberta, SCM has built a network of over 120 branches coast to coast. SCM is comprised primarily of three complementary lines of business:

ClaimsPro is the largest independent provider of claims adjusting and claims management services in Canada. ClaimsPro's 500+ licensed claims professionals are retained by insurance companies, their lawyers, or self-insured corporations to investigate and bring about satisfactory resolution to insurance claims. In Quebec, SCM's claims adjusting business is branded as IndemniPro. ClaimsPro also recently expanded to the UK.

SCM Risk Management Services (RMS) provides information to assess the risks associated with insuring physical properties, including inspection and appraisal of residential and commercial buildings. The RMS division also includes iClarify, a validation and valuation service that assists insurers and brokers in accurately determining the replacement cost of insured properties.

Forensic Investigations Canada provides investigative and discreet surveillance services to insurers and corporations across Canada.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest invested in SCM based on the company's exceptional management team (who remain significantly invested in the business), strong track record of growth, excellent customer relationships, leading market position, and innovative technology platforms. We believe the company is well positioned to benefit from ongoing trends in the Canadian and international insurance industry and faces a range of organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Acquisitions will be targeted in the core adjusting sector in both Canada and the UK, as well as more broadly in the general insurance services industry. TorQuest's investment in SCM builds on prior experience in the Canadian P&C insurance space, including the Fund I investment in GCAN Insurance.

http://www.scm.ca/

 
Marsulex Inc.
Marsulex Inc.

Business Description

Marsulex's business was the removal and sale of industrial by-products, mostly sulphuric acid, liquid sulphur dioxide and elemental sulphur from base metal smelters and oil refineries. In 1994 Harrowston purchased 47% of Marsulex for $13.3 million.

Investment Thesis

With the proper financial and strategic guidance, Marsulex could become a leader in the growing market for environmental services solutions.

Strategic Initiatives

Harrowston led the corporate development and strategic planning roles at Marsulex and arranged the capital needed to achieve a shift in focus from being a seller of industrial chemicals to a provider of environmental compliance services. Harrowston assisted management in developing a significant global acquisition strategy, expanding Marsulex's markets and capabilities.

Investment Results

In 1996, Marsulex completed a Toronto Stock Exchange IPO for proceeds of $52.5 million, valuing the total equity at $157 million. In 2001 Marsulex raised $167 million by creating a publicly traded income trust from a portion of its assets.

 
Gustin Kramer Limited
Gustin Kramer Limited

Business Description

Gustin Kramer Limited was a contract manufacturer and private label supplier of paper and non-woven consumer products to major retailers and branded consumer product companies. Prior to joining TorQuest, one of our partners was CEO and controlling shareholder of Gustin Kramer from 1994 until early 2002.

Investment Thesis

The goal was to turnaround this troubled, highly leveraged company by divesting the under performing divisions and expanding the business into consumable, non-food consumer products which generated higher margins and stable cash flows. By improving production processes to meet the increasingly difficult demands of its customer base and by developing new products, Gustin Kramer could become a diversified consumer product company serving the global market. As a privately held company, the goal was to maximize value while not diluting the shareholder's equity ownership.

Strategic Initiatives

Under-performing divisions and product lines were immediately sold, creating improved cash flow. The company was re-capitalized, resulting in appropriate covenants that allowed for investment in process improvement, product development and important additions to management. A management team was developed. Operating margins were improved significantly and the business doubled revenues between 1995 and 2002.

Investment Results

In 2002, a strategic buyer purchased the paper division (the company's largest division) for a substantial multiple of earnings. Proceeds flowed directly to the shareholders. By preserving equity ownership, the CEO, with a relatively small investment, earned outstanding returns.

 
Fabrene Inc.
Fabrene Inc.

Business Description

Fabrene was a North American manufacturer and marketer of woven polyethylene fabric. In 1994 Harrowston purchased 45.45% of Fabrene for $7 million, arranging the balance of the purchase price and debt for this acquisition.

Investment Thesis

There was an opportunity to capitalize and expand on Fabrene's strong customer base, product development opportunities and low-cost production. An original investment partner, The InterTech Group, Inc., offered excellent industry, technological and operating experience.

Strategic Initiatives

A skilled senior management team was recruited and a capital expenditure program created to achieve improvements in capacity, quality and costs. Government financing programs were utilized and a vendor take-back note was re-financed. Fabrene's marketing strategy was focused and new end use applications for its products were developed.

Investment Results

In the same year, 1994, Harrowston accepted a $17 million cash offer from a strategic buyer for its share, producing

 
Harrowston Developments Corporation (HDC)
Harrowston Developments Corporation (HDC)

Business Description

HDC held real estate assets through various companies, joint ventures and partnerships with a book value of $329 million and third party liabilities of $351 million at yearend 1992. At that time, HDC was in breach of many of its covenants with a variety of lenders.

Investment Thesis

HDC needed time to realize on its assets in an orderly fashion through a reorganization of its credit facilities. Most of its assets were either subject to significant additional project financing or encumbered by debt and/or a variety of joint venture agreements.

Strategic Initiatives

HDC achieved the re-zoning of a historic Vancouver office building and adjacent site to residential uses, allowing for re-development as a condominium, and the subsequent sale of the adjacent site. The Company realized on its interests in a major shopping centre developer by contributing certain assets to a public company in return for equity and by splitting the balance of the portfolio into two new entities, and then selling Harrowston's interest for cash. Most of the remaining assets were actively managed and sold to individual buyers.

Investment Results

All of HDC's bank debt, including a profit participation to the lender, was repaid, generating net cash proceeds, on a completely tax free basis, of $45 million.

 
SPI Polyols, Inc.
SPI Polyols, Inc.

Business Description

SPI Polyols produced polyols - starch derivatives used in food, pharmaceuticals and oral care products. Harrowston acquired 47.5% of SPI in 1994 for an initial investment of US $6.2 million in a leveraged transaction valued at US $75 million.

Investment Thesis

The goal was to expand this orphaned division from a regional focus, into a global company. With increased capital investment, better operating efficiencies, enhanced product development and a focused strategy, SPI could become a world leader. By adding pharmaceutical applications to its confectionery base, the valuation multiple of SPI could also be increased.

Strategic Initiatives

A significant capital program resulted in immediate operating cost savings. A growth strategy based on product leadership, global expansion and operating efficiencies was created. Significant acquisitions added international scope and scale to the business.

Investment Results

In 1998, a strategic buyer purchased the business for $331 million. Harrowston's share, after debt payments, was over $86 million for a gross IRR of more than 73%.

 
Global Traffic Technologies
Global Traffic Technologies

Business Description

Global Traffic Technologies, which will be headquartered in the St. Paul / Minneapolis area of Minnesota, is a worldwide leader in traffic signal priority control systems and traffic detection systems. The traffic signal priority control systems, which are marketed under the Opticom® name, are hardware and software systems that grant priority to emergency response and transit vehicles approaching a traffic intersection. The traffic detection systems, which are marketed under the Canoga® name, are used for a variety of applications including freeway traffic monitoring and analysis.

Investment Thesis

TorQuest has invested in Global Traffic Technologies based on the company's stable and strong track record of earnings, its dominant market position, and the meaningful barriers to entry that exist in its industry. TorQuest also believes there are a number of opportunities that exist for the business as a stand-alone company and TorQuest is committed to investing significantly in those opportunities.

http://www.gtt.com

 

Trademarks owned by the respective companies

 



news

TorQuest in the News
November 12, 2009 TorQuest Partner Announcement
May 19, 2006 TorQuest raises $491M
June 30, 2003 GCAN Press Release


contact

For additional information on TorQuest Partners, please contact us at 416-956-7022 or info@torquest.com.

TorQuest Partners Inc.
Brookfield Place, TD Canada Trust Tower
161 Bay Street, Suite 4240
P.O. Box 525
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1
Canada

Phone 416-956-7022
Fax 416-956-7001
www.torquest.com
info@torquest.com