News

June 1, 2015
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Schaefer Brush Manufacturing sold to Blackthorne Partners
By Thomas Content

Schaefer Brush Manufacturing of Waukesha, a 110-year-old manufacturer of industrial brushes, has been sold to Blackthorne Partners, a Brookfield investment group.

Financial terms of the sale, which ends four generations of Schaefer family involvement in the business, weren't disclosed.

Harold Schaefer, who's owned the business for the past 14 years and spent 50 years overall with the company, plans to retire. Blackthorne and Schaefer announced that Sherri Richart will continue as Schaefer's president.

"When I saw how Blackthorne Partners has strengthened other Wisconsin companies, and how it retains the owner/operator culture that keeps those businesses innovative and in the forefront of their industries, I knew my decision to sell to Blackthorne Partners was the right one," Schaefer said in a prepared statement. "I can retire knowing the Schaefer family legacy will be honored and carried on."

Blackthorne said its investment will help Schaefer invest in new equipment and product innovation. Schaefer will remain at its 60,000-square-foot facility on Prairie Avenue in Waukesha.

Other Wisconsin industrial companies in Blackthorne Partners' portfolio include Berlon Industries of Hustisford, Design Specialties of Brookfield, Hughes Equipment Co. of Columbus, Pallet USA of Hartford.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/schaefer-brush-manufacturing-sold-to-blackthorne-partners-b99510905z1-305701791.html
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