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About

Netagen Communication Technologies Inc. ("Netagen", and formerly Combat Networks Inc.) was founded in July 2001. Netagen is a Canadian-owned and operated network solutions integrator for corporate, government and defense infrastructures where security, performance, and reliability are key for mission critical communication networks and operations.

Netagen provides network communications products and services, including network design, management and installation, as well as product sales, support, consulting, maintenance, and monitoring services. It provides these services on a national level to multiple federal and provincial governmental departments, municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals, and Fortune 1000 companies in Canada.

Ardenton’s investment in Netagen was completed in November 2016, and was the first investment it made in the Technology & Communications sector. Post-investment, Ardenton has worked closely with Netagen to remove a number of constraints within the business, and build-out key functional areas, such as accounting, marketing and human resources.

Introducing Netagen: Watch Video

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Founded in 1980 and headquartered in London, Ontario, OES Inc. (“OES”) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary control systems, electronic products, scoreboards and quality assurance devices using core engineering capabilities in electrical, electronic, mechanical design, and software development. The company is organized into three business units: OES Scoreboards, OES Technologies, and OES Electronic Manufacturing & Design Services.'

OES has a 35+ year track record of engineering exceptional products. Despite its manufacturing superiority, at the time of Ardenton’s investment in the business in November 2016, the company was still a small player in a big market. Ardenton identified a number of viable growth opportunities for the business, which made it a compelling prospect.

Post-investment, Ardenton and OES have been working closely to implement the growth initiatives identified at the investment stage. Key milestones have included the expansion of the sScoreboards division in the United States and the implementation by the Electronics Manufacturing Solutions (EMS) division of an additional Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line.

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W. Corbett & Co. (“Corbetts”) was established in 1860 and is the largest independent hot dip galvanizer in the United Kingdom. Headquartered in Telford in the Midlands, Corbetts galvanizes for UK manufacturing businesses across a broad range of sectors, including structural steel, cable management and transportation.

The business has stood the test of time, having been in operation for over 150 years. Corbetts’ long-lasting success can be attributed to its reputation for providing customers with high-grade products, as well as its excellent service levels, built on fast turnaround times and flexible delivery options.

Ardenton’s partnership with Corbetts began in April 2017, and represented its first investment in the UK. Since then, Ardenton has worked closely with the management team to identify and implement new growth initiatives. Post-investment highlights include the deepening of one of the galvanizing kettles, which has increased production capacity, and a significant expansion of the sales team.   

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Founded in 1977, Comtrad is an overseas sourcing and manufacturing specialist, focused on providing North American manufacturers and distributors with cost-effective and high quality products from Asia. The company services a wide range of industries, with particular expertise in the furniture sector.

Comtrad offers a holistic service to clients, covering development, sourcing, transportation and distribution. The company has particular expertise in the woodworking industry and is recognized for its ability to deliver a wide range of both standard and custom- designed products. The business has a proven track- record in the industry, which, combined with its geographical coverage and opportunities for expansion, made it an ideal partner for Ardenton.

Ardenton’s partnership with Comtrad began in October 2017. Since then, Ardenton has worked closely with Comtrad’s management team to improve operational efficiencies at the company, as well as on the expansion of the business development function to help drive increased sales.

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Established in 1967, PP Control & Automation Limited (“PP Control”) is acknowledged as a leader in the provision of strategic outsourcing solutions to many of the largest and most respected original equipment manufacturers and machine builders around the globe. The company supplies a diverse range of sectors, including packaging, medical and environmental.

Ardenton’s partnership with PP Control began in June 2018 and marked its second investment in the UK. The business was an attractive prospect, as although it was recognized as a leader in terms of its technical expertise, it was still a relatively small player in a big market, with lots of opportunity for growth. Ardenton was also impressed by the strong management team and its enthusiasm to drive the business through its next phase of growth.

Post-investment, Ardenton has been supporting PP Control on the implementation of key strategic and growth initiatives.

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Shaftec Automotive Components Ltd (“Shaftec”) has been supplying remanufactured and new parts to the automotive industry for more than 20 years, establishing itself as one of the leading transmission, steering and brake suppliers to the UK aftermarket. The business employs 130 people, operating from its 42,000 sq. ft. facility in Birmingham, UK, where it manufactures and distributes products across the UK and Europe.

Shaftec differentiates itself from competitors by offering customers the largest range of premium products, backed by the highest levels of availability and exceptional customer service. The company’s position as a market leader, its high quality customer base - comprising a number of blue-chip clients – as well as its experienced and talented team, were some of the key factors that made the company an exciting investment prospect for Ardenton.

Ardenton’s investment in Shaftec was completed in November 2018. Since then, Ardenton has been working closely with the company on various growth initiatives.

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Tiger Feet Ltd. ("Tiger Feet") designs and sells greetings cards and gift wrap, as well as other stationery and celebratory products, such as costumes, gift bags and balloons, to SME businesses. The company is headquartered in Manchester, UK, and operates cash and carry warehouses throughout the UK and Ireland. BGC Wholesale (“BGC”) was founded in 1984. Ardenton's partnership with BGC began in March 2019 and marked Ardenton’s fourth investment in the UK. At the time of the investment, the company had been operating successfully for over thirty years. This strong track record, along with its solid reputation in the market, made BGC stand out to Ardenton as a strong candidate to start the build-out of its Consumer Products platform.

In March 2024, BGC acquired the trade and assets of Paul White Ltd and Tiger Feet Party Ltd T/A Tiger Feet Direct. BGC then changed its name to Tiger Feet Ltd. in July 2024. In August, BGC Wholesale and Paul White Gateshead merged, rebranding the business as Tiger Feet.

Ardenton has been working closely with the team at Tiger Feet to explore multiple opportunities for continued growth and innovation.

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Pebbles Care is an operator of care homes and specialist school academies across the United Kingdom. The business provides residential care for vulnerable young people (aged 8-18), who are in need of a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment.

The business was established in 2003, with the opening of Pebbles House in Leeds. It has since grown to include 45 residential care homes and two schools, and provides critical services to more than 100 young people across the North of England and Scotland. The care homes typically range from single occupancy to 4 bed family style homes.

Ardenton partnered with Pebbles in November 2019. Post-investment Ardenton is working closely with the management team, to roll out expanded best-in-class care for all service users. The business is expected to grow over the next few years, with the opening of new care homes, which will enable it to offer support services to even more young people in need.

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Canadian Posters International Inc. was founded in Toronto in 1976, by industry icon Esther Cohen. The business now operates as PI Fine Art / PI Creative Art (“PI”), and is one of the largest full service, vertically integrated art companies in North America.

PI Fine Art specializes in art, custom wallcovering, mirrors and décor for hotels, and healthcare, commercial and residential spaces.  PI Creative Art is a pioneer in the art publishing industry as a leading source of fresh decorative imagery, primarily serving the retail market.

The company employs a team of highly skilled artists, graphic designers and craftspeople, who collaborate with customers to create customized art packages that reflect a project’s aesthetic vision and budget. PI has an impressive roster of customers, including industry leaders in hospitality and retail.

Ardenton’s partnership with PI began in December 2019. The company’s innovative and successful business model made it an ideal fit for the Business Solutions platform. Post-investment, the team has been focusing on implementing key strategic initiatives, while continuing to exceed customer service expectations.

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