Principal Industries, a leading provider of LED components and engineered assemblies backed by private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital, has acquired GENLED Brands in a move that expands its capabilities in signage and architectural illumination. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in East Rutherford, New Jersey, GENLED designs, engineers, and assembles premium LED lighting products, systems, and customized solutions for customers worldwide. The company serves a wide range of signage, architectural, and commercial lighting applications and has built a reputation for innovation and tailored lighting solutions.
The acquisition is highly complementary to Principal’s existing business. By adding GENLED’s product portfolio and engineering expertise, Principal broadens its offerings across key lighting and illumination applications while enhancing its ability to provide customized LED solutions for customers. The combined company is expected to strengthen its position in the signage, architectural branding, and commercial lighting markets.
Principal CEO Todd Fiske said GENLED’s reputation for innovation, product quality, and customer service makes it an excellent fit for the company. He noted that the acquisition expands Principal’s capabilities across important lighting applications and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the GENLED team to the organization.
GENLED CEO Scott Vontobel said Principal is the right partner to support the company’s next phase of growth. He explained that both companies share a customer-first culture, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on delivering high-quality LED solutions. He added that joining Principal will enable GENLED to expand its product offerings, better serve customers, and pursue new market opportunities.
The transaction also reflects Wynnchurch Capital’s continued strategy of supporting portfolio companies through strategic acquisitions that expand product capabilities and accelerate growth. Wynnchurch currently manages approximately $9.1 billion in assets under management and focuses on middle-market investments across North America.
Support: Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to Wynnchurch. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP served as legal advisor to GENLED, while GulfStar Group acted as GENLED’s investment banking advisor.
KEY QUOTES:
“GENLED is a highly complementary addition to the Principal platform. The Company has built a reputation for innovation, product quality, and customer service, and its differentiated product portfolio expands our capabilities across key lighting and illumination applications. We are excited to welcome Scott and the entire GENLED team to Principal and look forward to building on our shared commitment to delivering superior solutions for our customers.”
Todd Fiske, CEO of Principal
“Principal is the ideal partner for GENLED as we enter our next phase of growth. Both organizations share a customer-first culture, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to providing high-quality LED solutions. By joining forces with Principal, we will be better positioned to serve our customers, expand our product offerings, and capitalize on new opportunities in the market.”
Scott Vontobel, CEO of GENLED
