American Cutting Edge Announces Acquisition by Pfingsten
Deal News | May 14, 2025 | Pfingsten Partners LLC
Pfingsten Partners LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has announced the acquisition of American Cutting Edge (ACE), a distributor of consumable industrial knives, blades, and razors. Based in Miamisburg, Ohio, with an additional facility in Akron, ACE provides a range of value-added services and sells to a diversified customer base in several end markets. The acquisition aims to leverage ACE’s product offerings and capabilities for growth through expanded marketing and market penetration, including add-on acquisitions. The acquisition was finalized on April 18, 2025. Legal counsel for Pfingsten was provided by Paul Hastings, and Livingstone Partners acted as financial advisor for ACE.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Industrial Supplies
Geography
- United States – The transaction involves a U.S.-based private equity firm, Pfingsten, and an Ohio-based company, American Cutting Edge.
- Ohio – American Cutting Edge is headquartered in Miamisburg and operates a facility in Akron.
- Chicago – Pfingsten Partners LLC is headquartered in Chicago.
Industry
- Private Equity – Pfingsten Partners LLC is a private equity firm making the acquisition.
- Industrial Supplies – American Cutting Edge operates in the industrial supplies sector, providing knives, blades, and razors.
Financials
- Approx. $1.8 billion in total commitments – Represents the total commitments Pfingsten Partners LLC has raised across six investment funds.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Cutting Edge (ACE) | Target Company | Company | A distributor of consumable industrial knives, blades, and razors based in Ohio. |
| Pfingsten Partners LLC | Bidding Company | Company | A Chicago-based private equity firm focused on operationally improving businesses. |
| Paul Hastings | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal counsel for Pfingsten. |
| Livingstone Partners | Financial Advisor | Company | Served as a financial advisor for American Cutting Edge. |
| Scott Finegan | Senior Managing Director | Person | Senior Managing Director at Pfingsten Partners LLC. |
| Gregory Billhardt | President and CEO | Person | President and CEO of American Cutting Edge. |