Fort Dearborn Partners ("Fort Dearborn") is pleased to announce that Lake County Press, Inc. ("Lake County" or the "Company"), has completed the refinancing of its revolving line of credit and term loan.  

Founded in 1970, Lake County utilizes leading edge technology to produce high-impact printed products and multiple piece projects for its conventional and ultraviolet offset and digital print customers by providing a full range of services, including prepress, die cutting, bindery, finishing, fulfillment, and small scale letter press services.

Lake County retained Fort Dearborn to evaluate its strategies, advise the Company in its dealings with their current lender, and to seek a new lending arrangement.  Fort Dearborn added value by:

• Working with management to materially improve operating performance through expense reductions and pricing tactics;
• Assisting with preparation of the refinancing memorandum and contacting prospective lenders; 
• Generating multiple viable proposals and facilitating lender due diligence; and
• Closing the transaction with a major financial institution on the same favorable terms and conditions as contained in the lender's initial proposal.

Our robust financing process provided Lake County with the additional capital it needed to purchase new equipment, which allows the Company to focus on growth opportunities in the large format and digital segments of their markets.

Rob Hilliard, the Chief Financial Officer of Lake County Press stated, "We selected and forged our relationship with Fort Dearborn by working with them to enhance profitability in these challenging and changing times.  We achieved the intended results and continued the relationship to successfully refinance our senior debt, which provided additional working capital and liquidity. Further, we secured a facility for capital expenditures, which allowed us to invest and expand our offerings to our clients and position us for growth in 2016 and beyond."

The refinancing of Lake County Press is a noteworthy example of Fort Dearborn's skill in successfully raising capital in "story" situations. From the start of the engagement through the closing of the refinancing, Fort Dearborn utilized its extensive operation, financial and capital markets expertise to deliver outstanding results for the Company. We believe that the new financing structure will enable Lake County to continue to achieve its corporate goals.

Please keep us in mind for proven middle market investment banking expertise, especially in "story" transactions, where our operating skills lend additional value.  We look forward to working with you.