The Carlyle Group Acquires Chesapeake, a Global Supplier of Pharmaceutical and Consumer Packaging Products

Carlyle Investment Will Build on Recent Growth To Further Expand International Operations 

London, UK - Global Alternative Asset Manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) today announced the acquisition of Chesapeake, one of the largest global suppliers of value-added paper-based packaging products and services from Irving Place Capital and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management.

Capital for this investment will come from Carlyle Europe Partners III L.P., a €5.3billion fund that makes mid- and large-cap investments.  Further terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Nottingham, UK, and with nearly 5,000 employees across 38 sites in 9 countries, Chesapeake is a high quality and premium producer of paper-based leaflets, labels and cartons, primarily for the pharmaceutical, confectionery and premium drinks markets for a blue-chip client base.  Chesapeake has grown significantly in recent years to produce revenues of €580m in 2012.

Eric Kump, Managing Director Carlyle Europe Partners, said:“Chesapeake is a strong business focused on attractive growth markets.  The management team has delivered sustained growth and significantly strengthened the company in recent years.  We look forward to partnering with them to further develop the company’s international footprint and to invest in delivering industry leading products and services. We believe the combination of Carlyle’s global presence and network and the strength of the company’s existing footprint and customer relationships will help drive significant growth and new market opportunities in the coming years.”

Mike Cheetham, Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake commented: “We are delighted to have Carlyle working with us as we continue building on the strong reputation we have earned for our high quality products and services. Carlyle’s backing will support our aspirations to build upon our strong investments over the past three years as we further grow and develop our business. This collaboration will allow us to respond effectively to new business opportunities as we look to further align our business with our customers’ global requirements.”

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About The Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global alternative asset manager with $176 billion of assets under management across 114 funds and 76 fund of funds vehicles as of March 31, 2013. Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, many of whom are public pensions. Carlyle invests across four segments – Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Solutions – in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation. The Carlyle Group employs more than 1,400 people in 34 offices across six continents.

Web: www.carlyle.com
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About Chesapeake
Chesapeake is a leading international supplier of consumer packaging. The business, focused on quality and innovation, supplies paperboard products to the pharmaceutical and premium consumer goods markets. The company produces a full range of folding cartons, leaflets and labels at 38 locations in Asia, Europe and the United States. It employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide.

Media Contact                                                  

The Carlyle Group
Catherine Armstrong
+44 20 7894 1632
Catherine.Armstrong@carlyle.com

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