September 29, 2021

Continuim Supports the Growth of Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions

Continuim Equity Partners (“Continuim”) is proud to announce the acquisition of Merlot Vango Tarping Solutions (“Merlot” or “Company”). Founded in 1960, and headquartered in Verona, PA, Merlot is a manufacturer of high-quality retractable tarp systems designed to increase efficiency, maximize uptime, and improve driver safety.

As the original inventor and patent holder of panelized tarping systems, Merlot has been a leader and innovator in the industry for decades. The Company has earned its reputation as a customer service-oriented supplier of premium tarping solutions. The Company’s flagship product, the Vango 21, is a panelized rolling tarp system used to cover flatbed trailers and drop deck trailers. Merlot also provides tarping solutions for heavy-duty dump trailers and truck bodies and other niche applications, in addition to prompt delivery of replacement parts and timely repair services at its facility in Verona, PA.

Continuim acquired Merlot from respected industry veterans, Vince and Lori Merlot, who will continue to serve in an advisory role moving forward. We are excited to partner with the Company’s President, Bob Schwab, and the rest of the talented team at Merlot to continue growing the Company.

By implementing our Efficiency Driven Growth Engine ("EDGE"), Continuim will significantly increase production capacity, advance product innovation, and pursue strategic acquisitions to expand Merlot’s service and installation footprint. Executing on these initiatives will allow Continuim to further strengthen Merlot’s brand and the legacy that the Merlot family has built over the last 60 years.

Vince and Lori Merlot, prior owners of Merlot, stated “We are very proud that Continuim will carry on our family’s tradition of providing top quality products that are delivered on time and with personalized customer service. Continuim, along with the established team at Merlot, will take the business to the next level. We believe they were the perfect match for Merlot and we congratulate the great team at Continuim.”

George Pilafas, Managing Partner of Continuim, said “Merlot is a great company with a reputation that was forged over decades. We are honored to work with Bob Schwab and the Merlot team to help lead the Company through its next phase of growth.”

Bob Schwab, President of Merlot, commented “It was the perfect time in the Company’s evolution to form a partnership with Continuim. Their operational acumen and continued investment will help fuel Merlot’s growth as we write our next chapter.”

About Continuim Equity Partners

Continuim Equity Partners is a Pittsburgh-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on acquiring successful family and founder-owned industrial businesses ranging from $3MM to $10MM of EBITDA.

We bring proven operating strategies and committed capital from ex-Fortune 500 level industrial executives to support companies within the manufacturing, value-added distribution, and industrial maintenance sectors. Our name is derived from what we consider most important to the growth of family-owned industrial businesses — continuous improvement.