Sterling Capital Partners has purchased a controlling interest in Wilmington, Delaware, US based Optimer Inc from its founders, the J.W. Moore family.
An affiliate of Sterling Partners, Sterling Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity fund with over USD$3 billion under management. Sterling has offices in Chicago and Baltimore and pursues growth-oriented investments in a broad range of industries from education to textiles to healthcare.
Optimer Inc is best known for its Optimer Performance Fibers (OPF) division that markets Dri-release with FreshGuard, a patented moisture release and odour blocking textile technology.
Dri-release technology, licensed worldwide, is used primarily in performance activewear from over 100 prominent brands such as adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren and Hanes.
Optimer Inc conducts both internal and contract research, development and consulting projects involving advanced polymer technologies, fibre and fabric processes, environmental protection, health promotion and much more.
The company's accomplishments are extensive, covering such diverse results as gaskets for road construction equipment, to flexible high strength composite watchbands, to fibres containing carbon nanotubes that help control astronauts' body temperature during spacewalks.
The acquisition, formalised in February will infuse Optimer, Inc. with added funding to help promote and expand sales of its research, development andconsulting services. It will also help support and protect OPF's patents and trademarks.