Next Generation Films and Charter NEX Films plan to combine, creating a new platform focused on leading the specialty films market.

Private equity firms Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (LGP) and Oak Hill Capital, owners of Charter NEX, have completed a definitive agreement with Dave Frecka, CEO, founder and owner of Next Generation Films, Inc. to combine the companies. Dave Frecka will be a major shareholder in the combined company and will continue as CEO of Next Generation Films. Kathy Bolhous will continue as the CEO of Charter NEX Films. The transaction is expected to close by June.

Charter NEX and Next Generation Films both have strong brands and state-of- the-art assets. But they also have complementary products and focus on different market segments. The combination is expected to provide both companies and their customers with significant benefits including access to new markets, enhanced technical expertise, and an expanded manufacturing footprint. The combined company will have 11 manufacturing plants and more than 100 extrusion lines in Ohio, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Massachusetts.

Both companies plan to maintain their existing management teams and brand identities, operating as two distinct but synchronized divisions of the combined company.