Gerber Technology announced that American Industrial Partners (AIP) acquired all of its outstanding shares. The investment in Gerber was made out of American Industrial Partners Capital Fund VI, LP a $1.8 billion fund that closed in September 2015.

"We are very excited to have AIP as our new investor," said Mike Elia, Gerber CEO. "They are a committed partner with common values and a shared passion for making it easier for people in the apparel, transportation and home and leisure industries to design, produce, and sell everyday items made from textiles, leather, composites or similar materials.”

Gerber’s full line of digital solutions include many of the most recognized products in the industry including YuniquePLM®, AccuMark®, the GerberCutter®, and Virtek® vision systems. These solutions enable leading brands, manufacturers, and retailers to be more efficient, lower costs and integrate their workflows from concept to market.

“Gerber’s history of innovation and leadership, large install base, and deep industry knowledge is an ideal fit with our investment strategy,” said Justin Fish of AIP. “We look forward to supporting the Gerber management team to execute on key growth initiatives and help Gerber’s customers achieve productivity gains through sophisticated, easy to use software; smart, connected machines and world class service and support.”

AIP’s portfolio includes industry leading businesses in related end markets including aerospace, automotive and graphics supported by over 24,000 people in 28 countries. AIP has a long history of successfully acquiring businesses such as Gerber and partnering with management to drive growth.

Elia continued, “Our partnership with AIP will accelerate our investment plans and new product introductions, allowing brands, manufacturers, and retailers to reap the benefits of integrated digital technologies including 3D, the Cloud, IoT and advanced vision systems to reach their optimum potential faster.”

About American Industrial Partners

American Industrial Partners (“AIP”) is an operationally-oriented middle-market private equity firm that makes control investments in North American-based industrial businesses serving domestic and global markets. The Firm has deep roots in the industrial economy and has been active in private equity investing since 1989. To date, AIP has completed over 50 transactions and currently has $3.2 billion of assets under management on behalf of leading pension, endowment and financial institutions. AIP invests in all forms of corporate divestitures, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and going-private transactions of established businesses with revenues of $100 million to $1 billion.