Avista acquires controlling interest in IWCO

Private-equity firm Avista Capital Partners will acquire a controlling interest in direct mail production services provider IWCO Direct from Court Square Capital Partners.

IWCO, Chanhassen, MN, offers an integrated package of direct mail production services, including print, envelope, plastic, mailing and data services. It is also the largest commingler of standard mail in North America and has consistently generated double-digit growth over the past five years.

Avista will help IWCO continue its growth through strategic acquisitions and the expansion of its integrated services platform in the western part of the country.

IWCO's executive management team will continue to operate the company.

In October, IWCO agreed to acquire an Elm City, NC, production facility from Valpak and recently purchased two offset Web presses for the facility. In 2005 it acquired a Long Island City production facility.

IWCO also established a high-volume mail center at its headquarters in Minnesota in 2004.