CMD First Source

Building Products Industry Targeted by Golden Gate Capital

Kevin O’Meara most recently served as president and COO of Builders FirstSource, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of structural building materials. O’Meara co-founded Builders FirstSource in 1998 as its CFO. Prior to this, O’Meara was the vice president, Strategic Planning and Business Development at building materials manufacturer Fibreboard. His background also includes positions at management consulting firm Bain & Company, as well as two private investment firms.

Rajeev Amara, a managing director of Golden Gate Capital, said, ‘We are excited about our partnership with Kevin. In the wake of the unprecedented decline in housing, we believe his blend of operating and strategic experience will make us uniquely qualified to capitalise on significant opportunities in the sector. The flexible, long-term nature of our fund will give us the unique ability to invest up and down the capital structure, including debt and equity securities. We are confident that our partnership with Kevin will enable Golden Gate Capital to become a leading investor in the building products industry.’

O’Meara added, ‘Golden Gate has the capital and strategic vision necessary to take full advantage of the tremendous investment opportunities emerging from the current housing downturn. I am excited about this partnership and look forward to bringing my building products industry experience to Golden Gate’s team.’

Golden Gate has approximately $9bn of capital under management.

Source: AltAssets.

Replacement For Lead

There may finally be a solution to all of the lead in many useful products. Researchers at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering have reportedly discovered a new lead-free material, bismuth samarium ferrite ( BSFO ). This material is for use in many products ranging from biomedical imaging devices to airbag sensors to inkjet printers. If implemented commercially, it could replace a common lead-based material found in these and other electronic devices, keeping lead out of landfills and the ecosystem. Now that is good news for our environment.