Bill Van Sant Joins Stone Arch

Bill Van Sant has joined Stone Arch Capital, a Minneapolis-based private equity firm, as an operating partner. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Paladin, both before and after its sale to Dover Corporation. He also worked with Norwest Equity Partners.

PRESS RELEASE

Stone Arch Capital, LLC, a Minneapolis-based private equity fund announced the appointment of R. W. (Bill) Van Sant to the position of Operating Partner effective 1 January, 2008.

Mr. Van Sant joins Stone Arch Capital after recently serving first as Chairman and CEO of Paladin, and subsequently as President and CEO of Paladin following the sale of the company to Dover Corporation.

Bill was previously associated with Norwest Equity Partners where he worked with Stone Arch Capital partner, Charlie Lannin. Prior to entering the private equity field, Van Sant served in leadership roles of increasing responsibility for a number of public companies.

These included 26 years with Deere & Co. where he last served as Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering Services. Following Deere, Bill served as President/COO of Cessna Aircraft Company, President/CEO of Blount Inc. and Chairman/CEO of Lukens, Inc. He currently serves on the board of directors of two Minnesota public companies, Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) and H. B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL). Bill is a graduate of the University of Iowa where he earned BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

Charlie Lannin, Partner at Stone Arch Capital said, “We are very excited to have Bill join the team at Stone Arch. He has successfully worked with us on previous investments and we look forward to utilizing his leadership experience and expertise gained over a long career in a broad array of markets and industries.”

Mr. Van Sant said, “I am extremely pleased to be associated with Stone Arch, and look forward to working with the entire team.  Stone Arch rapidly established itself as a leading private equity firm in the upper mid-west region after investing in six leading brands and outstanding companies. I look forward to contributing my experiences and expertise to the firm's goals and objectives.”

Stone Arch Capital, LLC is a private equity fund based in Minneapolis, MN. The firm provides acquisition financing for private transactions, consolidations and restructuring of lower middle market companies in the Midwest.