KKR has signed a definitive agreement to invest in Charter Next Generation, a producer of specialty films used in flexible packaging, industrial, healthcare, and consumer applications. KKR will be joining Leonard Green & Partners LP as an equal co-owner of the business, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority will also be investing in the transaction to become a minority owner.

“Charter Next Generation offers the gold standard when it comes to materials science, product quality, innovation, and technical expertise in specialty films,” said Josh Weisenbeck, KKR partner and leader of the Industrials investment team. “We are looking forward to investing in the company’s growth as they continue to raise the bar in innovation and sustainability.”

“Continuous investment in our film technologies and in our team is mission critical for us, which is why we are excited to partner with these exceptional, forward-thinking firms – particularly for their steadfast approach to employee engagement and ownership,” said Kathy Bolhous, CEO of Charter Next Generation. “Offering all employees ownership in the company aligns everyone around our objectives while providing financial rewards for their efforts, fitting well with our employee first culture.”

Pete Stavros, KKR Partner and Co-Head of Americas Private Equity at KKR commented, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in Charter Next Generation not only because they are an industry leader on many fronts, but also because Kathy and her team are completely aligned with how we approach building stronger manufacturing companies: by building stronger company cultures through a robust employee engagement and ownership program.”

KKR is making the investment in CNG through its Americas XII Fund. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and Latham & Watkins LLP served as advisors to CNG, while Kirkland & Ellis and Deloitte served as advisors to KKR.