The Carlyle Group Acquires Comark Building Systems; Transaction Is Carlyle Venture's Latest Growth Buyout

Washington, DC – Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group today announced that it has acquired Comark Building Systems, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of modular buildings based in DeSoto, TX, from Brazos Private Equity Partners. Funds for the transaction came from Carlyle Venture Partners, a $600 million venture and growth capital fund, and Comark’s current management, who will remain in place. The transaction closed on March 6, 2006. Financial terms were not released.

Founded in 1989, Comark supplies custom modular buildings to the federal government, public school districts and commercial customers across the United States, employing 500 people at manufacturing locations in Texas, California and North Carolina. The company sells more commercial modular structures to the U.S. government and military than any other manufacturer.

Charlie Moore, a Principal at Carlyle Venture Partners, said, "As Comark’s strong growth demonstrates, demand for high quality modular construction is on the rise. We expect this trend to accelerate, particularly with government customers, as they seek to realize the significant advantages, in terms of both cost and speed, of manufactured buildings. We look forward to working with Bill Henry and his management team as they continue to capitalize on this trend."

Bill Henry, Chief Executive Officer and President of Comark Building Systems, Inc., said, "We are pleased to partner with The Carlyle Group to fuel our continued success. For more than 15 years, Comark has grown based on a commitment to customer satisfaction, innovation in building, and a constant push to set the benchmark for quality in our industry. Carlyle’s deep understanding of our core government markets and its proven industrial expertise will provide Comark with new opportunities to grow and will enhance our marketing, operational and financial capabilities across the board."

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