Salt Creek Capital Portfolio Company Acquired Blackfox
Dec. 27, 2023
Woodside, California (December 27, 2023) – Salt Creek Capital is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, has acquired Blackfox Training Institute. Founded in 1996, Blackfox is a leading provider of IPC training and certification services. Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding is also the owner of EPTAC, an internationally recognized leader in IPC training and certification.
Combining EPTAC and Blackfox under the same ownership creates one the largest IPC training and certification providers in the U.S., with greater access to in-person and online services to customers around the world.
Burak Gokmen, CEO of Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, stated “EPTAC is known for its consistency in providing premier training services with the highest-quality instructors in the industry. Blackfox is a natural addition for Electronics Manufacturing Training Holding, as we will be able to leverage both companies’ geographical footprints and industry focuses. Al Dill and the exceptional employees at Blackfox have utilized their deep industry knowledge to build an impressive company, and we are very pleased to add their outstanding team members as part of the combined company.”
Al Dill, former CEO of Blackfox, said “We are pleased to have joined forces with EPTAC. Our shared values include focusing on developing better IPC training and certification programs for our customers, making this an easy transition. We look forward to promoting our full program line to the industry.”
Tyler Romrell, Vice President of Salt Creek Capital, added “Burak continues to demonstrate excellence as a leader and executive since partnering with Salt Creek to acquire EPTAC in 2021. We’re excited to continue supporting Burak and his team through the acquisition of Blackfox as well as the Company’s future expansion efforts in the years to come.”
About EPTAC
EPTAC is an internationally recognized leader in solder training and IPC certification, providing professionals with the skills to accelerate their careers, and businesses, the talent to succeed. For over 30 years, EPTAC has been helping corporations increase quality standards, improve productivity, and maximize profits. With over 24 locations in North America, EPTAC continues to expand its offerings and exceptional instructional staff to provide easy access to knowledge and skill-based programs. For more information, please visit www.eptac.com.
About Blackfox
Blackfox is a worldwide leader in providing IPC Certification and Custom Training Systems to the manufacturing industry’s top companies with locations in the US, Mexico, Singapore and Malaysia. For over 25 years, Blackfox has been providing solutions to the electronics manufacturing industry with a very experienced team that can provide training in English, Spanish or Chinese. For more information, please visit www.blackfox.com.
About Salt Creek Capital
Salt Creek Capital is a San Francisco Bay Area-based private equity firm that partners with experienced operating executives to acquire profitable companies with up to $150 million in revenue. Salt Creek Capital takes a long-term approach to investing in lower middle market businesses and seeks to create value by working closely with management teams to accelerate growth and improve operating efficiencies. For more information, please contact Tyler Romrell at tyler@saltcreekcap.com or visit www.saltcreekcap.com.