GAM was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Image: GAM
Boston-based private equity firm Union Park Capital today announced the completion of its acquisition of GAM Enterprises. This acquisition marks the launch of Union Park’s new precision motion control platform, positioning the firm to capitalize on growth in industrial automation and robotics. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Since 1990, GAM has provided precision mechanical components, including high-precision gear reducers, couplings, and engineered motion solutions serving automation, robotics, aerospace, medical, and semiconductor OEMs.
The company has evolved to a full-scale manufacturer with deep engineering expertise, application-specific customization, and favorable lead times. GAM’s products are mission-critical components embedded in OEM equipment, forming the backbone of larger motion systems across high-growth industrial verticals.
“GAM represents the ideal platform to launch our precision motion control investment thesis,” Union Park Capital Partner Evan Stein said in a news release. “The company’s proven track record of engineering excellence, strong customer relationships, and scalable manufacturing capabilities provide the perfect foundation for building a market-leading motion control group. With growing demand for automation across industries, we see tremendous opportunity to accelerate GAM’s growth and pursue strategic acquisitions in this highly fragmented market.”
Craig Van den Avont. | Credit: GAM
As part of the transaction, Craig Van den Avont, GAM’s current president, will continue to lead the company and serve as CEO of the platform. Van den Avont joined GAM in 1998 from Bosch Rexroth and has been instrumental in the company’s transformation into a world-class manufacturer with sophisticated systems and processes.
“I am grateful for Gary Michalek’s friendship and leadership for the past 27 years. Gary’s vision, commitment to customer service, and operational excellence has formed GAM into the best-in-class company we are today. In our next chapter, the partnership with Union Park creates an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and expand our capabilities,” said Van den Avont. “Union Park’s proven track record in building industrial technology platforms, combined with their deep understanding of the market, makes them the ideal partner to help us serve our customers on a global scale and pursue strategic growth opportunities. We’re thrilled about the potential to become the motion solutions partner of choice for OEMs across multiple verticals.”
GAM founder Gary Michalek added, “After more than three decades of leading GAM, I could not be more confident about this next chapter. Union Park and Craig’s team share the same commitment to customers, employees, and partners that has been at the heart of GAM since the beginning. This combination ensures GAM’s legacy will continue while creating even greater opportunities for growth and customer success.”
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