Dresser, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of oilfield products and services including valves, actuators, meters, switches, regulators, piping specialties, natural gas-fueled engines, blowers and retail fuel dispensers.

After a review of various strategic options in early 2005, Dresser chose to divest its Instruments Division. This Division manufactures a variety of pressure gauges, transducers, transmitters, pressure and temperature switches, and other devices used in a wide variety of applications and industries under the Ashcroft, Ebro, Heise, Wekster, and Willy brands. The Instruments Division has approximately 1,060 employees worldwide, including 450 in Stratford, Connecticut, where it has its worldwide headquarters and a manufacturing facility. The Company also has operations in Brazil, Germany, Canada, Mexico, and Singapore and joint ventures in Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

Ameridan was engaged by KPS Special Situations Funds to provide strategic and competitive due-diligence services.

Ameridan's due-diligence engagement focused on assessing: (1) customer impressions of the Company's products, brands, sales processes/support and overall service levels; (2) key buying factors including the importance of switching costs and the installed base; (3) the competitive position of the Company and the ability of the Company to regain lost market share; and (4) potential growth opportunities including those associated with wireless technologies.

The engagement was successfully completed in November, 2005.

The Dresser Instruments Division, renamed Ashcroft Holdings. Inc., was acquired by KPS Special Situations Funds on December 1, 2005. Click here or here to see press releases regarding the transaction.