TA Associates completes minority investment in Microban International

TA Associates, a private equity and buyout firm, has completed a minority investment in New York-based Microban International, a specialist in built-in antimicrobial product protection. Founded in 1994, Microban International manufactures and distributes antimicrobial protection and durable antibacterial and antifungal solutions for consumer, industrial and medical products around the world. The company's EPA-registered Microban antimicrobial technologies are integrated into the manufacturing processes of a wide range of materials, including polymers, textiles, coatings, paper, adhesives and ceramic glazes to provide durable protection for the lifetime of the product, and is effective against most common bacteria, yeasts, moulds and fungi that cause stains, odours and product degradation. Michael Berk, a principal at TA, said: "Microban has potential for significant further growth." Its revenues grew by 40% in 2004, reflecting the rapid growth of the market for built-in, permanent antimicrobial protection due to rising global concern over bacteria and mould, as well as technological advances that allow for the incorporation of Microban compounds in a growing number of consumer applications. Microban antimicrobial protection is already incorporated in a variety of consumer products, building products and other industrial applications, as well as medical products. Enquiry card number: 111