Pfingsten announces the acquisition of its latest platform investment, American Cutting Edge (“ACE” or the “Company”), a distributor of consumable industrial knives, blades and razors.
Headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, with an additional facility in Akron, Ohio, ACE sells its products under the American Cutting Edge, Better Tools and Great Lakes Industrial Knife brand names. In addition to distributing knives, blades and razors, the Company also provides value-added services including sharpening, etching and inventory management. ACE sells to end users, distributors and OEMs within the recycling, converting, flooring installation, plastic production, food & packaging, tree care and archery end markets.
“ACE’s critical, consumable product offering combined with their engineering capabilities, rapid fulfillment times and knowledgeable employees make them a true partner to their diverse customer base,” said Scott Finegan, Senior Managing Director at Pfingsten. “We are thrilled to partner with ACE’s management team and look forward to supporting the Company’s continued growth through enhanced sales and marketing initiatives, product introductions and new market penetration both organically and via add-on acquisitions.”
“Pfingsten’s global capabilities, operational resources and extensive history of successfully scaling industrial businesses made them the perfect fit for ACE,” said ACE President and CEO, Gregory Billhardt. “We are confident that Pfingsten’s ample resources and thoughtful approach to building better businesses will enable us to better serve our customers and position our business for immediate rapid growth.”
Pfingsten acquired the Company on April 18, 2025. Paul Hastings served as legal counsel for Pfingsten and Livingstone Partners served as financial advisor for ACE. For more information on ACE, visit americancuttingedge.com, better-tools.com and glknife.com.
About Pfingsten
Pfingsten is an operationally focused private equity firm formed in 1989. From its headquarters in Chicago, the firm builds better businesses through operational improvements, professional management practices, global capabilities and profitable business growth. Since completing its first investment in 1991, Pfingsten has raised six investment funds with total commitments of approximately $1.8 billion and has acquired 173 manufacturing, distribution and business services companies. For more information, visit pfingsten.com.
