The Texas Growth Fund is managed by TGF Management Corp., basedhere. The holding company will use the acquired business, foundedin 1978, as its platform facility in the southeastern US as itscours for expansion opportunities in northeastern and westernsections of the country. Qualified Metal Fabricators providesturnkey services for telecommunications, medical and industrialmarkets.

In addition to the Texas Growth Fund and the acquired company'smanagement, other investors in the transaction are Dallas-basedHunt Capital Growth Fund II LP and Four Corners Capital PartnersLLC. Four Corners will maintain an active presence in theday-to-day activities of the holding company. The Texas Growth Fundhas more than $575 million of capital under investment,specializing in financing buy-and-build strategies, internalexpansion and buyouts of middle-market businesses.