
Nine Decades
of Operating History
The history below describes the development of the Imperial Dade business, which today operates as Imperial Brady. BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc. is a corporate holding entity associated with that business.
How the business developed
These statements describe company history. They are not a claim that every entity named below remains a current subsidiary, or that each event was an act of BCPE Empire Holdings, Inc.
- 1935Foundation
Imperial Dade traces its operating history to 1935.
- 2007Tillis Ownership
Robert Tillis acquired the business and began a period of significant expansion.
- 2017Dade Paper
Imperial acquired Dade Paper and adopted the Imperial Dade identity.
- 2019Bain Capital
Bain Capital Private Equity acquired a majority stake in Imperial Dade.
- 2022Advent International
Advent International acquired a significant stake in Imperial Dade alongside the existing ownership structure.
- 2026Merger
Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS completed their merger in March 2026.
- 2026Imperial Brady
The combined organization launched the Imperial Brady brand in May 2026.
Ownership percentages, transaction values and current corporate structure are not stated here. Information currently being updated.