Exit Strategies Group Advises Excelsior in Sale to Ryerson

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it recently served as the exclusive M&A advisor to the owners of metal fabrication and machining company Excelsior Inc. on their successful sale to Ryerson (NYSE: RYI). Deal terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1996, Excelsior is a California-based metal fabrication and machining company specializing in large-scale materials, assemblies and industrial millwright services. The company serves a diverse set of manufacturing clients in industries ranging from food processing to renewable energy, EV, oil & gas, agriculture and medical equipment. They have over 80,000 SF of operations in California’s Central Valley and Silicon Valley.

Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,000 employees in approximately 100 locations.

“Exit Strategies is delighted to have partnered with Excelsior owners Ray Roush and Heins Pedersen. Our process generated strong interest from both strategic and financial buyers, and Ryerson ultimately provided the best combination of economic terms and cultural fit” said Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group. “This deal illustrates Exit Strategies’ continued commitment to providing strategic valuation and M&A advisory services to U.S. manufacturing and industrial service companies.”

About Exit Strategies Group

Exit Strategies Group (ESG) is a leading provider of strategic merger and acquisition advice/execution and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland, ESG represents private companies on the sell-side and works with private equity, public and private companies and family offices on the buy-side. Its industry expertise spans all areas of advanced manufacturing, automation, business services, and food and beverage. Since inception, ESG has advised on well over 100 M&A transactions.

Al Statz is the founder and president of Exit Strategies Group. To discuss a potential business sale, merger or acquisition, confidentially, Al can be reached at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Announces the Sale of Catalyst UX

/in , /by Roy Martinez

September 30, 2022 (Silicon Valley, CA)

Exit Strategies Group advised Catalyst UX, a leading provider of User Experience design and development, on its recent sale to Unosquare.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon with offices in the USA, Mexico, and the UK, Unosquare builds custom software – and the required engineering teams – for cancer diagnostics technology, healthcare, fintech, and high-tech companies. Unosquare uses a proven model to provide fully Agile software engineering teams, BI, staff augmentation, cloud migration consulting, application development, QA/test solutions, and application support programs with more than 1,000 successful projects completed. Unosquare has been one of the 100 fastest growing private companies in Oregon three years in a row and was most recently on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the USA for 2015 and 2016.

“It was a pleasure working with Paul Giurata, the CEO of Catalyst on this transaction. We are excited about integrating Catalyst with Unosquare and appreciate the opportunity to play a part in bringing them together”, said Roy Martinez. “We think Catalyst and Unosquare are a great fit.

Roy Martinez is a business intermediary at Exit Strategies Group. To confidentially discuss a potential business sale, merger or acquisition, Roy can be reached at 707-781-8583 or jroymartinez@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Advises on Successful Sale of Walker Industrial

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it recently served as exclusive M&A advisor to the owners of Walker Industrial in their successful sale to Graybar. Deal terms were not disclosed.

Founded in Newtown, Connecticut in 1977, Walker Industrial is a value-added distributor of industrial automation products in New England and online. Founder Jack Ryan says this of his experience working with Exit Strategies Group, “Their understanding of our industry and our business was second to none. Their process attracted the best strategic buyers for our company. … This led to multiple rounds of bidding and resulted in having three finalists to choose from at very attractive valuations.”

Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group said, “I feel honored to play a part in every client’s story but working with Jack was extra gratifying because we’ve known each other since early in my career when I was running an automation manufacturing company. Jack’s exceptional life and legacy is an inspiration, and I look forward to seeing what he does in full retirement mode. Getting to watch clients explore new passions after a successful sale or recapitalization of their life’s work is one of the reasons I love the M&A profession.”

Graybar is a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services.

About Exit Strategies Group

Exit Strategies is a leading provider of strategic merger and acquisition advice/execution and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco CA and Portland OR, the firm has advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. Exit Strategies represents closely-held and family-owned companies and helps them optimize results in a strategic sale or recapitalization. Its industry expertise spans all areas of industrial automation products and services and advanced manufacturing. For more information visit www.exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Al Statz is the founder and president of Exit Strategies Group. To discuss a potential business sale, merger or acquisition, confidentially, Al can be reached at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Initiates the Acquisition of Ibex Engineering by Motion Solutions

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group has advised Motion Solutions, a leading provider of custom engineered positioning systems and a portfolio company of Frontenac, on the recent acquisition of Ibex Engineering.

Based in Newbury Park, CA, Ibex Engineering is a manufacturer of precision linear and rotary positioning systems for original equipment manufacturers.  The partnership will give Motion Solutions even greater access to the ultra-precision end of the market and bring advanced automated manufacturing capabilities, and give Ibex more resources to serve higher volume clients.

“It was a pleasure working with the leadership of Motion Solutions and Frontenac on this transaction. We are excited to see the combined team’s future success unfold and are thankful to have played a part in bringing them together!”, said Al Statz, President & CEO of Exit Strategies Group.

Motion Solutions, based in Aliso Viejo, CA, provides custom, application-specific engineered systems to OEMs and industrial customers in the medical, life sciences, semiconductor, robotics, and industrial automation sectors. They provide a complete selection of services, including electro-mechanical design, prototype and volume manufacturing, and engineering expertise.

Frontenac is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in lower middle market buyout transactions in the consumer, industrial, and services industries. Frontenac works in partnership with established operating leaders, through an executive-centric approach called CEO1ST, which seeks to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. Over the last 50+ years, Frontenac has worked with over 275 owners of mid-sized businesses as they address complex transition issues of liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning.

Al Statz is the founder and president of Exit Strategies Group. To discuss a potential business sale, merger or acquisition, confidentially, Al can be reached at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

$1.1 Billion Sets New Record for C.I.A. Members

/in , /by Al Statz

Cornerstone International Alliance (C.I.A.) members completed 146 business transactions in 2021, representing more than $1.1 billion in combined transaction value.

Cornerstone International Alliance is comprised of 25 industry-leading M&A and investment banking firms in the U.S. and across the globe, focused exclusively on serving businesses in the lower middle market. Exit Strategies Group is a founding member of the Alliance and our CEO Al Statz serves on its board.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to our member’s expertise, the strength of the organization and the global network it creates,” said Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance. “The members’ combined experience, resources and collaborative efforts are generating a new level of value for their clients in the lower middle market, and we’re excited about what’s ahead in 2022.”

The Alliance members typically work with business owners whose companies have $500,000 to $10 million in EBITDA or $5 million to $150 million in revenue; the primary services provided include business sales, acquisitions, and valuations.

“We’re always striving to find ways to help one another through networking and the sharing of best practices, which is the goal of the organization,” explains Al Statz, CEO of Exit Strategies Group. “All CIA member firms have a track record of success and high integrity. And together we are actively working to set the standard for M&A excellence in the lower middle market.”

Founded in 2018, C.I.A. members have completed over 3,600 business transactions.

Exit Strategies Group Celebrates 20th Anniversary

/in , /by Al Statz

I’m proud to announce that 2022 marks a new milestone for Exit Strategies Group – our 20th year in business!

I really appreciate those entrepreneurs and professional advisors who put their faith in us in those early days, and I thank the hundreds who have relied on us since.

We have grown slowly and steadily since 2002 through an interesting range of market conditions. Today we have a team of 14 accomplished professionals committed to providing the very best M&A advice / execution and business valuation services to owners of family owned and closely-held companies. Though still focused on California, we are now completing deals and valuing companies throughout the U.S.

I am happy to say that I still enjoy the same aspects of the business that I did when I started Exit Strategies Group. All of us find it extremely gratifying to help owners achieve successful business sales, mergers, acquisitions, estate plans, buy-sell transactions, management buyouts, buy-ins, stock ownership plans, retirements, corporate restructurings, and other important financial transactions.

Please join us in celebrating 20 successful years of service! And join us as we continue to serve, grow, adapt and have fun in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Al Statz, Founder & President, Exit Strategies Group, Inc.

Exit Strategies Group Announces Successful Sale of AAP Automation

/in , /by Al Statz

(Englewood, CO) Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it recently served as exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of AAP Automation on their successful sale to Ohio Transmission Corporation (OTC), a portfolio company of Genstar Capital. OTC is one of the largest industrial distributors and service providers in the United States. AAP Automation will operate under OTC’s Industrial Products Group segment. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1982 by C Hutton Smith and Robert Noyes, AAP Automation, Inc. is a leading value-added distributor of world-class industrial automation products and provider of custom engineered solutions. Technologies include motion control, sensors, pneumatic valves and actuators, vacuum, air prep, machine framing, safety and robotics. AAP is an authorized distributor for over 50 manufacturers, including many industry leaders.  AAP has three sales offices and two field service locations in Arizona, Colorado and Utah and has 55 employees. AAP’s footprint also reaches into Idaho, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

The Ohio Transmission Corporation Family of Companies has 1,400 associates serving 45 states from over 50 locations. They are a leading technical distributor of highly engineered motion control, pump, finishing, and air compressor products. OTC serves over 15,000 customers across diverse end-markets by developing technical and consultative sales, repair and aftermarket capabilities.

“Exit Strategies Group is delighted to have advised the shareholders of AAP Automation in a structured sale process. We received several strong offers for AAP and OTC prevailed with the best combination of financial terms and strategic and cultural fit,” said Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group. “This deal illustrates Exit Strategies’ continued commitment to providing strategic valuation and M&A advisory services to founder and operator owned industrial automation technology companies.”

Exit Strategies Group (ESG) is a California-based provider of strategic merger and acquisition advice/execution and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco and Portland, ESG represents private companies on the sell-side and works with private equity, public and private companies and family offices on the buy-side. Its industry expertise spans all areas of industrial automation products and services and advanced manufacturing. Since inception, ESG has advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. For more information visit www.exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Announces Successful Acquisition of Exoskeleton Maker suitX

/in , /by Al Statz

(Berkeley, CA) –  Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it recently served as exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of US Bionics, Inc., dba suitX, on their successful acquisition by Ottobock.

SuitX is a VC, industry and government funded company spun out of the Robotics and Human Engineering Lab at the University of California, Berkeley that produces advanced accessible exoskeletons for industrial and medical markets. Germany-based Ottobock is a global innovator of prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons. The companies are combining their expertise and product lines to take the exoskeleton market to a new level and foster the worldwide adoption of exoskeletons. Tony Westfall and Al Statz led this project for Exit Strategies Group. Deal terms were not disclosed.

“Exit Strategies Group is honored to have delivered a positive outcome for founder Dr Homayoon Kazerooni and his talented team and investors. suitX products improve the quality of lives for people with musculoskeletal injuries, reduce workplace injuries and improve human productivity in manufacturing, logistics, construction and other work environments. It is exciting to see these firms join forces to become the world leader in occupational exoskeletons, and we wish them all the best,” said Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group. “This deal illustrates our continued commitment to providing strategic valuation and M&A advisory services to U.S. automation and robotic technology companies.”

Read the full press release >>

Exit Strategies Group (ESG) is a California-based provider of strategic merger and acquisition advice and execution, and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco and Portland, ESG represents private companies on the sell-side and works with private equity, public and private companies and family offices on the buy-side. ESG has advised on well over 100 M&A transactions, in many industries. For more information visit www.exitstrategiesgroup.com

 

Exit Strategies Group Announces Successful Acquisition of Tri-Phase Automation

/in , /by Al Statz

(Milwaukee, WI) – Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that it recently served as exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of Tri-Phase Automation, IMAC Motion Control and i-Tech (“Tri-Phase”) on their successful sale to Flow Control Group (FCG), a portfolio company of KKR & Co. Tri-Phase is a leading regional automation solutions provider in the upper Midwest. The acquisition expands FCG’s geographic footprint and custom control panel capabilities in the industrial automation segment of their business. Deal terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1992 by Matt Miller, Tri-Phase is a leading value-added distributor and integrator of industrial automation technologies serving Wisconsin and Illinois. The firm provides advanced industrial automation technologies from many premier global manufacturers, including motion control, robotics, vision systems, machine controls, safety and sensors, and electrical panel components. Tri-Phase also designs and builds custom industrial control panels, sub-assemblies, and mixed technology systems. Its engineers serve as an extension of their client’s engineering departments to solve technical problems, reduce time to market, increase productivity and profits, maximize investment returns, and gain a competitive edge in their marketplace.

“Our relationship with Exit Strategies began with them providing an independent value and sale-readiness assessment about a year before we went to market. Al’s insights were invaluable in helping us position the company for a more successful sale,” said Matt Miller, founder and CEO of Tri-Phase. “Their sale process produced several strong offers, and they were instrumental in helping us choose the right partner and negotiate and close a deal that met the needs of our entire team.”

Flow Control Group is a leading solutions provider focused on technically oriented products and services for the flow control, fluid handling and process and industrial automation sectors with locations throughout North America. As a critical intermediary between suppliers and customers, FCG’s distribution and technical services serve an essential function in the movement of mission critical components to a diverse array of end markets and applications.

“Exit Strategies is incredibly pleased to have partnered with Matt Miller and the Tri-Phase shareholders. Tri-Phase Automation is an innovative company doing important work, and we share many of the same values. We are delighted to have helped them navigate this process and we wish them all the best in the future,” said Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group. “This deal illustrates Exit Strategies’ continued commitment to providing strategic valuation and M&A advisory services to U.S. industrial automation technology companies.”

Exit Strategies Group (ESG) is a California-based provider of strategic merger and acquisition advice and execution, and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco and Portland, ESG represents private companies on the sell-side and works with private equity, public and private companies and family offices on the buy-side. Our industry expertise spans all areas of industrial automation products and services. Since inception, ESG has advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. For more information visit www.exitstrategiesgroup.com

Exit Strategies Group Advises Shaltz Automation in Sale

/in , /by Al Statz

(Flint, MI) — Exit Strategies Group, Inc. recently served as the exclusive financial advisor to Shaltz Automation, a leading regional industrial automation solutions provider, in its acquisition by Flow Control Group (FCG), a portfolio company of KKR & Co. Inc.  Deal terms were not disclosed. 

Headquartered in Flint, Michigan, Shaltz Automation provides advanced industrial automation products from many global manufacturers. Final mile assembly, manufacturing, engineering services, system integration, application know-how and technical support feature prominently in their business model. Technologies include pneumatics, vision systems, robots, machine controls, sensors and other advanced industrial automation technologies. Founded in 1975, Shaltz is a critical partner to major OEM and end user manufacturers in Michigan and Ohio serving diverse end markets such as medical device, food and beverage, automotive, electric vehicle, electronics and packaging.

“We were looking to partner with a like-minded M&A advisor who could understand and promote our unique capabilities, market position and growth potential. Exit Strategies adeptly connected us with potential partners and ensured that we selected the best option and optimized deal terms. Al Statz and Adam Wiskind were with us at every critical step,” said CEO Phil Shaltz.

Flow Control Group is a leading solutions provider focused on technically oriented products and services for the flow control, fluid handling and process and industrial automation sectors with locations throughout North America. As a critical intermediary between suppliers and customers, FCG’s distribution and technical services serve an essential function in the movement of mission critical components to a diverse array of end markets and applications. This deal expands FCG’s market coverage in the industrial automation segment of its business.

“Exit Strategies was incredibly pleased to partner with Phil, Chris Carpenter and the Shaltz Automation team, as this acquisition provides the right opportunity for Shaltz to continue its impressive growth trajectory,” said Al Statz, President of Exit Strategies Group. This transaction illustrates Exit Strategies’ expertise and continued commitment to providing strategic merger and acquisition services to leading industrial automation technology companies.

About Exit Strategies Group

Exit Strategies Group (ESG) is a California-based firm that offers strategic mergers and acquisitions advice and execution, and business valuation services. Founded in 2002, with offices in San Francisco and Portland, ESG represents private companies on the sell-side and works with private equity, public and private companies and family offices on the buy-side. Our industry expertise spans all areas of industrial automation products and services. Since inception, ESG has advised on well over 100 transactions. For more information visit www.exitstrategiesgroup.com