Will appear on Seller pages – RECENT SELLER ARTICLES

Exit Strategies Group Advises Gasket Specialties Inc. in Sale

/in , /by Ignacio Ochoa

Exit Strategies Group recently served as the M&A advisor to the owner of Gasket Specialties Inc, a leading West Coast manufacturer of gaskets and seals, on their sale to Tipco Technologies, a national provider of fluid conveyance and sealing solutions focused on hose assemblies and custom gaskets. Tipco is a portfolio company of Platte River Equity. Effective November 03, 2025, the acquisition enhances TIPCO’s existing capabilities and expands its reach throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.  With the addition of GSI, TIPCO’s footprint now spans 46 locations across 17 states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

 

 

Gasket Specialties is a family-owned manufacturer, distributor and servicer of gaskets, seals and related industrial products serving a diverse customer base. Founded in 1925, the company has three west coast locations in Richmond, CA, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Portland OR. The company has deep historical knowledge in producing a wide array of gaskets, seals, and related products, with a breadth of manufacturing capabilities that made the company an attractive strategic acquisition candidate. 

Exit Strategies Group initiated this transaction and acted as exclusive financial advisor to Gasket Specialties.  Al Statz and Mark Harter led the sales process for Exit Strategies Group.

“Mark and Al did a fantastic job working us on the sale of our company,” said Anita Gutierrez, owner of GSI.  “They walked us through every step of an unfamiliar process, exposed our company to a national audience of credible buyers, and procured an exceptional acquisition price for our business – twice the amount of the appraised value.  I would recommend Exit Strategies without hesitation to any owner interested in selling a business.” 

This deal demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s strong commitment to providing sell-side M&A advisory services to lower middle market manufacturing companies. Since our founding in 2002, we have advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. 

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

U.S. Grant acquired by West-Pike

/in , /by Exit Strategies

The Jarvis brothers first planted this vineyard, known as Union Vineyard, in the early 1860s during the Civil war, making it one of California’s oldest vineyards. In the 1960s, David Bruce owned the property, followed by Ken Burnap, who bought the vineyard from David in 1974. Ken built an on-site winery and established Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards. In the subsequent years, Ken produced wine that clearly demonstrated the vineyard’s quality. In 2004, the current owners purchased the property from Ken, and after replanting the six-acre vineyard, they waited patiently for the vines to mature before resuming production of estate pinot noir in 2012. The wines produced from the vineyard are known as US Grant and exceptional and of exceptionally limited quantity.

West Pike Capital with Kevin Boyer, Will Hailer and team will bring a substantial amount of marketing muscle to this project. If you are a Pinot Noir fan, these are wines worth seeking out. I’d hurry before WP puts them on allocation only!

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Tony Westfall at 707-981-0444 or tony@exitstrategiesgroup.com

Crow Canyon Software acquired by BizTech Ventures LLC

/in , /by Exit Strategies

Crow Canyon Software is an international workflow software company, serving clients across the globe. The Company offers simple and cost-effective by leveraging existing IT infrastructure, rather than requiring new hardware and technologies. Microsoft SharePoint, Office 365, Microsoft Exchange Server, and Microsoft Outlook provide powerful collaboration and communication platforms. Rather than recreate those functions in a separate platform, Crow Canyon builds upon existing collaboration platforms to give help desk and support staff the tools they need to provide excellent support without requiring any additional infrastructure. The buyer has AI expertise and will be layering AI components on top of the solution for next generation workflow management. Happy for Scott and team to get this transaction complete.

“Tony Westfall provided the guidance and experience I needed to bring this deal to a successful conclusion. He helped me navigate the process from the initial discussions through the LOI, buyer evaluation, and due diligence. His expertise was invaluable in finding the right buyer and ensuring a smooth transition.”

This transaction demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s commitment to providing sell-side M&A advisory and business valuation services to North American technology and software businesses like Crow Canyon Software.

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Tony Westfall at 707-981-0444 or tony@exitstrategiesgroup.com

Technical Equipment Sales and Airflotek acquired by Cleanova

/in , /by Roy Martinez

Exit Strategies Group recently served as M&A advisor to the owners of Airflotek and TES Clean Air Systems on their strategic sale to Cleanova, a PX3 portfolio company. Together Airflotek & TES manufacture and distribute custom fan filter units (“FFUs”) and other technologies for state-of-the-art cleanroom environments worldwide, serving industries with exceptionally stringent air-quality requirements, including semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology manufacturing. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

Founded in 1993, Airflotek designs and manufactures custom FFUs and stocks a range of high-purity replacement filter media at its state-of-the-art assembly and warehouse facility in Georgia. Founded in 1986, TES-Clean Air Systems is the California-based exclusive distributor of Airflotek FFU products for the semiconductor equipment industry. TES brings decades of cleanroom and semiconductor application expertise, supporting a global customer base.

Alan Schlesinger, president and owner of Airflotek said, “TES and Airflotek were two separate, closely-held companies that belonged together. Exit Strategies helped us navigate the challenges of consolidating, presenting and selling TES and Airflotek together as one business. Airflotek’s Georgia team is excited about their future with Cleanova.”

Jim Harris, owner of California-based TES said, “Exit Strategies’ transaction process attracted several strong strategic and financial investors and ultimately helped us select a great value-added industrial filtration partner in Cleanova. Joining Cleanova is a good outcome for our team, our customers, our suppliers, and all of our stakeholders.”

Exit Strategies Group initiated this transaction and acted as exclusive M&A advisor to Airflotek and TES. This transaction demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s strong commitment to providing sell-side M&A advisory and business valuation services to North American industrial technology, manufacturing and distribution companies.  Since its founding in 2002, Exit Strategies has advised on over 200 M&A transactions.

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Roy Martinez at 707-781-8583 or jroymartinez@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Advises Gasket Specialties Inc. in Sale

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group recently served as the M&A advisor to the owner of Gasket Specialties Inc, a leading West Coast manufacturer of gaskets and seals, on their sale to Tipco Technologies, a national provider of fluid conveyance and sealing solutions focused on hose assemblies and custom gaskets. Tipco is a portfolio company of Platte River Equity. Effective November 03, 2025, the acquisition enhances TIPCO’s existing capabilities and expands its reach throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.  With the addition of GSI, TIPCO’s footprint now spans 46 locations across 17 states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

 

 

Gasket Specialties is a family-owned manufacturer, distributor and servicer of gaskets, seals and related industrial products serving a diverse customer base. Founded in 1925, the company has three west coast locations in Richmond, CA, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Portland OR. The company has deep historical knowledge in producing a wide array of gaskets, seals, and related products, with a breadth of manufacturing capabilities that made the company an attractive strategic acquisition candidate. 

Exit Strategies Group initiated this transaction and acted as exclusive financial advisor to Gasket Specialties.  Al Statz and Mark Harter led the sales process for Exit Strategies Group.

“Mark and Al did a fantastic job working us on the sale of our company,” said Anita Gutierrez, owner of GSI.  “They walked us through every step of an unfamiliar process, exposed our company to a national audience of credible buyers, and procured an exceptional acquisition price for our business – twice the amount of the appraised value.  I would recommend Exit Strategies without hesitation to any owner interested in selling a business.” 

This deal demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s strong commitment to providing sell-side M&A advisory services to lower middle market manufacturing companies. Since our founding in 2002, we have advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. 

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Important Soft Skills That Every M&A Advisor Should Have

/in , , /by Al Statz

When business owners evaluate sell-side M&A advisors, most focus on hard skills: financial acumen, deal execution experience, valuation expertise, and a strong buyer network. Those matter. But here’s the truth—hard skills only get you so far. The best advisors also bring soft skills. These interpersonal and leadership traits often determine whether a transaction closes smoothly and maximizes value—or unravels under pressure.

Here are 10 important soft skills that every M&A advisor should bring to the table:

1. Emotional Intelligence. Business owners only sell once. It’s personal, and emotions run high. A skilled advisor can read the room, understand what’s not being said, and respond appropriately. Emotional intelligence helps navigate sensitive family dynamics, founder pride, and the stress of letting go.

2. Communication. Deals die in silence or confusion. Great advisors explain complex concepts in plain English, keep stakeholders informed, and maintain transparency. They know when to pick up the phone instead of sending another email.

3. Active Listening. Some advisors talk more than they listen. The best ones ask smart questions, shut up, and really hear the owners goals, fears, and non-negotiables. They also recognize unspoken buying signals.

4. Negotiation. Negotiation isn’t just about being tough. It’s about balancing firmness with diplomacy. Top advisors push hard on terms that matter and know where to step back.

5. Adaptability. Every deal throws curveballs, and no two deals are the same. Buyers change their approach, markets shift, diligence uncovers surprises. Advisors who can adapt quickly and recalibrate strategy keep deals alive.

6. Problem-Solving. Every deal has sticking points—tax structures, earnouts, environmental issues, you name it. Advisors who thrive under pressure and find creative solutions move deals toward the finish line.

7. Persistent Patience. M&A deals are marathons, not sprints. Buyers and sellers get fatigued, buyers drag their feet, lawyers bicker. Advisors who remain calm and patient but also persistent help everyone push through the rough spots.

8. Conflict Resolution. Deals create friction. Whether it’s between buyer and seller, or among shareholders, an advisor often plays mediator. The ability to de-escalate tensions and find common ground is invaluable.

9. Discretion. Owners need to be able to trust their advisor to behave in such a way as to avoid causing offense, and of course to maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

10. Resilience. Not every deal makes it to closing. Advisors who bounce back, stay positive, and keep moving forward are the ones who ultimately deliver success.

This isn’t a top 10 list, and of course, it isn’t exhaustive. Additional soft skills like having a keen sense of timing, being able to set and manage expectations, keeping ego in check, and building authentic relationships are also critical to success.

Summary

When you sell your company, don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. It’s the soft skills that turn good M&A advisors into great ones. If you’re exploring a sale or ownership transfer, you can reach Exit Strategies Group founder and President Al Statz at alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Delivers Successful Sale of In-Position Technologies

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group is proud to announce the successful sale of In-Position Technologies (IP Tech), a premier automation distributor and integrator, to Flow Control Group (FCG), a portfolio company of KKR. The transaction closed on August 22, 2025. Terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1998 by Neil Jacques and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, IP Tech has built a strong reputation for delivering advanced discrete automation solutions across a wide range of industrial applications. Their capabilities include turnkey Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) systems and modular automation platforms for OEM applications.

Exit Strategies Group advised IP Tech every step of the way — from preparing the business for market, to positioning its unique capabilities, to running a competitive process that attracted multiple strategic buyers. Ultimately, Flow Control Group emerged as the right partner, bringing not only a strong valuation, but also resources, scale, and a commitment to advancing IP Tech’s agenda. For Flow Control Group, this deal strengthens their industrial automation group with deep technical expertise and proven integration capabilities.

“The Exit Strategies team was invaluable throughout this process. They understood our goals and our business, guided us through complex decisions, and ultimately delivered a great outcome for our company, our people, and our customers.”
— Neil Jacques, Founder, In-Position Technologies

This transaction reflects our core mission: helping private business owners maximize value and achieve successful outcomes when it’s time to transition. Since 2002, we’ve advised on well over 100 M&A transactions. Our automation focus encompasses value-added distribution, control systems integration, manufacturers and custom machine builders.

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Advises Tek-Matic in Strategic Sale

/in , /by Al Statz

We are pleased to announce that Exit Strategies Group recently advised the owners and management of Tek-Matic, Inc., a leading lab automation solutions provider, in a structured sale process that resulted in a sale to Flow Control Group, a KKR portfolio company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Tek-Matic, founded in 1983 and based in Rockford, Illinois, is a national lab automation and engineered systems provider serving the biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and advanced manufacturing sectors. The company supplies thermal cyclers, precision dispensing platforms, software, robotics and precision motion components, along with enclosures, conveyors, and liquid handling systems. Tek-Matic supplies a broad lineup of lab automation technologies from leading manufacturers, and supports customers with systems integration, installation and startup assistance, training, and technical support.

The company supports both off-the-shelf and custom-configured solutions for applications such as PCR preparation, diagnostics, and high-throughput screening. Its engineering team brings deep experience in configuring modular systems that combine robotics and control, tailored to meet the specific requirements of laboratory and R&D environments.

Exit Strategies Group initiated this transaction and acted as exclusive financial advisor to Tek-Matic. Tek-Matic owner/CEO Chris Muldowney shared, “Several years ago, Al and his team conducted a thorough valuation of our business and gave us clear strategies to increase value prior to a sale. Two years after following their road map, we engaged them to run a sale process that produced outstanding results. We can’t say enough about the value Exit Strategies Group provides, and we wholly recommend them as an M&A partner to sell a company.”

This deal demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s ongoing commitment to providing quality M&A advice and execution and valuation services to automation technology companies.  We work with product manufacturers, value-added distributors, systems integrators and machine builders. Since our founding in 2002, we have advised on well over 100 M&A transactions.

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.

Exit Strategies Group Advises Starr Property Management in Sale

/in , /by Mark Harter

Exit Strategies Group recently served as the M&A advisor to the owners of Starr Property Management, a leading Central California property management company, on their sale to Galaxy Holdings, Inc., a recently formed private equity fund. Mark Harter led the sale process for Exit Strategies Group. The transaction represents Galaxy’s entrance into the national property management industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Starr, founded in 1998 and based in Sacramento, CA, is a residential property management company, with clients in Sacramento, Stockton and the California Central Valley.  Starr manages residential properties, including single family homes, condominiums, duplex / fourplex and apartment buildings.  Starr’s clients range from owners of one property to real estate investors with ten or more properties.

Its property management team brings deep experience in providing lean, low-cost management services based on years of streamlining operations and using technology enabled solutions to manage its property portfolio.

Exit Strategies Group initiated this transaction and served as exclusive M&A advisor to Starr Property Management. This deal demonstrates Exit Strategies Group’s continued commitment to providing sell-side M&A advisory and business valuation services to Western US real estate services companies.  Our real estate business expertise includes property management, valuation, brokerage, inspection, environmental consulting, building and landscape maintenance, construction services, reserve study preparation, and more. Since our founding in 2002, we have advised on well over 100 M&A transactions.

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For information about Exit Strategies Group’s M&A advisory or business valuation services, please contact us.

Exit Strategies Group Advises Burns Controls Company in Sale

/in , /by Al Statz

Exit Strategies Group has advised the owners of industrial automation solutions provider Burns Controls Company on their sale to Valin Corporation, a subsidiary of Graybar. Effective July 1, 2025, this acquisition adds market coverage and technical services to Valin’s growing industrial automation group. Transaction terms will not be disclosed.

Founded in 1971, Burns Controls is an industrial automation distributor based in Dallas, Texas. The company supplies electrical controls, fluid power, motion controls, sensors and modular aluminum framing systems to manufacturers across various industries, and offers technical support, light systems integration and contract manufacturing services.

“This acquisition is transformative for our team,” said Burns Controls President Pat Burns Jr. “With Valin’s enhanced resources and support, we can boost our ability to provide innovative solutions to our customers and enhance our legacy of providing unmatched service.”

This transaction underscores Exit Strategies Group’s long-standing commitment to providing M&A advice and execution to closely held North American industrial technology companies.  Our automation industry experience includes product manufacturers, value-added distributors, control system integrators, custom machine builders, and repair service providers. Since our founding in 2002, we have advised on well over 100 M&A transactions.

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For questions or information about Exit Strategies Group’s sell-side M&A, business valuation or strategic exit planning services, contact Al Statz at 707-781-8580 or alstatz@exitstrategiesgroup.com.