Financial Sponsor Coverage

Customized Solutions. Superior Execution.
Unparalleled Results.

Western Reserve’s financial sponsor coverage team maintains a regular dialogue with many of the most active North American middle market private equity firms, with a particular emphasis on those whose activities align most closely with our industry verticals of focus.  The sponsor coverage team helps to ensure optimal transaction execution for both corporate clients and financial sponsors by:

  • Maintaining a thorough understanding of each private equity firm’s investment interests, current portfolio and transaction history
  • Drawing on our professionals’ deep industry expertise and strategic relationships to create tailored investment opportunities and thoughtful exit options for our private equity clients
  • Providing our private clients with a comprehensive, carefully crafted selection of the most suitable and interested potential private equity partners
  • Working with Western Reserve product specialists’ deep relationships with senior and subordinated/mezzanine lenders to provide potential investors and acquirers with insights regarding potential transaction financing levels and structures

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Recent Financial Sponsor transactions

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    Main Street Gourmet

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to Main Street Gourmet in its sale to Clover Capital Partners LLC.

    Main Street Gourmet, headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was founded in 1987 by childhood friends Steve Marks and Harvey Nelson.  Today, the company is a leading provider of frozen bakery items, including whole grain and all natural muffins, brownies, cookies, granolas and other specialty desserts.  Main Street Gourmet is well recognized for its expertise in customizing recipes for many premier food retailers, bakery-cafes, in-store bakeries, restaurants and delis.

    Shareholders retained Western Reserve to assist in a potential sale of the company and the identification of a partner with the resources to support the management team’s growth plans.   Western Reserve confidentially introduced the company to a range of financial and strategic buyers and assisted in negotiating key transaction terms.

    In April 2011, Main Street Gourmet was acquired by Clover Capital, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles, California.  The shareholders retained an ongoing ownership interest to share in the economic benefit of the company’s future growth potential.

    Messrs. Marks and Nelson said, “Western Reserve’s expertise, wisdom and experience provided an immense amount of comfort and security throughout the process.  We were thoroughly impressed with their commitment to keep our best interests first while achieving our strategic and financial objectives.  We are truly fortunate to have selected Western Reserve to handle this transaction.”

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    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    LESCO, Inc. (manufacturing and distribution operations)

    Western Reserve acted as financial advisor to LESCO, Inc. (NASDAQ: LSCO) in the sale of its manufacturing and distribution operations to Platinum Equity Partners, LLC.

    LESCO, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the largest provider of products for the professional turf care segment of the green industry.  The company’s consumable turf care manufacturing and distribution operations represented nearly 80% of LESCO’s annual net sales.

    In an effort to improve shareholder value, LESCO’s Board of Directors engaged Western Reserve to divest the company’s manufacturing and distribution operations.  This would enable LESCO to harvest its working capital and utilize the proceeds to invest in its retail operations, pay down debt and return cash to shareholders.  Management could then execute on a focused, highly profitable professional retail strategy that should be well received by Wall Street.

    LESCO’s manufacturing and distribution operations were acquired by Platinum in October 2005.  Platinum, a Los Angeles, California private equity firm, was selected based on its recognized track record of success in corporate carve-outs, shared vision for the business and unique expertise in creating supply chain efficiencies.  In conjunction with the transaction, LESCO secured a long-term supply arrangement with Platinum for the manufacturing and distribution of its turf care products on favorable terms.

    LESCO President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Rutherford said, “The entire Western Reserve team did a terrific job in a very complex transaction. We greatly valued their creativity, strategic advice and execution capabilities.”

    In May 2007, Western Reserve acted as financial advisor to LESCO in its sale to Deere & Company (NYSE: DE).

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    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    ARNCO Corporation

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to ARNCO Corporation in its sale to Audax Group.

    Founded in 1974 as ARNCO Equipment Sales Inc., ARNCO is the North American leader in developing and manufacturing high-quality, high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) conduit used primarily by the telecommunication and energy industries.  Headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, ARNCO also manufactures and markets a fully integrated, cost-effective “system” of materials and placing equipment designed to make the entire cable installation process faster and easier.  ARNCO sells its customized products and system solutions to the power utility, electrical, telecommunication, cable TV, data communication and pressure pipe industries.

    The shareholders of ARNCO elected to explore a potential sale of the company for estate-planning purposes and to identify a partner with the financial resources to support the company’s growth strategy.  ARNCO retained Western Reserve as its exclusive investment banker who advised the company through a highly confidential, but competitive, process.

    ARNCO was recapitalized by Audax in March 2007.  Robert F. Smith, ARNCO’s Chairman, invested alongside Audax in the transaction.  Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Audax is a leading investor in lower-middle market companies.  At the time of the transaction, Audax simultaneously acquired a chief competitor of ARNCO’s, Dura-Line Corporation, and ARNCO was expected to benefit from the combined synergies of the two companies, including significant cross-selling opportunities and access to international markets.

    Mr. Smith said, “The Western Reserve team worked hard to achieve the best possible result for ARNCO’s shareholders and employees.  They gave us extraordinary customer service and were with us every step of the way.  They did a terrific job in working through the many details of the transaction.”

    . . .

    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    Quatech, Inc.

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to Quatech Inc., a subsidiary of DPAC Technologies (NASDAQ: DPAC) in its sale to B&B Electronics, a portfolio company of Graham Partners. Western Reserve also rendered a fairness opinion to DPAC’s Board of Directors in connection with the transaction. This represented the firm’s second engagement by Quatech, as Western Reserve advised the company in its 2006 reverse merger with DPAC.

    DPAC, headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, designs and markets enterprise and industrial grade wireless device networking solutions that allow OEMs to embed “Wi-Fi” modules into their product designs.  The company’s products are used in an array of machine-to-machine (M2M) applications and end-markets, including retail point of sale, healthcare, transportation, industrial automation and homeland security markets, among others.

    “This sale to B&B Electronics is a great outcome for all DPAC stakeholders,” said DPAC Chief Executive Officer Steven Runkel.  “Western Reserve was instrumental in identifying B&B as a potential acquirer, assisting us in efficiently clearing the market for other potential buyers and then negotiating an advantageous deal with B&B on our behalf.”

    . . .

    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    Signature Styles, LLC (portfolio company of Patriarch Partners)

    Western Reserve represented Signature Styles, LLC in its bankruptcy reorganization pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.  Based in New York, NY, Signature Styles is a direct-to-consumer marketer of women’s fashion apparel comprising three distinct brands: Spiegel, Newport News and Shape FX.

    Signature Styles commenced a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in June and filed a motion to sell the company to a stalking horse bidder, Artemiss, LLC.  Artemiss had entered into an asset purchase agreement for aggregate consideration of the assumption of certain liabilities and obligations of the company.  In its final form, Artemiss also paid cash consideration of $2.0 million to unsecured creditors.

    In accordance with procedures approved by the bankruptcy court, written offers were solicited by Western Reserve from over 270 other prospective purchasers to “top” the stalking horse bid.  Artemiss emerged from the process as the prevailing bidder, and its acquisition of Signature Styles was approved by the court on September 7, 2011.

     

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    Vision Care Holdings (Eyeglass World LLC subsidiary) (portfolio company of Summit Partners)

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to Vision Care Holdings, a portfolio company of Summit Partners, in the sale of its Eyeglass World, LLC subsidiary to National Vision, a portfolio company of Berkshire Partners.

    Headquartered in Lake Worth, Florida, Eyeglass World provides retail optical products and services through 62 vision superstores in 24 states.  According to Vision Monday Magazine, Eyeglass World is the 14th largest optical retail chain in the U.S.  Eyeglass World’s strategy is to offer value-conscious customers a large selection of high-quality, brand name eyewear and superior customer service at discount prices.

    Vision Care was in need of additional capital to execute its strategic plan in a difficult economic environment and engaged Western Reserve to assist in the sale of the business.  Western Reserve leveraged its expertise in specialty retail, and the optical sector in particular, to orchestrate a sale process that included conversations with the leading domestic and international strategic buyers as well as private equity groups with related interests.

    In January 2009, Eyeglass World was acquired by National Vision, the fifth largest optical retail chain in the U.S.  Western Reserve’s delivery of an effective and timely solution maximized the outcome for Summit and Vision Care’s other stakeholders despite a challenging economic environment.

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    Astor & Black Custom Clothiers, Ltd.

    Western Reserve served as the exclusive financial advisor to Astor & Black Custom Clothiers, Ltd. in its recapitalization by Castanea Partners.

    Founded in 2004 by CEO David Schottenstein, Astor & Black is a leading purveyor of finely tailored custom clothes, including fully-canvassed, handmade suits, shirts and casual apparel.  The company, based in Columbus, Ohio, utilizes its network of professional clothiers and cutting-edge internet technologies to offer unparalleled product quality, customer service and price points relative to those offered by conventional department store brands and shop-owner tailors.  Astor & Black counts high profile business executives, professional athletes and celebrities among its customers and is the official clothier of Bentley Motors.

    Mr. Schottenstein sought to bring on a private equity investor to both achieve partial liquidity and partner with an experienced operator of luxury apparel companies to help develop and execute the company’s growth plans.  Through a competitive, yet highly confidential process, Western Reserve introduced Astor & Black to a range of financial partners and managed the marketing and transaction negotiation processes.

    Astor & Black was recapitalized by Castanea in March 2011. Castanea Partners, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private equity firm that owns branded consumer product companies such as Betsey Johnson, Ippolita, Urban Decay and Donald Pliner, among others.

    Mr. Schottenstein said, “Western Reserve’s team provided an incredible amount of insight and assistance throughout this process.  Their team members were helpful, responsive and ensured that we achieved the desired result.  Matching us with a sterling firm like Castanea will enable us to continue our rapid growth.  I could not have been more pleased.”

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    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    Avtron Manufacturing, Inc.

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to Avtron Manufacturing, Inc. in its recapitalization by Morgenthaler Partners.

    Avtron, headquartered in Independence, Ohio, designs, engineers and manufactures highly technical electrical control and test equipment for several industries including aerospace, metals, mining, pulp and paper and alternative energy.  The Company operates in three divisions: Aerospace, Industrial Automation and Load Banks.  The Aerospace Division manufactures test equipment for airplane components.  The Industrial Automation Division manufactures encoders and industrial automation systems used in various manufacturing and heavy industrial applications.  The Load Bank Division manufactures equipment to test back-up power generators and alternative energy sources.

    The shareholders of Avtron engaged Western Reserve as its exclusive investment banker to assist in exploring the sale of the company to achieve liquidity and initiate a succession plan for senior management.  Western Reserve introduced Avtron to a select group of buyers, assisted in negotiating the terms and conditions of the deal and helped draft the definitive purchase agreement.

    Avtron was recapitalized by Morgenthaler in November 2007.  Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Morgenthaler is a private equity firm specializing in middle market investments.  Through a complex deal structure, which maximized the value paid to shareholders, Avtron created three separate LLCs that were subsequently acquired by Morgenthaler Partners.  The shareholders of Avtron reinvested, side-by-side, with Morgenthaler to retain a significant ownership interest in the company and share in the economic benefit of the company’s future growth potential.  They continue to manage the business.

    Bob Fritz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Avtron, said, “Western Reserve went beyond my concept of what was included in marketing a company.  During crucial stages in the deal process, Western Reserve not only advised us on what needed to be done, but stepped in and did it.”

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    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.

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    Fairmount Minerals

    Western Reserve provided the fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of FML Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Fairmount Minerals) in its sale to American Securities.

    Headquartered in Chardon, Ohio, Fairmount is one of the largest producers of industrial sand in the U.S. At the time of the transaction, approximately 80% of the company’s sales were tied to the oil and natural gas production markets, with the remainder going to commercial and industrial uses, including foundries, construction, golf courses, artificial turfs, etc.

    To provide liquidity to certain of Fairmount’s shareholders, the company entered into an agreement to sell a 51% common equity stake to American Securities. Western Reserve was engaged to provide Fairmount’s Board of Directors with a fairness opinion, and the transaction was consummated in August 2010.

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    Galaxy Associates, Inc. (portfolio company of River Cities Capital Funds)

    Western Reserve acted as exclusive financial advisor to River Cities Capital Funds in the sale of its portfolio company, Galaxy Associates, Inc., to DuBois Chemicals, Inc., a portfolio company of The Riverside Company.

    Founded in 2002, Cincinnati, Ohio-based Galaxy Associates is a leading provider of specialty and performance-driven chemicals used in critical processes in the industrial, transportation and pulp and paper industries.  Products and services include coolants, lubricants and pretreatment chemicals used in metalworking and metal finishing; truck wash chemicals and truck washing systems; and deposit control and felt cleaning chemicals used in paper manufacturing.  River Cities Capital Funds, also based in Cincinnati, is one of the most active and experienced venture funds investing in the Midwest and Southeastern United States, with more than $400 million under management and over 75 investments over the past fourteen years.

    Leading the transaction for Western Reserve were Managing Director Joseph Carson and Director Charles Aquino, supported by Associate David Helsel and Analyst Alex Trouten.  On merging the entities, Mr. Aquino said, “Galaxy’s combination with DuBois represents a unique, synergistic fit that provides an outstanding result for Galaxy’s shareholders and a compelling growth platform for the company and its employees.  We are very excited for their combined futures.”

    Glen Mayfield, Managing Director and Co-Founder of River Cities Capital Funds, said of Western Reserve’s involvement, “Western Reserve provided excellent service and delivered significant value to Galaxy’s shareholders.  Their knowledge of our industry and attention to detail at every turn were essential to the success of this process.”

    Galaxy President Bill Oeters added, “I cannot thank Western Reserve enough for their help and support.  The entire team played a pivotal role in each phase of the process and worked diligently to ensure the best outcome for our various stakeholders.”

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    The testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals depicted and may not be representative of the experience of others.  The testimonials are not paid and are not indicative of future performance or success.