XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as exclusive advisor to Hi-Q Fasteners (Hi-Q) on its sale to LindFast Solutions Group (LSG), a portfolio company of Nautic Partners.

Based in Santa Fe Springs, California, Hi-Q offers a complete line of sems, thread forming and machine screws (inch, metric, steel, and stainless), in addition to a full line of spacers and standoffs and self-clinching hardware.

Headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota, LSG is the leading high-touch master distributor of specialty fasteners in the North American market and is a vital supply chain partner and superior sourcing solution to a broad base of distribution customers through its several product brands such as Lindstrom, Stelfast, Mega, Solution Industries, and more.

Nautic Partners, a Providence, Rhode Island-based middle-market private equity firm, acquired LSG in 2019 in partnership with management.

“We are excited for the opportunity to learn from Hi-Q and expand their capabilities while they can now leverage the significant supply chain capabilities and distribution network that LSG offers,” said LSG CEO Bill Niketas. “We think this combination is very powerful and will be a benefit for our customers, suppliers, employees, and others.”

“From the initial conversation we knew that Hi-Q and LindFast were a strategic and cultural match,” stated Anthony Contaldo, Partner at XLCS. “The process was very smooth and resulted in a great outcome for all.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Hi-Q and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner. The transaction was completed December 27, 2023, and marks the firm’s eighteenth fastener and industrial distribution transaction.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive advisor to Salt River Aviation, LLC in its recapitalization by Weinberg Capital Group (WCG).

Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Salt River Aviation is a niche provider of Auxiliary Power Units (“APUs”), APU teardown and disassembly services, APU subcomponents, and other airframe components. The company is known across the industry as “APU experts”, providing the highest quality APUs & APU subcomponents. Salt River Aviation targets some of the largest commercial aircraft platforms today, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

WCG invests in middle market companies located throughout the U.S. The firm’s current portfolio covers a broad range of industries including consumer products, manufacturing, business services, and value-added distribution.

“We look forward to partnering with Greg and Annie Crill and their talented team,” stated Chip Weinberg, Managing Partner at WCG. “The company has a strong track record of success, and we intend to continue this tradition by investing in continued growth while maintaining its reputation for customer service and delivery.”

“We are very excited and proud to have the opportunity to partner with WCG to continue our growth plans,” said Greg Crill, Salt River Aviation’s CEO. “With their experience and resources, we anticipate a long-lasting partnership. More importantly, from the perspective of our customer and partners, this transaction will be seamless as our entire team will stay in place as we look to enhance our business.”

“We are thrilled to have played a role in the history of Salt River Aviation and are excited for its next chapter of growth,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner at XLCS Partners. “As XLCS continues to strengthen its coverage of the global aerospace industry, we are seeing exciting things across the MRO and USM (Used Serviceable Material) landscape, including increased private equity interest in USM businesses.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Salt River Aviation and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner and Reed McMahon, Associate. The transaction was completed on December 18, 2023.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.