XLCS Partners at 2025 AAAA Mission Solutions Summit

Our firm will be attending the 2025 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, hosted by the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), taking place May 14–16 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s summit, themed “Army Aviation: Ready to Meet Tomorrow’s Challenges, Today,” brings together the entire Army Aviation community—including active duty, National Guard, Army Reserve, government, and industry leaders—to focus on advancing aviation readiness and innovation.

As a leader in M&A advisory for the Aerospace & Defense sector, XLCS is excited to connect with companies supporting Army Aviation, including those focused on components, mission systems, MRO, and engineering services. Our deep industry expertise and transaction experience allow us to provide tailored solutions to business owners navigating mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and capital-raising initiatives. Click here for recent transactions.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce our firm and discuss the current M&A market, valuations, how a business sale process works, recapitalizations, private equity, or raising capital. If you are attending the summit and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact Joe Contaldo jcontaldo@xlcspartners.com or Noah Shertzer nshertzer@xlcspartners.com.

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally and is recognized for its vast experience advising owners of Aerospace & Defense businesses. More information can be found at www.xlcspartners.com.

About Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA)
The AAAA is the only not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing the broad interests of Army Aviation. With 82 Chapters worldwide and 20,000 members, its mission is to support the United States Army Aviation Soldier and Family. More information can be found at quad-a.org.

XLCS Partners Announces Recent Promotion

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle-market investment banking firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Reed McMahon to Vice President. This advancement reflects Reed’s exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding service to our clients.

Reed joined XLCS through the firm’s internship program in 2020 and began his full-time career as an Analyst in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. Over the past five years, he has demonstrated remarkable growth and leadership, earning promotions to Associate in 2023 and Senior Associate in 2024. His expertise spans various industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive and industrial equipment manufacturing, and fastener distribution, where he has played a pivotal role in numerous successful transactions.

“Everything in our firm begins with high integrity… every action by every person must be ‘To the Highest Degree,’” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner at XLCS Partners. “Reed demonstrates integrity day in and day out, transaction by transaction, which has led to his promotion. Serving our clients demands no less. Congratulations, Reed!”

In his new role, Reed will continue to lead deal execution and client advisory, contributing to furthering XLCS’s mission of providing “Investment Banking to the Highest Degree”.

XLCS is actively seeking experienced associate and VP-level investment banking professionals. Please visit XLCS Careers for more information.

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 advises Cima Aviation on sale to Jet Parts Engineering

XLCS Partners, Inc., an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services, is pleased to announce it served as the exclusive advisor to Cima Aviation (Cima) on its sale to Jet Parts Engineering (JPE), a portfolio company of Vance Street Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Cima is an FAA/EASA Part-145 certified repair station specializing in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aviation components. Renowned as a premier fuel accessories shop, Cima focuses on fuel metering units, hydromechanical units, fuel controls, main engine controls, APU accessories, and hydraulic components. The company has expanded its expertise into pneumatics, hydraulics, electromechanical units, oil accessories, and avionics, serving a diverse global customer base with an emphasis on quality, technical proficiency, and exceptional customer service.​

Based in Seattle, Washington, JPE provides high-quality PMA parts, DER repairs, and component maintenance services aimed at reducing aircraft maintenance costs and enhancing operational efficiency. The acquisition of Cima significantly broadens JPE’s MRO capabilities and geographic presence, aligning with its strategy to expand its portfolio of component repair and aftermarket solutions.​

“We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings to our customers and partners,” said Ramces Gallego, President of Cima. “Our goal has always been to set new standards in service excellence, and this move aligns with our vision of growth and innovation in the aviation industry.”​

“We are honored to have played a role in Cima’s successful journey. This was a fantastic outcome with strong partners, and we are excited to see the great things that this partnership will deliver to the aviation market,”​ stated Joe Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS Partners’ Aerospace & Defense team.

“With our rapidly growing team focused on clients with operations across the United States, South America, and Europe, XLCS continues to advance its position as the leading investment bank to the global Aerospace & Defense sector. This is a very exciting time for M&A,”​ added Contaldo.

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Cima and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner and Noah Shertzer, Senior Associate. The transaction was completed on April 9, 2025.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally and is recognized for its vast experience advising owners of Aerospace & Defense businesses. More information can be found at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners at International Door Association’s Spring 2025 EDUCON

We are excited to announce that XLCS Partners is now a member of the International Door Association (IDA). This membership marks an exciting step as we continue to build valuable relationships and expand our presence within the door and access systems industry.

XLCS has extensive experience advising companies in the building materials, construction, and home improvement sectors, having successfully advised American Building Contractors on its sale to Diversified Roofing Group, Vertex Service Partners on its acquisition of Kairos Roofing, Burrow’s Post Frame Supply on its sale to Morton Buildings, Trident Building Systems on its sale to Behlen Building Systems, and others. Click here to view transactions.

Members of our team will be attending the Spring 2025 EDUCON in Atlanta, GA, April 10-12 where IDA industry leaders will gather to share insights, trends, and innovations. We look forward to connecting with fellow members to discuss the latest M&A trends in the construction, building materials, and facility management industries. If you are attending the show and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact:

David Silva, Senior Associate | P: 615.379.7783 | drsilva@xlcspartners.com
Ford Heston, Associate | P: 615.379.7783 | fheston@xlcspartners.com

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About the International Door Association (IDA)
IDA is a leading trade association that serves professionals involved in the door and access systems industry, including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications. The IDA provides educational resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to support businesses in enhancing their operations and industry knowledge. https://doors.org/

XLCS to exhibit at MRO Americas in Atlanta

XLCS Partners will once again be an exhibitor at the Aviation Week MRO Americas Conference, taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 8–10 (Booth #14).

XLCS is a market-leading investment bank focused on A&D and has advised on several recent transactions for a global list of MRO shops, USM/parts distributors, OEM manufacturers/suppliers, defense contractors, charter operators, and other aviation service providers.

“This is our 10th year in the last 11 years as an exhibitor at MRO Americas,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner and head of XLCS Partners’ global A&D practice group. “No other investment bank has this level of commitment to the industry, and we look forward to strengthening our alignment for years to come.”

Whether you’re thinking about selling your company, growing with a private equity firm, or just beginning to put a plan in place, please contact XLCS to arrange a meeting at the conference or to schedule a private discussion.

Recent transactions include:
– Mitchell PMA sale to JetParts
– Innodyne Systems partnership with FCAH
– Salt River Aviation recapitalization with Weinberg Capital
– Aviation Concepts recapitalization with CORE Industrial
– Globe International sale to AFC

Pending transactions include:
– Niche component MRO (under LOI with a PE-backed company)
– Commercial component MRO (under LOI with a PE firm)
– Accessories MRO (under LOI with a PE-backed company)
– Regional USM supplier (under LOI with a strategic buyer)
– Structures MRO and Fabrication (under LOI with a PE-backed company)
– Aerospace consumables & PMA (under LOI with a PE-backed company)

 

About XLCS Partners

XLCS Partners, Inc. is an independent investment banking firm that provides M&A advisory, capital raising, and debt advisory for select clients globally. Middle-market companies and private equity funds rely on the firm’s creative solutions, thoughtful insight, and truthful advice when considering exiting their companies, making strategic acquisitions, partnering with private equity sponsors, and raising debt or equity capital. www.xlcspartners.com

About MRO Americas

MRO Americas is the premier event for the commercial air transport maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry. It is brought to you by Aviation Week’s leading MRO brands and provides the opportunity to connect with thought leadership, colleagues, and peers all while consuming leading content and sourcing top products, services, and technologies.

Contact

Joe Contaldo
jcontaldo@xlcspartners.com
+1 773-610-2070

 

XLCS Partners at World of Asphalt 2025

Our firm will be attending World of Asphalt 2025, the leading asphalt and aggregate industry conference and tradeshow, taking place March 25-27 in St. Louis, Missouri.

As a leader in M&A advisory for the industrial manufacturing, construction, and facility services sectors, XLCS is actively advising companies across key verticals, including asphalt production, road construction equipment, aggregates, material handling, and related services. Our deep industry expertise and transaction experience allow us to provide tailored solutions to business owners navigating mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and capital-raising initiatives. Click here for more details.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce our firm and discuss the current M&A market, valuations, how a business sale process works, recapitalizations, private equity, or raising capital. If you are attending the show and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact:

David Silva, Senior Associate | P: 615.379.7783 | drsilva@xlcspartners.com

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About World of Asphalt
World of Asphalt is the leading trade show and conference for the asphalt, pavement maintenance, and aggregates industries. Featuring cutting-edge equipment, technologies, and education, the event connects professionals from across the sector to explore innovations that drive business growth and industry advancement.

XLCS Partners at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

XLCS Partners is pleased to announce our attendance at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, taking place March 24-27, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. As the premier event for the transmission and distribution industry, DISTRIBUTECH highlights advancements in energy delivery, grid modernization, and utility infrastructure.

XLCS has extensive experience advising companies in the power, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Click here for more details.

We would love the opportunity to introduce our firm and answer any questions you may have regarding the current M&A market, valuations, how a business sale process works, recapitalizations, private equity, or raising capital. If you are attending DTECH and would like to schedule a time to meet, please contact:

Jay Cremer, Vice President | P: 629.263.7557 | jcremer@xlcspartners.com

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About DISTRIBUTECH
DISTRIBUTECH is the leading annual transmission and distribution event that addresses technologies used to move electricity from the power plant through the transmission and distribution systems to the meter and inside the home. www.distributech.com

XLCS Partners Expands Investment Banking Team

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle-market investment banking firm, is pleased to announce that Ford Heston has joined the firm as an Associate.

Ford graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He gained hands-on M&A advisory experience during an internship with XLCS in 2022. He returns to the firm after serving as an investment banking Analyst at William Blair, specializing in technology M&A transactions.

“Ford interned with us, giving both parties the opportunity to explore a potential career path, and we’re pleased to officially welcome him to the XLCS team,” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner at XLCS Partners. “He fits perfectly with our culture of high integrity and clear thinking—individuals who care deeply about the work they produce and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ford will certainly contribute to fulfilling our service mission of providing ‘Investment Banking to the Highest Degree.’”

Ford will be instrumental in supporting M&A transactions, financial analysis, and strategic advisory services across various industries.

XLCS is actively seeking experienced associate and VP-level investment banking professionals. Please visit XLCS Careers for more information.

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 at The Inspired Home Show 2025

We are pleased to announce that our firm will be attending The Inspired Home Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 2-4.

We remain active in branded and consumer products, recently advising Joe & Ross Ice Cream (sold to Glacier Point Enterprises), RPS Products/BestAir (sold to Freudenberg), and SiliPint (sold to E&A Companies). Click here for details.

“The branded and consumer product M&A market remains strong,” said Bob Contaldo, Chairman of XLCS Partners. “We welcome discussions on M&A market trends, valuations, private equity, and exit strategies.”

If you are attending the show and would like to schedule a time to meet, please contact Matt Crabtree mcrabtree@xlcspartners.com.

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About The Inspired Home Show
North America’s largest housewares trade show, connecting 52,000+ professionals from 130+ countries to discover trends and innovations. Operated by the International Housewares Association (IHA) for over 85 years. More at https://www.theinspiredhomeshow.com.

XLCS Partners at VERTICON 2025

Our firm will be attending VERTICON 2025, VERTICON 2025, the world’s largest vertical aviation conference and tradeshow, taking place March 10-13 in Dallas, Texas.

As a leader in M&A advisory for the Aerospace & Defense sector, XLCS is actively advising companies across key verticals, including structures, accessories, avionics, landing gears, consumables, and communications. Our deep industry expertise and transaction experience allow us to provide tailored solutions to business owners navigating mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and capital-raising initiatives. Click here for recent transactions.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce our firm and discuss the current M&A market, valuations, how a business sale process works, recapitalizations, private equity, or raising capital. If you are attending VERTICON 2025 and would like to schedule a meeting, please contact Joe Contaldo jcontaldo@xlcspartners.com or Reed McMahon rmcmahon@xlcspartners.com.

About XLCS° Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. To learn more about our firm, check out the short video at www.xlcspartners.com/video. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

About Vertical Aviation International
VAI is the world’s leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation industry. By fueling industry growth through connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for members’ success, VAI strives to leverage the power of vertical flight to strengthen communities worldwide.

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