XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as advisor to North Branch Capital on its investment in Rabine Doors & Docks.

Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Rabine Doors & Docks provides mission-critical commercial door, dock, and security solutions to industrial, commercial, and retail customers across the Midwest. The company has built a strong reputation for its high-quality service, technical expertise, and ability to deliver tailored solutions for complex facility needs.

Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, North Branch is a middle market private equity firm that partners with founder- and family-owned businesses in the industrial, business services, and distribution sectors. With deep operational experience, North Branch takes a hands-on approach to accelerating growth and building long-term value.

This marks the second transaction XLCS has completed with North Branch, following its acquisition of Blind & Sons in 2020.

“We have built a close relationship with XLCS over the years, and they operate with the highest integrity,” said TJ Gaul, Partner at North Branch. “They are people you can trust to always do right by their clients. We appreciate their assistance with the Rabine Doors & Docks and Blind & Sons acquisitions and would highly recommend XLCS to any business owner seeking an investment banker.”

XLCS acted as buyside advisor to North Branch in connection with its investment in Rabine Doors & Docks, which was completed on June 30, 2025. The engagement was supported by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and David Silva, Senior Associate.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

XLCS Partners, Inc., an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services, is pleased to announce it served as the exclusive advisor to NSL Aerospace on its sale to Bron Tapes, a portfolio company of Rotunda Capital Partners.

Based in Magnolia, Texas, NSL has been a trusted supplier to the aviation industry since 1989. The company provides aerospace-approved adhesives, silicones, sealants, and surface preparation products, with proprietary PMA products and repackaging capabilities. NSL is AS 9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, Nadcap accredited, and serves a global customer base of MROs, airlines, OEMs, and chemical management firms.

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Bron is the premier producer, converter, and distributor of pressure-sensitive tapes, adhesives, and innovative solutions in North America. With 11 production and distribution centers across the United States, Bron supports more than 13,000 customers in over 50 countries across a wide range of end markets, including aerospace and defense, automotive, electronics, building and construction, medical, and general manufacturing.

As part of the transaction, NSL will continue to operate under its established brand as a division of Bron Aerotech. This alignment preserves NSL’s trusted market presence while providing greater resources to expand product offerings and elevate service to customers around the world.

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to NSL, and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner, and Noah Shertzer, Senior Associate. The transaction was completed on July 31, 2025.

“The XLCS team was truly exceptional,” said Jim Carney, President of NSL. “Their expertise in aerospace M&A is unmatched. Joe and Noah went above and beyond at every step, guiding us with not only professionalism but also with genuine kindness and care. We are grateful for their dedication and the heart they put into helping us reach this milestone.”

“This process was a resounding success for the great people involved, and we are excited for both NSL and Bron on this partnership,” said Joe Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS’ Aerospace & Defense Group. “This transaction highlights the growing market demand for aerospace consumables, chemicals, and PMA products, and we are excited to be on the cusp of what we expect to be a wave of interesting M&A activity in the space.”

This transaction follows two significant PMA and DER/MRO transactions recently completed by XLCS Partners – CIMA Aviation and Mitchell PMA – both acquired by Jet Parts Engineering in separate transactions.

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, Inc., an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services, is pleased to announce it served as the exclusive advisor to AFCO Industries, Inc. (AFCO) on its sale to Fulton Asset Management (FAM).

Founded in 1946, AFCO is a premier, vertically integrated building products manufacturer of Made in the USA stock and made-to-order columns and railings for decks, walkways, entrances, and porches, as well as millwork door products for residential and multi-family properties. The company specializes in aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and composite products, and is one of the few manufacturers in the country with two seven-inch aluminum extrusion presses (1,675 and 1,800 tons). AFCO also operates a full-service contract manufacturing and CNC metal fabrication business that supports both its branded building products and a growing base of OEM customers. The company is headquartered in Alexandria, Louisiana.

FAM is a diversified family office with a long-term investment philosophy, backing middle-market businesses across the industrial, manufacturing, and business services sectors. FAM provides patient capital and operational support to build enduring value in its portfolio companies.

As part of the transaction, the AFCO leadership team will remain in place and continue to lead the company’s day-to-day operations.

“After careful consideration, we chose XLCS over a Big Four firm for their hands-on leadership and proven strategy to maximize value for our employee-owners,” shared Don Fowler, AFCO President and CEO. “Unwinding an ESOP can be complex, but XLCS was with us every step of the way. Their results-driven approach generated significant interest and ultimately delivered the best possible buyer for our company. I’m genuinely grateful we chose them to guide us through this process. If I ever had to sell another company, XLCS would, without hesitation, be my first call.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to AFCO, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner; Eric Schoendorf, Vice President; and David Silva, Senior Associate. The transaction was completed on July 31, 2025.

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

XLCS Partners, Inc., an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services, is pleased to announce it served as the exclusive advisor to RIM Enterprises on its merger with Alliance Air Parts.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Marion, Iowa, RIM is a global, full-service aircraft parts supplier specializing in the purchase, exchange, lease, and rental of aircraft parts and engines. Led by industry veterans Paul Copping, President, and Steve Bell, Managing Director, RIM is known for its creative solutions and deep customer and vendor relationships. With over 150 years of collective aviation experience across the team, RIM has built a reputation for reliability, flexibility, and technical know-how. The full RIM leadership team will remain in place post-merger. The combined business will operate under the new name RIM Alliance.

Alliance, founded in 2006 and based in Oklahoma City, is a premium aircraft component supplier to the business aviation aftermarket. The company specializes in the teardown and distribution of bizjet, turbo-prop, and narrow-body commercial aircraft parts. In early 2024, Alliance President Scott Potter partnered with ACapitalFund to lead the company into its next phase of growth. The merger with RIM accelerates that strategy by combining two complementary platforms with expanded inventory, capabilities, and reach.

“XLCS’ steady support guided us from start to finish, and Joe and Reed’s experience made the journey smoother,” said Steve Bell, Managing Director of RIM. “We’re sincerely grateful for their insight, patience, and hands-on approach throughout the process.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to RIM and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner and Reed McMahon, Vice President. The transaction was completed on June 12, 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, 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.