XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce it served as advisor to Alpine Investors (Alpine) in its acquisition of Innovative Systems (Innovative).

Founded in 1998 in Mitchell, South Dakota, by CEO Roger Musick, Innovative serves Telecom, Cable, Municipality, Power, and Utility providers nationwide. The Company’s mission-critical enterprise software solutions enable independent service providers to seamlessly manage their businesses, deliver modern network services, and enhance existing offerings. Innovative’s core products include eLation™, an industry leading Billing & Operations Support System (BSS/OSS), IPTV, a live streaming and cable television solution suite, and APMAX™, a hardware and software Voice over IP (VoIP) platform.

Alpine is a people-driven private equity firm and Certified B Corporation® committed to building enduring companies by working with, learning from, and developing exceptional people. Based in San Francisco, California, Alpine specializes in growing middle-market companies in the software and services industries. Alpine’s investment in Innovative represents its fifth telecommunications technology investment in the past four years. Alpine’s other telecommunications businesses include VHT, Comlinkdata, Tutela, and ShareTracker. Since 2017, Alpine has invested in over 40 software businesses. The Innovative investment comes from the firm’s $1B Fund VII, which closed in 2019.

As the U.S. expands broadband infrastructure and rural areas invest in Fiber To The Home (FTTH), Innovative’s offerings add increasing value for their customers and the communities they serve. The family-owned company sought a values-aligned equity partner with enterprise software and industry expertise to shepherd Innovative through its next phase of growth.

“Anthony and the XLCS team were an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the process,” shared Patrick Eble of Alpine. “They were indispensable in sourcing and executing this transaction and we couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Alpine and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner. The transaction was completed December 7, 2020.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to William Frick & Company (Frick) in its sale to Presco Polymers Opco, Inc. (Presco), a portfolio company of River Associates Investments.

Frick is a designer, manufacturer, and value-added reseller of specialty labeling and marking products including custom labels, signs, tags, markers, nameplates, and radio frequency identification (RFID) products to the utility (electric, telecommunications, cablevision), OEM, aerospace, logistics, and asset management industries. The Company was established in 1975 and will continue to operate in Libertyville, Illinois.

Formed in 1943, Presco manufactures safety marking products along with extruded engineered films and laminated products in two dedicated manufacturing facilities in Sherman, Texas. These facilities house custom compounding and extrusion lines, custom stake flag and tape converting lines for Safety Marking Products. Pro Line, a late 2019 Presco acquisition, manufactures tracer wire and safety marking products including detectable and non-detectable tapes for underground marking and locating. Frick adds to Presco’s portfolio of offerings and further expands the reach to existing and complimentary markets. Presco is a portfolio company of River Associates, a longstanding lower middle market private equity firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Having worked for 30+ years growing a successful company, my business partner and I knew the value of our business very well but had virtually no experience with strategic transactions and how to maximize that value in the market,” said Jeff Brandt, Frick President. “Bob Contaldo and the entire XLCS team guided us through the financial, operational, and emotional issues surrounding our decision to sell our business while creating a mutual trust between us worthy of titling them our “Third Partner” for the duration of the deal.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Frick and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. The transaction was completed December 22, 2020.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to SMF Incorporated (SMF) in its sale to Etnyre International Ltd (Etnyre).

SMF specializes in medium to heavy gauge metal fabrications for OEMs in the heavy industrial engine and power generator, wind turbine, and mining and construction equipment markets. The Company provides laser cutting, forming, welding, machining, and finishing services for industrial engine and power generation, comprised of engine oil pans and engine bases, general fabrication for material handling, forestry, industrial components, construction, railroad, oil and gas, and wind tower embedment rings. SMF utilizes the most advanced equipment, technology, and manufacturing techniques ensuring customer satisfaction and consistently high quality. The Company was established in 1972 in Minonk, Illinois, and expanded in 2013 with an additional facility in Anderson, South Carolina.

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Oregon, Illinois, Etnyre proudly manufactures a wide range of equipment that serves the asphalt roadbuilding industry, from asphalt distributors to chip spreaders and storage tanks to trailers. With this acquisition, the Etnyre group of companies now includes SMF, Rayner Equipment Systems, Bearcat Manufacturing, and E.D. Etnyre Co. This acquisition gives Etnyre additional manufacturing capacity to serve existing customers and entry into oil and gas, power generation, and wind power industries.

“We have known the team at XLCS for several years and have always successfully referred them to trusted friends that own businesses,” shared Paul Halvorsen, SMF President. “They have had great success in our area selling some of the most admired businesses and have not only proven themselves with excellent results, but have become known as top professionals throughout the investment banking space. Our specific deal required not only extreme attention to detail but also proper respect and diligence for all parties. We realized a superb deal even amongst one of the most challenging times in business and our country’s history. The whole team at XLCS performs to the highest level at all times and treats every detail as critical. From getting to know the client, compiling the CIM, populating the Data Room, to negotiating the best fit prospects and finalist, and inevitably closing the deal, I can truly say they are the best! We heard very quality comments from all of the professionals involved in our deal that the XLCS team was the best or as good as the best that they have ever dealt with. Any business owner definitely needs to consult XLCS before choosing the best fit investment banker to sell their business. You only have one chance to get it right for everyone involved and XLCS works tirelessly for this result.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to SMF and the transaction was led by Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner and head of the firm’s Metal Fabrication Industry Practice Group. The transaction was completed October 27, 2020.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to Blind & Sons on its sale to Heartland Home Services, a portfolio company of North Branch Capital.

Based in Northeast Ohio, Blind & Sons specializes in providing total home comfort, offering heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electric, and indoor air quality services. The Company was originally established in 1937 by John W. Blind to offer coal furnaces and gas conversion burners and has continually grown through repeat customers and customer referrals.

Headquartered in Macomb, Michigan, Heartland Home Services is a leading provider of non-discretionary, residential HVAC replacement and maintenance, plumbing, and electrical services. The company services homeowners in Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. This is Heartland’s fifth strategic acquisition since North Branch Capital became the majority shareholder in November 2017. North Branch Capital is a lower middle market private equity firm, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, with a long history of investing alongside and partnering with management teams in industrial businesses.

“The Blind & Sons owners and management team have built an exceptional business, and the strategic and cultural fit with Heartland and North Branch Capital was immediately evident,” said Anthony Contaldo, Partner of XLCS Partners. “We are excited to track their mutual success in the future.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Blind & Sons and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo. Completed on June 30, 2020, this transaction marks the eleventh facility and home services industry transaction for XLCS Partners, having previously completed several residential and commercial HVAC, plumbing, and building maintenance transactions.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to Metal Finishing Technologies, LLC (MFT) in its recapitalization by Battle Investment Group.

MFT, based in Bristol, Connecticut, provides finishing and coating solutions for high-precision metal components utilized in aerospace engines and industrial equipment, serving third-party maintenance, repair and overhaul centers, as well as original equipment manufacturers. The Company holds numerous quality and customer certifications, including ISO 9001, AS9100-D, FAA and EASA Part-145 repair facility, and NADCAP for chemical processing.

Battle Investment Group is an Atlanta-based private investment firm that seeks to support the long-term expansion and success of enterprises and management teams operating in the North American defense/government, aerospace, industrial, and telecommunications marketplaces.

Peter Mirabello, MFT’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Joe Contaldo and the XLCS team were professional and easy to work with. They set very accurate expectations of the process and timing and we were very pleased with how accurately they presented our business.”  He added, “the ultimate testament is that we could not be more pleased with our new partnership and our fortified position going forward.”

MFT’s experienced management team will remain with the Company under Mirabello’s continued leadership.

“We are excited for MFT’s future and look forward to a long-term relationship with Peter and his team,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS’s Aerospace & Defense Practice Group. “This transaction strengthens our position as one of the most active aerospace investment banking firms in the country and continues to deepen our OEM and defense expertise.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to MFT and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS’s Aerospace & Defense Practice Group. The transaction was completed June 30, 2020.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to TAG Aero in a merger with Unique Airmotive Services, facilitated by Mill Hill Capital.

UAS Holdings Company, LLC has been formed as the parent company and migrates both facilities under one brand, TAG Aero. The combined companies will bring together a leading APU repair station with capabilities reaching 20,000 aircrafts worldwide.

TAG Aero, founded in 2012 and based in Winter Garden, Florida, specializes in the purchase, sale, and lease of all APU models for commercial and regional aircrafts. In 2018, TAG Aero acquired FAA/EASA 145 repair station certification for the repair and overhaul of the GTCP131-9A and GTCP131-9B APU.

Unique Airmotive Services, located in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, has specialized in the repair and overhaul of APUs since 2011 and has in-house capabilities for the GTCP331-200ER, GTCP331-250H, GTCP36-150 Series, GTCP85 Series, and the APS2000.

Based in Naples, Florida, Mill Hill Capital is a private investment firm focused on acquisitions, recapitalizations, and founder liquidity events for middle market companies. Mill Hill’s team spans fifty years of investing and operational experience in aviation, aerospace, automotive, building products, medical products, and distribution.

“We are thrilled to play a role in creating one of the most exciting and fastest growing APU companies in the world,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS’s Aerospace & Defense Practice Group. “Advising both companies, UAS in November and TAG in March, is a testament to our deep relationships and coverage across the aerospace industry.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to TAG Aero and the transaction was led by Joe Contaldo and Jay Cremer, Senior Associate. The transaction was completed March 27, 2020.

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 Trident Building Systems, Inc. (Trident) in its acquisition by Behlen Building Systems.

Founded in 1986, Trident is a full-service provider of pre-engineered metal buildings, structural fabrications, and metal roof systems. The Company provides metal building solutions for a diverse group of industries including aviation, marine, education, health care, commercial, and the military sector. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Trident is a one-stop shop for building specialized projects and working with customers to provide best-in-class service.

Based in Columbus, Nebraska, Behlen Building Systems is one of three distinct operating segments in the wider Behlen Manufacturing Company. Behlen Building Systems specializes in pre-engineering metal buildings, and was the first metal building manufacturer in the United States to achieve the International AC472 Accreditation. Since 1936, the Company has manufactured and constructed frame buildings, rural farms, Eagle span designs, S-span designs and actively retrofits existing structures.

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Trident and the transaction was led by Brian Ytterberg, Managing Director. The transaction was completed on February 7, 2020.

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 it served as exclusive advisor to Nortech Packaging and Tishma Technologies in sale to Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. (IPG).

Schaumburg, Illinois based Nortech manufactures, assembles and services automated packaging machines under the Nortech Packaging and Tishma Technologies brands. Its custom-infeed and robotic solutions for packaging applications are designed for cartoning, case-packing, case-erecting, pouch-packaging and palletizing. Founded in 2001, the Company services customers worldwide across major industries including food, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, confections, personal care and cosmetics, and beverage.

IPG (TSX:ITP) is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper- and film- based pressure sensitive and water-activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, protective packaging, woven coated fabrics and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec and Sarasota, Florida, IPG employs approximately 3,600 employees with operations in 30 locations, including 21 manufacturing facilities in North America, four in Asia and one in Europe.

The acquisition will expand IPG’s product bundle into technologies that are increasingly critical to automation in packaging. With an installed fleet of more than 400 machines, the acquisition provides IPG with opportunities to supply consumables to the existing fleet, as well as deploy system-selling for new customers combining machines with ongoing consumables. The acquisition will add engineering automation and integrated robotic design talent to IPG’s existing engineering and design teams. Upon closing, IPG expects these new capabilities will allow it to service customers experiencing growth pressures that require a customized automation solution.

“Anthony Contaldo’s in-depth understanding of our business combined with the firm’s streamlined process, marketing efforts, and packaging sector knowledge produced excellent results,” said David Showman, Nortech Packaging and Tishma Technologies President. “We are very excited about the future and greatly appreciate the guidance and hard work of the XLCS team.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Nortech Packaging and Tishma Technologies and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner and Head of XLCS’s Packaging Industry Practice Group. The transaction was completed February 11, 2020.

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 MEDEFAB in its acquisition by Molded Devices, Inc. (MDI).

Headquartered in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, MEDEFAB is a full-service OEM manufacturer of plastic medical devices and components with a focus on single-use, procedure-based disposable devices. The Company’s customers include many leading medical device companies. The Company offers manufacturing from a basic tube to a complete range of secondary operations, including injection molding, tube extrusion, assembly, pad printing, insert molding, over-molding, heat shrink marker bands, stainless-steel stylets, packaging, and sterilization.

Based in Tempe, Arizona, MDI is an industry leader in plastics processing with process offerings including plastic dip molding, dip coating, rubber dip molding, custom plastic injection molding, thin-wall blow molding, extrusion, rapid prototyping, and numerous value added services including decorating and assembly. Since 1963, the Company has continued to expand and redefine its operations through organic growth and key acquisitions to become a premier, world class rubber and plastic contract manufacturer to the global OEM marketplace. MDI operates from 11 manufacturing facilities strategically located across the United States and Mexico.

“We are extremely happy for Tom and the MEDEFAB team. We truly believe they found the perfect partner to take the Company into the future,” stated Joe Contaldo, Partner of XLCS Partners. “The healthcare sector continues to be an area of focus for our firm as we plan the launch of a new Nashville office and add additional professionals with deep industry experience.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to MEDEFAB and the transaction was led by Brian Ytterberg, Managing Director. The transaction was completed January 20, 2020.

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.