May 10, 2021
Frontline Road Safety, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), today announced the acquisition of PK Contracting (“PK”). Frontline’s operating companies provide pavement marking and ancillary services to a variety of end markets and customers.
The PK transaction marks Frontline’s sixth acquisition since the platform was established in July 2020. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, PK Contracting is a premier safety marking service provider with seven locations in Michigan and three locations in Florida (where PK operates as McShea Contracting). PK is known industry-wide as an innovator in the safety marking industry with an unwavering commitment to best-in-class customer service.
“PK Contracting is an exciting addition to the Frontline family,” said Tony Plut, CEO of Frontline Road Safety. “This partnership will establish a new road striping presence for the Frontline platform in Michigan and Florida, further diversifying our operating subsidiaries and increasing our scale.”
“A partnership with Frontline will benefit our employees and customers alike, as we will continue to execute exceptional local service while leveraging the benefits of the broader platform,” said Chris Shea, CEO of PK Contracting. Consistent with Frontline’s goal of supporting best-in-class operating teams, Chris Shea and the full PK management team will continue to operate the PK business going forward.
Over the last several years, Sterling has developed an investment thesis in the road safety and infrastructure maintenance industry. Through organic growth and further acquisitions, Sterling intends to build Frontline into the leading platform for road safety solutions with best-in-class local execution capabilities. Sterling has a long history of partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to support the growth of their businesses.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 58 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Currently, Sterling has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
May 03, 2021
Fencing Supply Group Completes Third and Fourth Acquisition – Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems
Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems (Pro Access) today announced their partnership with Fencing Supply Group (FSG), a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. Cedar Supply is one of the leading fencing and decking distributors in the greater Denver area, serving contractors out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Pro Access is a distributor of access controls products, with five branches in Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, and Tampa.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems families to FSG. We look forward to learning from their experience, working together to grow, and continuing to deliver the best customer experience in the business. Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems are terrific additions to our growing FSG team!” remarked Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO.
“Partnering with Cedar Supply adds scale in a premium location within the high-growth Denver area with an outstanding local leadership and sales team,” Jeff Cook, FSG’s EVP of M&A and Greenfields, added.
“Pro Access Systems is a first-class addition to the FSG platform, bringing additional capabilities to key markets within FSG’s footprint,” said Cook. “We look forward to leveraging their value-added, industry-leading expertise in gates and access controls across the entire portfolio of FSG businesses. Don Parrin and Mike Wroblewski are well-known leaders in our industry, and we could not be happier to partner with both of them”.
“We are extremely excited for the entire Cedar Supply team to join FSG. It will be a great fit for our company. It will take Cedar Supply to the next level,” said Skip Thomas of Cedar Supply. “This partnership will allow us to service our loyal customers better and provide us with a springboard for continued growth in the future.”
“Joining FSG will enable us to take Pro Access to the next level and bring the deep access controls expertise and aluminum gate manufacturing from Pro Access to the full FSG platform” added Don Parrin, CEO and President of Pro Access.
Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy. Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems are the third and fourth acquisitions for the Fencing Supply platform. FSG acquired Merchants Metals and Binford Supply in early 2021.
About Fencing Supply Group
Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (FSG) is a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. FSG is the largest wholesale distributor of fencing supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources to benefit customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Merchants Metals, Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, and Pro Access Systems, which collectively operate 52 branches across 29 states.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 58 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
April 06, 2021
Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Just Floors LLC. ADG is a dealer of flooring products and services, providing design, procurement, installation and quality control of flooring and complementary products for homebuilders, multi-family developers and institutional property owners. Headquartered in Longwood, Florida, Just Floors is a provider of design and installation services for flooring and window treatments.
“We are excited to strengthen our footprint in North and Central Florida as well as provide our customers in those markets with a bundled service offering of flooring and window treatments,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph, Co-CEOs of ADG. “Just Floors is a highly attractive addition to ADG, and we are excited to partner with the Hart family.”
“Working with ADG will enable us to accelerate our regional geographic expansion and to further broaden our product offering,” said Phil and Lisa Hart, Owners of Just Floors, Inc. “As a family-owned business that has had a presence in this industry for over 30 years, ADG is the perfect partner for us and our children, Justin and Jenna, as our family continues to spearhead the expansion of our business with the mission to always exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 90 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 2,000 personnel across 23 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed nine acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed seventeen total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring, cabinets and countertops specialists.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 58 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
March 02, 2021
Fencing Supply Group Completes Second Acquisition – Binford Supply
Binford Supply (“Binford”), a portfolio company of private equity firm Building Industry Partners, today announced its partnership with Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”), a group of industry-leading, fencing distributors. Binford, one of the fastest growing fencing distributors in the country, is a leader in the Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado markets with 11 branches and 2 complementary manufacturing facilities.
Founded in 2021 by The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm, FSG is the national leader in fencing supply distribution. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets.
“Joining the FSG family of fencing distributors was the right next step for our entrepreneurial, customer-focused company,” Jeff Cook, President of Binford said. “We look forward to working towards the shared vision of growth in each of our businesses.”
“Binford is the perfect addition to FSG because of its strong brand, its legacy of wood fencing leadership, its customer service model, and its passionate and dedicated team members. We are very excited to have Jeff and the entire Binford team join the FSG family,” said Brian Henry, Partner at the Sterling Group.
Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives as well as an active acquisition strategy. Binford is the second acquisition for the Fencing Supply platform. FSG acquired Merchants Metals on February 26, 2021.
About Fencing Supply Group
Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”) is a group of industry-leading, fencing distributors. FSG is the largest wholesale distributor of fencing supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources for the benefit of customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Merchants Metals and Binford Supply, which collectively operate 46 branches across 29 states.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 58 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
March 01, 2021
Fencing Supply Group Completes First Acquisition – Merchants Metals
The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm, today announced the formation of Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”), a new platform focused on building a group of industry-leading, independent fencing distributors. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets.
Fencing Supply Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Merchants Metals (“Merchants”) effective on February 26. Merchants is the first acquisition of the FSG platform. Merchants is a leading national value-added distributor of fence supplies in the U.S., serving customers through 35 branches and 4 complementary manufacturing facilities across 28 states.
“Merchants is a nationally recognized leader in fencing today and we are excited about partnering with Andrea Hogan and the entire Merchants team to support them in continuing to grow the Merchants business,” said Brian Henry, Partner at The Sterling Group.
“Fencing Supply Group is a platform that will promote and enable growth for independent distributors of fencing materials nationwide. I look forward to being a part of the leading network of fencing distributors led by industry experts and entrepreneurs who come together to create value for customers, employees, and suppliers,” said Andrea Hogan, CEO of Merchants.
Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives as well as an active acquisition strategy.
About Fencing Supply Group
Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”) is a group of industry-leading, independent fencing distributors. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources for the benefit of customers, employees, and suppliers.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 58 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
February 15, 2021
Time Manufacturing Company (“Time”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, has completed its acquisition of Ruthmann, a European manufacturer of aerial work platforms. Time is a global manufacturer of aerial lifts primarily for the electric utility, telecommunications, infrastructure, and forestry sectors. Time goes to market via several brands, including Versalift, Aspen Aerials and BrandFX. Headquartered in Gescher-Hochmoor, Germany, Ruthmann has a long history of manufacturing high-quality, truck-mounted aerial work platforms in Europe, going to market under the brands Ruthmann, Steiger, Ecoline, and Bluelift.
“Ruthmann brands stand for quality and reliability, and we are delighted to partner with Ruthmann to grow our respective businesses together,” said Curt Howell, CEO of Time Manufacturing Company. “Together, Time and Ruthmann offer complementary products and services which allow both companies to better serve and to meet the demands of our global customers.”
“This acquisition brings together two complementary work truck and high access equipment manufacturers, expanding our product offerings, and better serving our customers,” said Rolf Kulawik, Managing Director of Ruthmann. “We look forward to partnering with the Time team to realize the many opportunities that the combination offers both employees and customers alike.”
The acquisition of Ruthmann is a significant step forward for Time Manufacturing Company in developing a robust product line that supports the many specialized access needs of telecommunications, electric utility and other essential end customers around the world. Time has international operations which represents a remarkable opportunity to expand and promote Ruthmann brands to a broader global audience.
Ruthmann is the eighth acquisition Time Manufacturing Company has completed under The Sterling Group’s ownership.
About Time Manufacturing Company
Time Manufacturing Company is a global manufacturer of bucket trucks, digger derricks, cable placers, truck bodies, buckets, and other specialty equipment for electric utility, telecommunications, bridge inspection, tree care and other fleet-supported industries. Through Versalift, BrandFX and Aspen Aerials brands, the company provides equipment to co-ops, municipalities, government agencies and corporations through its global network of facilities and distributors. Time Manufacturing Company employs more than 1,600 associates worldwide.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 57 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
January 06, 2021
Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, announced the acquisition of substantially all assets of Nonn’s Flooring Inc. ADG is a dealer of flooring products and services, providing design, procurement, installation and quality control of flooring and complementary products for homebuilders and multi-family developers.
Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, Nonn’s is a leading provider of installation services for flooring, countertops, cabinets, and appliances primarily to single-family residential homebuilders in Wisconsin and Florida. Nonn’s has provided high quality single-family installation services in Wisconsin for over 36 years.
“We are excited to expand our footprint into Wisconsin and to partner with the current management team and owner, whom we have known for a long time, to solidify our position as the leading turnkey supplier of interior surfaces to single-family and multi-family homebuilders as well as property managers throughout the U.S.,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph, Co-CEOs of ADG. “The acquisition of Nonn’s brings us some very talented employees, a large established customer base, as well as a beachhead for additional growth in the Midwest.”
“We view this partnership with ADG as a win for both our customers and our employees,” said Adam Nonn, CEO and President of Nonn’s Flooring, Inc. “ADG’s entrepreneurial approach was a perfect fit for us, and their capabilities and technology will help our team continue to deliver on our customer promise to provide best-in-class installation services for flooring and related products.”
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 100 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 1,800 independent contractors across 23 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed eight acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed sixteen total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring, cabinets and countertops specialists.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 57 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
January 06, 2021
Time Manufacturing Company (“Time”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, has agreed to acquire Ruthmann, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms based in Germany. Time is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of aerial lifts primarily for the electric utility, telecommunications, infrastructure, and forestry sectors. Time goes to market via several brands, including the Versalift line of aerial lifts and digger derricks, the Aspen Aerials line of under-bridge inspection units, and the BrandFX line of fiberglass truck bodies.
Headquartered in Gescher-Hochmoor, Germany, Ruthmann has a long history of manufacturing high-quality, truck-mounted aerial work platforms in Europe, going to market under the brands Ruthmann, Steiger, Ecoline, and Bluelift.
The transaction is subject to regulatory clearance and is expected to close in Q1 2021.
About Time Manufacturing Company
Time Manufacturing Company is a global manufacturer of bucket trucks, digger derricks, cable placers, truck bodies, buckets, and other specialty equipment for electric utility, telecommunications, bridge inspection, tree care and other fleet-supported industries. Through Versalift, BrandFX and Aspen Aerials brands, the company provides equipment to co-ops, municipalities, government agencies and corporations through its global network of facilities and distributors. Time Manufacturing Company employs more than 1,100 associates worldwide.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 57 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
January 04, 2021
Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Pacific Carpets, LLL (“Pacific Carpets”). ADG is a dealer of flooring products and services, providing design, procurement, installation and quality control of flooring and complementary products for homebuilders and multi-family developers.
Pacific Carpets, headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, is a leading turnkey supplier of carpet, hardwood, tile, countertops, luxury vinyl tile and other floor covering and surface solutions. “We look forward to further expanding our presence in California, particularly in the multi-family and commercial markets,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph, Co-CEOs of ADG.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 90 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 1,550 independent contractors across 22 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed seven acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed fifteen total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring specialists.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 57 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
January 04, 2021
Frontline Road Safety, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), today announced the acquisition of Hi-Lite Airfield Services and the hiring of CEO Tony G. Plut. Through its operating companies, Frontline provides pavement marking services to a variety of end markets and customers.
The Hi-Lite transaction marks Frontline’s fourth acquisition since the platform was established in July 2020. Headquartered in Watertown, NY and Bradenton, FL, Hi-Lite is the largest airfield-focused pavement marking contractor in North America. The company performs airfield marking and rubber removal services throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Caribbean.
“Hi-Lite is a best-in-class operator, and a perfect fit within the expanding Frontline family of companies,” said Brad Staller, Partner at The Sterling Group. “The Frontline and Hi-Lite missions are completely aligned, and we look forward to working together to continue to provide the highest quality solutions to our customers,” said Chris Miller, President of Hi-Lite.
Brad Staller added, “We believe the addition of Tony to lead Frontline as CEO will further strengthen our ability to deliver superior execution and service for our customers on a local level, as well as continue to grow our footprint nationally.”
“I am thrilled to work alongside Sterling with the shared vision of building a national leader in the road safety industry and am excited by what this latest acquisition brings to our platform,” said Tony G. Plut, CEO of Frontline.
Over the last several years, Sterling has developed an investment thesis in the road safety and infrastructure maintenance industry. Through organic growth and further acquisitions, Sterling intends to build Frontline into the leading platform for road safety solutions with best-in-class local execution capabilities. Sterling has a long history of partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to support the growth of their businesses.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 57 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Currently, Sterling has over $4.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.
The Sterling Group is an operationally focused middle market private equity firm that builds winning businesses for customers, employees and investors.
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