News

Acquisition

Houston, TX September 08, 2021

Fencing Supply Group, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes Acquisition of Capitol Wholesale Fence Company

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”) today announced that it has acquired Capitol Wholesale Fence Company, Inc. (“Capitol”). FSG is a group of industry-leading distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Capitol is a full-service fencing supplier for commercial, industrial, and residential customers with branches in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Olive Branch, Mississippi.

“I am excited that Capitol and its more than 80 employees will join our growing family of distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products in North America,” said Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO. “This is an extraordinary development for FSG, for Capitol, and for our customers, people, and suppliers.”

“The addition of Capitol boosts FSG’s presence and supply network with an outstanding distributor and talented fence professionals,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields. “The added locations offer further opportunities to expand the business and products and to provide customers more choices from the local people they already know.”

“Joining FSG is the best choice for Capitol, and we are thrilled about our future,” commented Lisa Harrison, CEO of Capitol. “Over the past 56 years, we have partnered with our customers and suppliers and have built a strong business. I believe that by joining forces with FSG, we will be in a better position for continued growth.”

Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas. 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. Capitol Wholesale Fence Company is the seventh acquisition for the Fencing Supply platform.

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 and manufacturer of fencing and outdoor living 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 Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, Pro Access Systems, and Sharon Fence Distributors, which collectively operate 60 branches across 30 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 60 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

Houston, TX September 02, 2021

The Sterling Group Completes the Acquisition of L&S Mechanical

The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), an operationally focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of L&S Mechanical (“L&S”), a leading tri-trade provider of turnkey plumbing, HVAC and electrical installation services in the Texas residential market. Founded in 1985, L&S is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, and serves large production homebuilders in Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin through its five production warehouses.

“Thomas Mozjesik and his team pioneered the tri-trade model in Texas,” said Greg Elliott, Partner at The Sterling Group. “We are excited to partner with the team to continue to expand that model in both Texas and other states.”

“Sterling’s ‘roll up your sleeves’ approach combined with their experience and success in building products are what make them a great fit for L&S,” said Thomas Mozjesik, President of L&S Mechanical. “With Sterling as our partner, we will accelerate our growth plans.”

Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution and services industries, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, Artisan Design Group, and Fencing Supply Group.

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 60 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 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.



Acquisition

Houston, TX August 03, 2021

Fencing Supply Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Grows with Acquisition of Sharon Fence Distributors

Fencing Supply Group (FSG), a group of industry-leading distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products, today announced that it has acquired Sharon Fence Distributors.  Sharon Fence is a full-service fencing supply and manufacturer based in Sharon, Pennsylvania, with additional locations in Buffalo, New York, and Columbus, Ohio. Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group.

“We have admired Sharon Fence, and we are excited and delighted they are joining our FSG team as we build the premier fencing distribution, manufacturing, and outdoor living products company in North America for our customers, suppliers, and people,” said Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO.

“Sharon Fence is a fantastic addition whose three locations increase the FSG footprint and extend our service area in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Western New York. Customers will have greater choices and expanded product offerings for their fencing and outdoor living projects from a first-class distributor,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields.

“Joining FSG is the absolute right next step for our company and our people. We found the perfect partner to increase our capacity to serve our customers, to expand our product lines, and to offer our people more opportunities where they can thrive,” commented David Smith, president of Sharon Fence Distributors.

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.

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 Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, and Pro Access Systems, which collectively operate 53 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 59 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.



Acquisition

Dallas, TX August 02, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Builder’s Alliance

Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Builder’s Alliance LLC (“Builder’s Alliance”). Headquartered in Houston, TX, Builder’s Alliance is the largest independent supplier and installer of cabinets in Texas.

“We are excited to secure a foothold in cabinets in the Texas market through ADG’s partnership with Builder’s Alliance,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph of Artisan Design Group. “This acquisition will enable ADG to make significant advances on our bundled service offerings, and we look forward to working with Chad Hall, Larry Acevedo, Trent Smith, and the great team they have put together.”

“Builder’s Alliance has grown significantly in recent years, maintaining a great reputation for our operations, quality, and customer service. We believe ADG is the perfect partner to help us continue our operational growth and better serve our customers,” said Chad Hall, President and Co-Founder of Builder’s Alliance.

ADG is a provider of design, procurement, and installation services for flooring, cabinets and countertops, serving homebuilders, multi-family developers and institutional property owners. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 135 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 2,500 personnel across 25 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed eleven acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed nineteen 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 59 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.



Acquisition

Houston, TX June 28, 2021

Fence Supply Inc. Forms Partnership with Fencing Supply Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group

Fencing Supply Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes Fifth Acquisition – Fence Supply Inc.

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced its partnership with Fence Supply Inc. (FSI).  FSG is a group of industry-leading distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products. Fence Supply Inc., a well-respected and growing fencing and building material distributor based in Sunnyvale, Texas, is a single-branch operation that provides product and service to commercial, industrial, and residential customers in the Dallas Metroplex and surrounding areas.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Fence Supply Inc. team to the FSG family. With the addition of FSI, FSG further strengthens its position as the national leader in fence manufacturing, distribution, and outdoor living products,” said Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO.

“The FSI partnership adds scale and outstanding fence expertise in a key market with growing demand,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields. “FSI will continue to execute exceptional local service while leveraging the benefits of FSG for our customers, employees and suppliers.”

“Fence Supply Inc. was born from the idea that customers should have access to quality fencing materials and components in one place, and service was a top priority,” said Chris Brown, President of Fencing Supply Inc. “The next logical step for FSI was to take the business to the next level of value creation, and through our partnership with FSG we will have the ability do even more for our customers and employees.”

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.  Sterling intends to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy. FSI is the fifth acquisition for the Fencing Supply platform. FSG acquired Merchants Metals, Binford Supply, Cedar Supply and Pro Access 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 Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, and Pro Access Systems, which collectively operate 53 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 59 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.



Acquisition

Houston, TX June 09, 2021

The Sterling Group Forms New PET Recycling Platform, Evergreen

Carves Out Evergreen Recycling from Greenbridge Packaging and Acquires CarbonLITE’s Riverside, California Facility

The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm, today announced the formation of a new PET recycling platform company, Evergreen. Sterling executed the carve-out of Evergreen, the recycling division of current portfolio company, Greenbridge Packaging, and merged it with the Riverside, California assets of CarbonLITE, acquired through a 363 bankruptcy process.

The combined business positions Evergreen as one of the nation’s largest PET recyclers, collecting and processing over one billion post-consumer PET bottles annually at facilities in Clyde, Ohio and Riverside, California. Evergreen’s operations clean, sort, wash and grind post-consumer plastic bottles into recycled PET (“rPET”) flakes and pellets that are then extruded for use by bottle manufacturers and other customers. With increased legislation requiring recycled content in packaging and growing public commitment to the use of post-consumer content in plastic packaging, Evergreen is well positioned to help customers increase recycled content in their products. Evergreen is expected to double its manufacturing capacity of food grade rPET at its Clyde facility over the next year, with a major expansion project underway to add capacity and enhanced recycling capabilities.

“The combination of these two businesses creates a growing national supplier that is well equipped to help its major consumer packaged goods customers increase recycled content in their packaging and thus lessen their impact on the environment,” said Scott MacLaren, Partner at The Sterling Group. “We look forward to Partnering with management to bring our collective decades of experience operating recycling facilities to the continued expansion of Evergreen.”

“We are focused on elevating our commitment to rPET bottle-to-bottle recycling,” said Omar Abuaita, CEO of Evergreen. “This is an exciting time; Riverside’s recycling and food grade rPET manufacturing capabilities are well aligned with the great team and operations we have in place at Evergreen and our plans to bring more high quality, food grade rPET to our customers.”

Sterling’s portfolio companies collectively recycle over 1 billion PET bottles and over 200 million HDPE milk jugs annually.

 

About Evergreen

Evergreen is among the nation’s largest plastic (PET) recyclers, collecting and processing more than one billion post-consumer PET bottles annually with the capability to convert those bottles to food grade rPET for reuse – in important step in today’s circular economy.  Evergreen is transforming plastic recycling and reaching increasingly higher levels of efficiency using advanced robotics and state-of-the-art manufacturing lines. Evergreen is a supplier of food grade rPET pellets and flake to many top global brands, helping customers increase recycled content in their plastic packaging, achieve their sustainability goals, and more fully participate in Environmental, Social and Governance programs. For further information, please visit www.evergreentogether.com.

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 59 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.



Acquisition

Dallas, TX June 02, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Great Floors

Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Great Floors LLC (“Great Floors”). Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Great Floors is the largest provider of flooring products and installation services in the Northwest.

“The addition of Great Floors will establish a new presence for ADG in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, significantly increasing our scale,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph, Co-CEOs of ADG. “Doug and Jim have built a team of highly experienced professionals and we are excited to welcome their founder-led business to the ADG family.”

“As the most-established player in residential and commercial flooring in the Northwest, we are committed to continued growth and believe joining forces with Larry and Wayne will help solidify ADG’s position as the national leader in our industry,” said Doug Chadderdon and Jim McGee, Co-Founders of Great Floors.

ADG is a provider of design, procurement, and installation services for flooring, cabinets and countertops, serving homebuilders, multi-family developers and institutional property owners. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 120 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 2,200 personnel across 25 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed ten acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed eighteen 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.

 



Acquisition

Houston, TX May 10, 2021

Frontline Road Safety, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of PK Contracting

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.



Acquisition

Houston, TX May 03, 2021

Cedar Supply and Pro Access Systems Form Partnership with Fencing Supply Group, Join Group of Independent Fencing Distributors

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.



Acquisition

Dallas, TX April 06, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Just Floors

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.