News

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.

 



Team Additions

Houston, TX March 25, 2021

The Sterling Group Announces Promotions

The Sterling Group, a Houston-based, operationally focused middle market private equity firm, announces four internal promotions: Erin Arnold has been promoted to Managing Director; Johann Friese to Principal; Aryan Sameri to Principal, Commercial Diligence and Strategy; and Jacob Broom to Vice President.

Erin Arnold, Managing Director, rejoined Sterling in 2020 after having spent time at Sterling in 2013 and 2014. Erin has had an immediate impact in her first year back at the firm and in her role as Board member at Bad Boy Mowers.

Johann Friese, Principal, joined Sterling in 2018. Johann spent the last year embedded in Sterling portfolio company Artisan Design Group as a member of the senior management team, where he successfully established a Project Management Office and drove progress on a variety of initiatives.

Aryan Sameri, Principal, Commercial Diligence and Strategy, joined Sterling in 2019 from McKinsey & Company’s Houston office, and was promoted to lead Sterling’s Commercial Diligence and Strategy group this year.

Jacob Broom, Vice President, joined Sterling in 2017 as a founding member of the Sterling Credit Fund, where he continues to execute a wide variety of sourcing, due diligence and structuring responsibilities.

“We are pleased to recognize these four talented individuals, each of whom embody Sterling’s core values of partnership, passion and discipline,” said Brad Staller, Partner at The Sterling Group.

To learn more about a career at The Sterling Group, please visit www.sterling-group.com/careers/ or contact Claudine Lussier at clussier@sterling-group.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 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.



Team Additions

Houston, TX March 22, 2021

Fencing Supply Group Announces Leadership Roles for the Organization

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”), the leading wholesale distributor of fencing supplies in the United States, today announced the appointment of Andrea Hogan as CEO.

FSG was formed in early 2021 by The Sterling Group, a middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, through the acquisitions of Merchant Metals and then Binford. Each business is an industry leader in their respective markets, and in combination the companies represent a broader geographic footprint with the opportunity to continue providing best-in-class products and services to their growing customer bases. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources for the benefit of customers, employees, and suppliers.  FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets.

“Andrea brings proven experience in sales, commercial leadership, operational excellence, and supply chain management. These are all things that will make her an exceptional partner for our existing teams, customers and vendors,” said Brian Henry, a Partner at The Sterling Group.   Most recently, Andrea was the CEO of Merchants Metals where she joined as CEO in 2015 and led the organization through a complex corporate carve-out, substantial organic growth expansion and a manufacturing consolidation and improvement effort.   “Merchants Metals success is driven by a talented and committed team who are always ready for the next challenge. Spend 5 minutes with anyone from Binford and you immediately see intense customer-centric passion. These two teams are well-suited to come together to drive a superior customer experience,” Hogan said.  Prior to Merchants Metals, Andrea was Vice President and General Manager of Global Lighting and Solar at WESCO International.

Alongside Andrea will be Kyle GuillotJeff CookAnna Walker and Josh Griffin.  Jeff will continue as President of Binford and will serve as Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfield for FSG.  Kyle will become President of Merchants Metals and serve as Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing for FSG.  Anna Walker and Josh Griffin will serve as CFO and Senior Vice President, IT, respectively.

“These are critical leadership roles that will be essential to supporting FSG businesses and their branches. I look forward to their partnership in building the best, most capable and reliable supply chain for our customers.  The teams at Binford and Merchant Metals share an uncommon commitment to helping our customers grow their businesses, this combination of talent and tenacity will be formidable,”  said Andrea Hogan. “We have the best team in fencing.  Andrea, Jeff, Kyle, Anna, and Josh will provide foundational leadership critical to the success of FSG businesses,” added Brian Henry.



Acquisition

Houston, TX March 02, 2021

Binford Supply Forms Partnership with Fencing Supply Group, Joins Group of Independent Fencing Distributors

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.



Acquisition

Houston, TX March 01, 2021

The Sterling Group Forms New Platform, Fencing Supply Group

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.



Acquisition

Waco, TX February 15, 2021

Time Manufacturing Company, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes Acquisition of Ruthmann

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.



Team Additions

Dallas, TX January 07, 2021

Artisan Design Group Announces the Promotion of Doug Davis as President

Artisan Design Group (“ADG”) is pleased to announce the promotion of Doug Davis as President. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG is a leading interior finishes provider to the single family and multifamily industry, operating from a national footprint.

As President of ADG and an integral member of the Executive Team, Doug will continue to oversee the national-level sales efforts for ADG, maximize revenue opportunities through product cross-selling, work closely with the leadership of local entities to deliver outstanding customer value, and focus on ADG’s significant growth strategies. Over the last three years as ADG’s Chief Commercial Officer, Doug has successfully implemented sales strategies that leverage ADG’s national relationships, resulting in meaningful contributions to ADG’s growth and profitability. Doug has over 15 years of industry experience including several leadership positions at Mohawk Industries.

“We have no doubt Doug will continue to bring the same passion and energy to this new role as he has to his prior role and we are confident that he will be instrumental in building ADG’s future success. Please join us in congratulating Doug as he takes on new responsibilities at ADG,” said Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph, ADG’s co-CEO.

About Artisan Design Group

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. 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.



Acquisition

Dallas, TX January 06, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Substantially All Assets of Nonn’s Flooring Inc.

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.