Tag Archives: Mergers and Acquisitions

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Day Motor Sports, LLC

BALTIMORE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of Day Motor Sports, LLC ("Day Motor Sports" or the "Company") to Chief Executive Officer Dan Hamilton and Chief Financial Officer Stacy Hamilton. Prior to the sale, Day Motor Sports was owned by funds managed by Gen Cap America, Inc. ("Gen Cap"), a private investment firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

Since 1971, Day Motor Sports has been a leading bumper-to-bumper distributor of aftermarket parts and supplies for the enthusiast racing industry. Headquartered in Tyler, Texas, the Company is the preeminent supplier of dirt track racing parts in the Southern United States, with the ability to ship to all 50 states and internationally. The business stocks over 15,000 SKUs in its 46,000 square foot facility, earning the Company a reputation as the premier one-stop entity for its targeted markets.

Despite its origins as a catalog distributor, Day Motor Sports has grown its sales approach through multiple channels, including e-commerce, broadening its reach to retail customers, as well as local parts distributors, manufacturers, and institutional vehicle builders.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Day Motor Sports, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by William O'Flaherty, Managing Director; David Shoulders, Managing Director and Head of Matrix's Consumer & Industrial Investment Banking Group; Matt Oldhouser, CPA, Vice President; Sahan Pandey, Senior Analyst; and Hampton Massie, Analyst.

Mr. O'Flaherty remarked, "This transaction continues Matrix's excellent momentum in the automotive and enthusiast markets. We see excellent opportunities ahead in each of these industries and are glad we were able to utilize our relevant expertise in this transaction."

Mr. Shoulders added, "We are grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Gen Cap in this transaction. Our relationship with Gen Cap spans decades and we are pleased to have achieved a successful outcome on this important assignment. We also congratulate Dan and Stacy and wish them continued success."

Tyson Bickley at Holland & Knight LLP served as legal counsel for Day Motor Sports.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of Day Motor Sports, LLC ("Day Motor Sports" or the "Company") to Chief Executive Officer Dan Hamilton and Chief Financial Officer Stacy Hamilton. Prior to the sale, Day Motor Sports was owned by funds managed by Gen Cap America, Inc. ("Gen Cap"), a private investment firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Coborn’s, Inc.’s Holiday Franchised Fuel and Convenience Stores

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Coborn's, Inc. ("Coborn's" or the "Company") on the sale of its 14 Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores and one developmental site to Holiday Stationstores, LLC.

St. Cloud, Minnesota based Coborn's is a 102-year-old, employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois under the banners Coborn's, Cash Wise Foods, Hornbacher's, Tadych's Marketplace Foods and Sullivan's Foods. Coborn's entered the convenience store business in 1986 with its Little Dukes branded convenience stores and converted 14 locations to Holiday franchised stores in 2006. Coborn's operates several fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations as well. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn's also operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center.

Coborn's was founded in 1921 by Chester A. Coborn who opened a one-room produce store in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. Chris Coborn, a fourth-generation family member, is the current CEO and Chairman of the Board and his daughter Emily Coborn Wright, Vice President of Retail Support Services, and his son Peter Coborn, Director of Liquor Operations, are fifth-generation family members in leaderships roles.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Coborn's, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Spencer Cavalier, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Underwood, Managing Director; Nate Wah, CPA, Senior Associate; and G. Reilly Erhardt, CPA, Analyst.

Chris Coborn, CEO of Coborn's stated, "We are very pleased with the assistance Matrix provided in divesting our Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores. This is part of Coborn's overall strategy to focus our growth efforts on the grocery store market. Matrix's efforts have led to the successful sale of our Holiday franchise stores to our long-term franchisor partner, Holiday. The transaction provides continuity to our store employees and customers, as the stores will remain Holiday branded and continue to accept the Coborn's MORE Rewards program. Matrix did an excellent job at meeting our strategic objectives in the sale."

Mr. Underwood added, "Chris and his team have done a tremendous job growing the Coborn's family business. The family legacy is incredibly impressive with what they have achieved over the last century since the Company's founding. I am very pleased that Matrix was able to contribute to Coborn's future growth by selling the Holiday franchised stores to allow for more capital deployment for Coborn's strategic growth initiatives."

Robert A. Rosenbaum and Morgan A. Helme of Dorsey & Whitney LLP served as external legal counsel for Coborn's, Inc.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals, car washes and quick service restaurants. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 300 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Coborn's, Inc. ("Coborn's" or the "Company") on the sale of its 14 Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores and one developmental site to Holiday Stationstores, LLC.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Springer Eubank Company, Inc.

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- RICHMOND, Va. and BALTIMORE, Md., Nov. 2, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Wilmington, NC-based Springer Eubank Company, Inc. and its affiliates ("Springer Eubank" or the "Company") on the sale of the Company's assets including the travel center & convenience & gas division ("TC&G Division") and its delivered fuels and fuel transport divisions to an affiliate of Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc.

The origin of Springer Eubank dates back to the 1800's when Springer Coal and Eubank Oil began marketing petroleum products in the coastal Carolinas. In 1976, they merged to form Springer Eubank Oil Company, and in 2004 was acquired by W. Cecil Worsley, III and became Springer Eubank Company, Inc. Greta Stanley, Springer Eubank's Executive Vice President had previously worked with Mr. Worsley since 2005 at Worsley Companies (Scotchman Stores), and she later joined Springer Eubank in 2008 when the company sold. At the time of the sale of Worsley Companies, Springer Eubank was a sister wholesale fuel company that was retained by Mr. Worsley.

Springer Eubank's TC&G Division is comprised of nine company-operated convenience stores, one travel center, one cardlock, six dealer/agent operated sites and one greenfield landbank site located in the greater Wilmington, NC area, as well as eastern South Carolina. The convenience stores operate under the locally well-known "Phoenix Mart" banner, while the travel center is branded "Phoenix Travel Center." The stores market major fuel brands including Amoco, Exxon and Sunoco and three locations feature the Company's proprietary "Coastal Fuels" gasoline and diesel. Three locations offer QSR foodservice, including two Subways and one Jimmy Johns.

The delivered fuels segment operates out of the Company's bulk plant located near the port of Wilmington and distributes diesel, gasoline and kerosene to a variety of commercial and marine customers. Springer Eubank's fuel transport division supports both the TC&G and delivered fuels divisions and consists of a fleet of nine transports.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Springer Eubank, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Corbett, CFA, Director; Spencer Cavalier, CFA, ASA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Mickelinc, CFA, Senior Associate and Alexander Rakos, Senior Analyst.

Mr. Worsley commented, "I have known the Matrix team for many years and was aware of the outstanding reputation that they have in the industry. Their knowledge of the market and skill in executing a highly effective M&A process made them the clear choice when deciding who to hire as an advisor. Matrix was instrumental in achieving my goals for the sale of Springer Eubank."

Mr. Corbett added, "Cecil and the Worsley family have been well-respected in the industry for many years. Cecil has built Springer Eubank into one of the leading petroleum marketers in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. We were honored to represent him in the sale of the Company as he transitions his focus to his other entrepreneurial ventures."

Stephen Diab, Berry Trice and Lauren Williams of Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC served as legal counsel for Springer Eubank Company, Inc.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals, car washes and quick service restaurants. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 300 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Wilmington, NC-based Springer Eubank Company, Inc. and its affiliates ("Springer Eubank" or the "Company") on the sale of the Company's assets including the travel center & convenience & gas division ("TC&G Division") and its delivered fuels and fuel transport divisions to an affiliate of Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

FMTC Safety Accelerates US Market Expansion with M&A Safety Services becoming part of the family

HOUMA, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- FMTC Safety, a leading provider of comprehensive safety training solutions, is pleased to announce its acquisition of M&A Safety Services, a respected safety training company with two training locations in Louisiana: Lafayette and Houma. The acquisition enhances FMTC's course capability in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors and solidifies its position as the largest player in the USA safety training market.

Management

Bryan Aucoin of M&A will serve as the CEO of the USA Operations for FMTC Safety. M&A's Travis Martin will act as the COO and Don Romero as the CCO. Bryan Aucoin, CEO M&A Safety Services: "By becoming part of the FMTC family, we now have an opportunity to compete on a global scale, and our team will be an important part of the future growth initiatives for the USA Operations." Kaylab Verdin, FMTC's current center manager will lead the integration of both companies in the USA.

Team

Employees from both organizations will be retained, ensuring a smooth integration and preserving the exceptional service levels that clients have come to expect. "We are excited to join forces with FMTC and combine our expertise to deliver the best safety training services in the industry," said Bryan Aucoin, CEO of M&A Safety Services. "Our shared vision and commitment to excellence will ensure a seamless transition and continued success," added Kaylab Verdin, Center Manager of FMTC Houma. In order to leverage the strength of both brands, both FMTC Safety and M&A Safety Services brand names will be utilized in the market.

Continuous expansion

FMTC Safety is actively exploring opportunities to open additional training centers across the United States. This expansion may be realized through partnerships with esteemed institutions such as colleges, universities, and other educational entities, further strengthening the company's commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive safety training across the country. Additionally, FMTC Safety will be introducing new training programs, particularly in the renewables sector, such as Global Wind Organization (GWO) courses, and will start offering courses for the maritime industry (STCW) shortly.

About FMTC Safety:

FMTC Safety was founded in 2014 and has a market leading position throughout Europe. They have played an important role in the global market since expanding its operations in recent years into France, Belgium and Saudi Arabia. With the acquisition of M&A, FMTC will now operate 13 training centers/offices as well as a strong digital platform that includes advanced learning solutions for its clients. FMTC operates locations in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and USA.

FMTC's unique selling point is its client-based approach. The client always decides when they want to train and where the training will take place. In January, Benelux investor Smile Invest acquired a majority stake in FMTC.

About M&A Safety Services:

M&A Safety Services was founded in 2016 by Bryan Aucoin, Travis Martin, and Don Romero and has established itself as a leader for safety and survival training in the Gulf Coast region. M&A is currently headquartered in New Iberia, LA and has full-service training centers located in Youngsville and Gray, Louisiana. M&A is committed to lead the training industry and believes that absolute customer service is essential to our success, and we recognize that our customers are in complete control. Our role is to provide quality training and excellent customer service at a value that maximizes their safety investment.

For more information, please visit: https://fmtcsafety.com/us/training-location-fmtc-houma/

FMTC Safety, a leading provider of comprehensive safety training solutions, is pleased to announce its acquisition of M&A Safety Services, a respected safety training company with two training locations in Louisiana: Lafayette and Houma. The acquisition enhances FMTC's course capability in the Offshore, Wind, Maritime, and Industry sectors and solidifies its position as the largest player in the USA safety training market.

Related link: https://fmtcsafety.com/

MSP Merge: Teal Delivers Elevated Service, Security to SMBs

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen Consulting, two award-winning managed IT service providers, merged to form a new company called Teal. This merger is a strategic alliance, built upon complementary strengths, to deliver elevated IT and cybersecurity services to small- and medium-sized organizations - especially those with heightened cybersecurity or compliance requirements.

Elevated Service Delivery

The new brand, possessing managed IT support roots dating back to 2000, unlocks many opportunities for small organizations by delivering obsessive service. Teal focuses on building strong, partnership-level relationships with each client. This connection forms a foundation for trust, which facilitates business alignment and success. The team then adds Teal's signature value elements that clients frequently commend.

"Our legacy partners choose to stay with us year after year because we provide them with the things they value most in managed IT services - ultra-responsiveness, intentional excellence, specialized expertise, and a deep understanding of [their] business challenges," said Reid Johnston, Teal cofounder and Chief Information Officer. "By combining these, we can morph their challenges into exciting opportunities for enhancement. That's how we give them the obsessive service they deserve, and we are carrying these crucial elements forward into Teal."

Integrated Cybersecurity to Boost Client Competitiveness

Teal offers more than productivity boosting services and resolving day-to-day technology concerns. Its team of sophisticated cybersecurity professionals provides expert counsel, troubleshoots issues, and proactively establishes the necessary infrastructure and systems to manage complex compliance and security demands, which are vital to many small businesses.

Often, organizations find it challenging to hire or afford the cost of a team of certified cybersecurity and compliance professionals. Teal offers a solution by providing access to such experts. The company is competent in a variety of frameworks, including:

* CMMC

* HIPAA

* NIST

* DFARS

These proficiencies make it a viable option for small businesses with complex environments looking for a sophisticated managed service provider.

"Teal places great emphasis on cybersecurity," explained Gar Whaley, Teal cofounder and Chief Revenue Officer. "We incorporate security as an integral part of our processes rather than an afterthought like many MSPs do. The process starts by prioritizing the application of security measures to Teal first and foremost - because our security is connected to our client's security."

Whaley explained that the Teal team is always looking for new ways to showcase the organization's cyber resilience.

"We are proud to have earned the CompTIA Security Trustmark+ this year - which demonstrates our compliance with key industry regulations such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and others reliant on the NIST Framework. In addition to this accomplishment, we continually demonstrate our commitment to robust cybersecurity through unbiased risk monitoring with SecurityScorecard. Empowering our client's success through security is at the forefront of everything we do."

Teal closes the cybersecurity gap for many of its clients - providing the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard critical assets. Their strategic guidance helps to enhance the organization's preparedness for future developments.

Integrating Teal's cybersecurity solution into a small organization's IT strategy can provide several benefits, including:

* Access to enterprise-level solutions

* Access to more partnership opportunities

* Enhanced customer trust and loyalty

* Resilience against cyber-attack disruptions

* Preserved financial stability

Continual Enhancement to Drive Client Success

The leadership team is now seizing the opportunity to optimize and streamline its service delivery. By consolidating resources, expertise, and the favorable aspects of its legacy organizations, Teal positions itself to meet its clients' needs better. Additionally, the team is analyzing feedback from current partners to enhance its service delivery and improve client outcomes.

"Successful business leaders understand the importance of actively listening to your customers and making service improvements based on their feedback," said Don Sauer, Teal cofounder and Chief Executive Officer. "We regularly incorporate client feedback from Help Desk experiences and biannual NPS surveys. This merger allows us to refine our services further by deeply assessing the processes, from initial client interaction to ongoing care, ensuring we meet or exceed client expectations."

The Launch

Teal recently launched their brand by unveiling their new website on September 26. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the website to review Teal's services and the industries it serves.

About Teal

Teal partners with small- to medium-sized organizations and provides them with advanced IT services that accelerate strategic growth through technology. Having established a legacy over two decades, the company's commitment to delivering ultra-responsive services, prioritizing integrated cybersecurity, and investing in its staff sets it apart from its competitors.

Small business leaders deserve to optimize their IT investments and empower their teams with an award-winning partner who genuinely cares about their success.

For more information, visit the Teal website ( https://tealtech.com/ ) or follow @TealMSP on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

RELATED LINKS:

https://tealtech.com/services/managed-it-services-and-support/

Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen Consulting, two award-winning managed IT service providers, merged to form a new company called Teal. This merger is a strategic alliance, built upon complementary strengths, to deliver elevated IT and cybersecurity services to small- and medium-sized organizations - especially those with heightened cybersecurity or compliance requirements.

Related link: https://tealtech.com/

Tampa Transformation: LRR Property Investments Makes Strategic Acquisition at 3655 Henderson Blvd, Plans for Major Improvements

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Phoenix Property Group, an Orlando, FL based developer and AMJ Group Inc., a Gainesville, FL based developer have recently partnered to create LRR Property Investments. As a new dynamic player in the real estate market, they are proud to announce the successful acquisition of a prime building located at 3655 Henderson Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.

The purchase, valued at $3 million, marks a significant addition for the company as it sets its sights on expanding its portfolio and delivering exceptional value to investors.

With a vision for transforming properties into thriving, modern spaces, LRR Property Investments plans to invest several million in improvements to the newly acquired building.

These enhancements will not only elevate the aesthetics and functionality of the property but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the local community. The upcoming venture represents just the beginning of an exciting pipeline of Tampa opportunities that LRR Property Investments has in store.

"We see an incredible opportunity with 3655 Henderson Blvd, and we're thrilled to commence this transformation," said Amanda Sheffield, Property Manager. "Our planned enhancements will breathe new life into this property, and will demonstrate our commitment to creating attractive returns for our investors while also contributing positively to the Tampa community."

The company intends to implement a series of enhancements that will significantly elevate the functionality and appeal of the property. These changes range from aesthetic upgrades to functional improvements designed to align with modern standards and community needs.

"We firmly believe that real estate has the power to shape communities and enrich lives," added Alex Reece, Director of LRR Property Investements. "Our team of industry experts is dedicated to creating spaces that foster growth, inspire collaboration, and drive economic prosperity. We are excited to leverage our knowledge and experience to unlock the full potential of this property and contribute to the ongoing development of Tampa. Tampa is an incredible city that is ripe for smart growth."

About LRR Property Investments:

LRR Property Investments is a dynamic and forward-thinking real estate company focused on acquiring, developing, and enhancing properties that deliver outstanding value to investors. With a team of industry experts and a commitment to excellence, LRR Property Investments leverages innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to transform properties and shape communities.

Additional contact information:

The Phoenix Property Group: http://thephoenixpropertygroup.com/

AMJ Group Inc.: https://www.amjinc.com/

The Phoenix Property Group, an Orlando, FL based developer and AMJ Group Inc., a Gainesville, FL based developer have recently partnered to create LRR Property Investments. As a new dynamic player in the real estate market, they are proud to announce the successful acquisition of a prime building located at 3655 Henderson Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.

Related link: http://thephoenixpropertygroup.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Mystic Oil Company, Inc.

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Mystic Oil Company, Inc. and its affiliates ("Mystic Oil" or the "Company") on its sale to Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc. The Company sells fuels on a consignment and wholesale basis to approximately 150 Gulf, Citgo, ExxonMobil, Shell and unbranded customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Vermont.

Mystic Oil was founded in 1956 by Aaron Agrin and is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business with deep roots in Mystic, Connecticut. During its first few decades, the Company expanded its fuels offerings by becoming a top distributor of leading fuels brands such as ExxonMobil and Gulf while also developing a chain of company operated convenience stores. In 2008, Mystic Oil divested its company operated convenience store business and transitioned its focus to the wholesale fuels business. Peter Zelken became President of Mystic Oil in 2017 and acquired the Company from his father, Scott Zelken, that same year. Since that time, under Peter's leadership, Mystic has grown significantly and has become one of the leading fuels distributors in New England.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Mystic Oil, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Cedric Fortemps, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; and Michael Tucker, CFA, Associate.

Peter Zelken, President of Mystic Oil, stated, "Matrix demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of the downstream petroleum business. They were patient, diplomatic, intelligent and trustworthy. It's not easy handing the keys to a multigenerational family business to just anyone. My sincere thanks to Cedric Fortemps and Mike Tucker on a job well executed from start to finish."

Mr. Fortemps added, "Peter has done a tremendous job growing Mystic Oil and making it a very attractive wholesale fuels business for any fuels company trying to establish a presence or grow in New England. We were honored to have been chosen by him to advise on finding the best transaction partner and steward for his exceptional fourth-generation business."

Otto Konrad and Kaitlin Cottle of Williams Mullen served as legal counsel for Mystic Oil Company, Inc.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals and car washes. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 290 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Mystic Oil Company, Inc. and its affiliates ("Mystic Oil" or the "Company") on its sale to Petroleum Marketing Group, Inc. The Company sells fuels on a consignment and wholesale basis to approximately 150 Gulf, Citgo, ExxonMobil, Shell and unbranded customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Vermont.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of H.A. Mapes, Inc.

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised H.A. Mapes, Inc. ("H.A. Mapes" or the "Company") on its sale to Nouria Energy Retail, Inc., a subsidiary of Nouria Energy Corporation ("Nouria"). While H.A. Mapes is known throughout New England as a leading petroleum distributor, the Company in recent years had expanded into convenience retail operations through acquisitions, new-to-industry builds, and major store remodels. Prior to the sale, the Company owned 13 retail locations and sold fuel on a wholesale basis to approximately 80 customers.

H.A. Mapes is a third-generation, family owned and operated business with roots in Springvale, Maine. The Company was founded in 1936 by Harry Allen Mapes as a small heating oil provider servicing customers in Springvale. In 1950, Harry's son, Harry Allen Mapes, Jr. joined the business and helped the Company expand its reach throughout Southern Maine. For its first 40 years, H.A. Mapes focused on expanding its heating oil business throughout southern Maine. In 1982, Jonathan Mapes formally joined the third-generation family business. Under Jonathan's guidance, H.A. Mapes transitioned from distributing heating oil to motor fuels and became one of the largest distributors in Maine. In 2018, Jonathan began building out the Company's convenience retail offerings, and in 2022 he unified each company-operated store with the launch of the Harry's proprietary brand.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to H.A. Mapes, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Spencer Cavalier, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; Andrew LoPresti, CPA, CFA, Vice President; and Kyle Tipping, CFA, Senior Associate.

Jonathan Mapes, President of H.A. Mapes, stated, "In 2019 Matrix identified our deficiencies from a buyer's perspective via their detailed evaluation. Our team immediately embarked on a new approach to market. We asked Matrix to re-evaluate in 2022 whereupon the decision to 'go to market' was made. I would recommend this two-step process to anyone considering the anguishing decision to sell as it can improve value considerably. Transitioning out of the essential petroleum business has been an emotional yet a timely decision that Matrix facilitated professionally."

Mr. Cavalier added, "We have enjoyed working with Jonathan and his talented team, including Steve McGrath, over the last several years providing valuation, strategic and transaction advisory services. Jonathan's family and employees built one of the premier petroleum marketing and convenience retailing businesses in New England, and it was an honor to be their advisor."

Michael Quinlan of Jensen Baird served as legal counsel for H.A. Mapes, Inc.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals and car washes. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 290 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC.

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised H.A. Mapes, Inc. ("H.A. Mapes" or the "Company") on its sale to Nouria Energy Retail, Inc., a subsidiary of Nouria Energy Corporation ("Nouria").

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

MMI Announces Strategic Acquisition of Bonzo Mortgage / Real Estate CRM Platform

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced its acquisition of relationship management and mortgage marketing platform provider Bonzo. The Bonzo leadership team, including founder and president Jason Perkins, founder and COO/CRO Miles Miller, and CEO Chad Jampedro, will continue to guide the company as it operates as an independent service. However, current and future MMI and Bonzo customers will soon begin to benefit from a growing list of the two technology platforms' integrated services and features.

"MMI's acquisition of Bonzo is the next logical step in the path we've been pursuing for the past year or more, which is to deliver cost-efficient, best-in-breed solutions to the mortgage industry in a consolidated, easy-to-use, integrated environment," said MMI founder and CEO Ben Teerlink. "Built around how consumers want to communicate today, Bonzo is a breath of fresh air in what can often feel like a stale mortgage technology landscape, and we see tremendous potential in the potent combination of MMI's industry-leading data and Bonzo's new-generation marketing and technology."

Founded by former mortgage professionals keenly aware of industry pain points, Bonzo is a reimagined CRM platform for modern mortgage advisors and real estate agents. The platform combines all the tools necessary to acquire, convert and retain clients with a simple, easy-to-use interface that enables loan officers and agents to authentically and efficiently engage with clients and prospects. Key features include:

* Campaign Builder to conduct personal, customized outreach at scale;

* Messaging that supports voice, video and text, including GIFs and emojis;

* Ad Builder for Google and Facebook ad creation; and

* Pipeline dashboard to organize the sales process.

"From top to bottom, the entire Bonzo team is ecstatic about the sky-high potential we see on the horizon with MMI," said Perkins. "When you combine MMI's unrivaled LO, agent and transaction data with Bonzo's superior marketing CRM experience, we're going to have lots of happy and efficient customers."

About Bonzo

Bonzo has reimagined the CRM to make selling fun again so advisors and agents can focus on what matters most. With Bonzo, advisors and agents can attract, convert and retain clients on autopilot, enabling them to earn more without working more. More than 2,000 clients have leveraged Bonzo to have more conversations without wasting time on people who aren't ready to talk, engage with people in a way that feels real and approachable without all the legwork, and build lasting relationships that go beyond one deal. To learn more, visit https://getbonzo.com.

About MMI

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is a market leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, MMI, provides actionable intelligence for lenders, real estate agents, real estate brokerages, title companies and others in the real estate industry. MMI is currently used by more than 450 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the country. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io or contact sales@mmi.io.

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced its acquisition of relationship management and mortgage marketing platform provider Bonzo. The Bonzo leadership team, including founder and president Jason Perkins, founder and COO/CRO Miles Miller, and CEO Chad Jampedro, will continue to guide the company as it operates as an independent service.

Related link: https://mmi.io

WaterSignal, LLC Joins Forces with Metron Farnier, LLC – Unlocking a New Era of Water Efficiency

ALPHARETTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, WaterSignal, LLC is thrilled to share some truly exciting news: WaterSignal, LLC has been acquired by Metron Farnier, LLC! WaterSignal, LLC is delighted to embark on this new journey, which will undoubtedly benefit its valued clients and further enhance its commitment to water conservation and efficiency.

Metron Farnier, LLC, a global leader in smart water management solutions, shares WaterSignal, LLC's passion for sustainability and innovation. Together, these entities form an unbeatable team, fully equipped to take water efficiency to unprecedented heights through a holistic approach. With this collaboration, one can expect many advantages that will revolutionize how one approaches water management.

Here are some key benefits and services that the aforementioned business acquisition offers:

Expanded Technology Portfolio: By combining the expertises of WaterSignal, LLC and Metron Farnier, LLC, this collaboration now offers a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technologies. From smart water meters and leak detection systems to data analytics platforms, this collaboration provides a one-stop solution to meet any water management needs.

Enhanced Data Insights: This joint effort significantly improves data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities. One will gain deeper insights into water usage patterns, identify opportunities for optimization and achieve cost savings like never before.

Tailored Solutions for Every Industry: Whether one is in commercial/multifamily real estate, hospitality, education, or any other sector, this collaboration offers tailor-made solutions to address the unique challenges faced in water management.

Unmatched Customer Support: As a collaboration, this joint effort remains committed to maintaining the highest standard of customer support customers you've come to expect from WaterSignal, LLC. With an expanded team, this collaboration is even more equipped to address customer queries promptly and provide timely assistance.

Reach: WaterSignal, LLC's acquisition by Metron Farnier, LLC enables the parties to extend their reach to new markets and regions. As a result, the parties can collaborate with even more organizations and communities nationwide, collectively making a profound impact on water conservation efforts.

In the coming weeks, customers will receive further updates and information about the integration process, and WaterSignal, LLC and Metron Farnier, LLC will ensure a seamless transition for all their valued clients. Rest assured, current customer contracts and services will continue uninterrupted, and the familiar faces customers have come to know and trust will remain with the joint effort.

To address any immediate questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact WaterSignal, LLC's dedicated support team at save@watersignal.com.

Thanks for being an essential part of this milestone in WaterSignal, LLC's history. Together with Metron Farnier, LLC, both parties look forward to forging a greener and more sustainable future.

Learn more: https://www.watersignal.com/

Today, WaterSignal, LLC is thrilled to share some truly exciting news: WaterSignal, LLC has been acquired by Metron Farnier, LLC! WaterSignal, LLC is delighted to embark on this new journey, which will undoubtedly benefit its valued clients and further enhance its commitment to water conservation and efficiency.

Related link: https://www.watersignal.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Vital Plastics, Inc.

BALTIMORE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of Vital Plastics, Inc. ("Vital Plastics" or the "Company"), a high-volume manufacturer and assembler of injection molded plastic products, to Wolverine Capital Partners ("Wolverine Capital").

Headquartered in Baldwin, WI, Vital Plastics provides injection molding, assembly operations, and tooling solutions to the transportation, industrial, consumer durable, and building product sectors. Operating out of two facilities, totaling over 65,000 combined square feet, the Company manufactures products such as automotive and window clips, industrial components and medical parts, among others, for a blue chip customer base of numerous Fortune 500 entities located throughout the United States. Value-added capabilities, including advanced engineering and design consulting, coupled with unrivaled responsiveness and customer service, has earned Vital Plastics its reputation as a preeminent manufacturer of injection molded products.

Over the past decade, leadership of the organization has transitioned from majority owner Terry Townsend to CEO George Hauser and President & CFO Matthew Fish. Mr. Hauser and Mr. Fish have been instrumental in helping grow and modernize the Company during that period, including driving the implementation of industry-leading automation and reporting systems. Mr. Fish will continue as the lead of day-to-day operations moving forward.

Regarding the transaction, Mr. Fish commented, "We are pleased to partner with the Wolverine Capital team. Of all the groups we interacted with, their team resonated most deeply with us given their straightforward approach and passion for building businesses. We are uniquely aligned in recognizing the attributes that have driven the Company's success: its loyal employee base and longstanding customer relationships, most of which date back multiple decades. We look forward to our next chapter of growth with Wolverine Capital."

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Vital Plastics, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by William O'Flaherty, Managing Director; David Shoulders, Managing Director and Head of Matrix's Consumer & Industrial Investment Banking Group; Matt Oldhouser, CPA, Senior Associate; Sahan Pandey, Senior Analyst; and Hampton Massie, Analyst.

Regarding Matrix's services, Mr. Hauser noted, "My partners and I were impressed by the level of commitment and sophistication that Matrix brought to the transaction. Their detailed knowledge of our specific industry, paired with their experience in transaction advisory, created tremendous value for us. We are extremely grateful for their efforts."

Mr. O'Flaherty added, "We are thrilled to have found such an excellent partner for Vital Plastics. We congratulate Terry on building such an impressive business and commend George for the tremendous work he's done as CEO to position the organization for the next phase of growth. We have no doubt that Matt will continue to find success as part of this new partnership given his commitment to providing world-class services to his customers."

Brian Pitney and David Carroll of Sands Anderson PC served as legal counsel for Vital Plastics. Dykema Gossett PLLC served as legal counsel for Wolverine Capital.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions.

Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of Vital Plastics, Inc. ("Vital Plastics" or the "Company"), a high-volume manufacturer and assembler of injection molded plastic products, to Wolverine Capital Partners ("Wolverine Capital").

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of BeWell Network, LLC

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised BeWell Network, LLC ("BeWell" or the "Company") on its successful sale to H.E.R. Management, LLC.

BeWell is a residential and outpatient behavioral health provider focused on the treatment of substance use disorder. The Company operates in two markets, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point in Orange County, California and Santa Barbara, California.

BeWell's service offerings include detoxification, residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for substance use disorder treatment in both Orange County and Santa Barbara, as well as PHP and IOP for primary mental health care treatment in Santa Barbara. To support patients enrolled in BeWell's outpatient programs, the Company also operates sober living homes in each of its two markets. The Company is contracted with many of the payors that have a significant presence in Southern California.

BeWell prides itself on the quality of its substance use disorder recovery programs and has a highly trained staff dedicated to patient recovery. The Company is also focused on developing active alumni programs to support patients once they are out of recovery.

BeWell is Joint Commission accredited and LegitScript certified.

Matrix provided M&A advisory services to BeWell, including marketing the transaction, advising on valuation, deal structure, and other transaction terms, and ultimately achieving a successful execution. The transaction was managed by Vasanta Pundarika, Head of Matrix's Healthcare Investment Banking Group, Casey Van de Walle, Director, and Barrett Smith, Analyst.

Ms. Pundarika said, "We are happy to have worked with the owners of BeWell Network as their financial advisors on this transaction. Under new ownership, we look forward to seeing BeWell implement an enhanced growth strategy, while continuing to provide high quality care to its patients."

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies.

Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

MATRIX CAPITAL MARKETS GROUP, INC.

800 East Canal Street, Suite 850 | Richmond, VA 23219

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC.

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised BeWell Network, LLC ("BeWell" or the "Company") on its successful sale to H.E.R. Management, LLC. BeWell is a residential and outpatient behavioral health provider focused on the treatment of substance use disorder.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of the Lawn and Garden Division of Antilles Power Depot Inc.

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of the Lawn & Garden Division ("Antilles L&G" or the "Company") of Antilles Power Depot Inc. ("APD") to Freije Supply Inc. ("Freije Supply"). Antilles L&G is a leading distributor of Stihl, Walker, and other top brands in the lawn maintenance and equipment marketplace.

Headquartered in Carolina, Puerto Rico, with additional locations in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. Maarten, APD is a multifaceted, award-winning, distributor and service provider of power generation systems, as well as equipment and tools for lawn care. With over two decades of operating history, the Company has established a diverse commercial and residential customer base that utilizes Antilles L&G's specialized sales and service capabilities.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Antilles L&G and APD, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by David Shoulders, Managing Director and Head of Matrix's Consumer & Industrial Investment Banking Group; William O'Flaherty, Managing Director; Matt Oldhouser, Senior Associate; and Sahan Pandey, Senior Analyst.

Mr. Shoulders noted, "We're thrilled to have assisted the APD team in this important carve-out transaction, allowing them to focus on their core business. We enjoyed working with the Company and its exceptional management team and congratulate all parties on this successful outcome."

Regarding Matrix's services, Jason Hebert, President of APD, commented, "Matrix did an exceptional job navigating this highly complex corporate carve-out. I commend their knowledge of these nuanced transactions and am grateful for their assistance." Addressing the transaction, he added, "We believe this divestiture creates exceptional value for all parties. The Freije Supply team is acquiring a complementary business with exceptional recurring revenue, and I'm confident they're positioned to grow the business line. This additional capital allows APD to focus on and grow our core business, generator sales and service, while also supporting our growth in yacht and marine services, as well as our expansion into new physical locations throughout the Caribbean."

Founded in 2014 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Freije Supply is a wholesale distributor of electrical, plumbing, construction and other miscellaneous household products. Owned and operated by Manolo "Manuel" Freije III, Freije Supply maintains relationships with the most established brands in the markets it serves, including 3M, Delta, EcoSmart, General Electric, Rheem, and Simpson Strong-Tie, among numerous others. Freije Supply distributes to a diverse set of customers throughout the Caribbean. Financing for the transaction was provided by Bluhaus Small Business Fund, L.P., a Small Business Investment Company established to make debt and equity investments in businesses operating predominantly in Puerto Rico.

Bill Lowman and Jason Davis of ShuffieldLowman served as legal counsel for Antilles L&G and APD.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve-outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, is pleased to announce the sale of the Lawn & Garden Division ("Antilles L&G" or the "Company") of Antilles Power Depot Inc. ("APD") to Freije Supply Inc. ("Freije Supply").

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Advises Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures on the Successful Recapitalization and Acquisition of a Portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus Stores

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading independent investment bank, announces that it served as lead advisor on Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures' ("Apollo" or the "Company") recapitalization and acquisition of a multi-state portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus ("PSP") retail pet stores.

A privately-owned company established in 1999 by Dr. Steven Whatley in Albany, GA, Apollo is a leading veterinary care provider in the Southeast. The Company is comprised of nine full-service veterinary hospital locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

Decades of experience in veterinary medicine and the commercial pet industry led Dr. Whatley to expand the business portfolio to include Pet Supplies Plus franchise retail stores thereby connecting knowledge, passion, and ability to serve customers, while growing profitably within the U.S. pet market. PSP's franchise platform, growth objectives, and support for owners aligned closely with Apollo's business model and operating philosophy.

"We are proud to add this most recent portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus stores to our existing portfolio and further diversify and expand our business," said Dr. Whatley, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo. "We are committed to operating best-in-class veterinary hospitals and Pet Supplies Plus stores, and we do that by forging personal relationships with our clients, patients, team members and the communities that we serve. As we continue to expand our presence, we were fortunate to work with Matrix to structure and intermediate this important transaction. Their experience, functional expertise, and objective approach were critical to securing capital on terms that were very attractive to the Company."

Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is focused on making it easier to get better products and services for their customers' pets. With over 640 locations in 41 states and counting, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods, and services. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Pet Supplies Plus is ranked No. 20 in Entrepreneur magazine's 43rd Annual Franchise 500(r) list as of 2022.

In its role as sole intermediary, Matrix provided capital advisory services to Apollo including financial modeling and sensitivity analysis, capital structure assessment, negotiation with counterparties, and placement of both debt and equity capital. The assignment was managed by John Whalen, Head of Matrix's Capital Advisory Investment Banking Group; Ryan Weir, Director and Garrett Novotny, CFA, CPA, Senior Analyst.

Mr. Weir added, "We very much appreciate the trust that Apollo placed in us to advise them on the capital raise and acquisition. Apollo is a great operator and the addition of this portfolio of stores represents a transformational acquisition for the Company as it further scales and diversifies. Matrix was privileged to work with the Apollo Team."

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading independent investment bank, announces that it served as lead advisor on Apollo Veterinary Medical Hospitals and AVMH Ventures' ("Apollo" or the "Company") recapitalization and acquisition of a multi-state portfolio of Pet Supplies Plus ("PSP") retail pet stores.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC’s Retail Motor Fuels, Convenience Retail, and Fleet Fueling Businesses

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, today announced the successful closing on the sale of the retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC ("WTG Fuels" or the "Company") to subsidiaries of GPM Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) ("GPM"). The assets sold to GPM included 24 Uncle's branded convenience stores, 68 Gascard branded cardlock sites, 43 private cardlock sites, the Company's Gascard fleet card assets, and 9 consignment and wholesale dealer accounts.

WTG Fuels, based in Midland, Texas, is a large, diversified fuels distributor and convenience retailer with operations across west Texas and southeast New Mexico. Prior to the close of the transaction, the Company's assets included a chain of high-volume convenience stores operating under its proprietary Uncle's brand, a large fleet fueling business operating under its proprietary Gascard brand, and a delivered fuels business, serving residential and commercial customers, that ranks among the largest propane distributors in the Southwest. WTG Fuels' delivered fuels business, which provides propane, refined products, and lubricants to nearly 19,000 residential and commercial customers through a network of over 70 bulk plants and warehouses, is not included in the sale to GPM and will continue to be operated by WTG Fuels post-closing.

WTG Fuels is a subsidiary of West Texas Gas ("WTG"), a leading provider of natural gas gathering, processing, transmission, and distribution services throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to WTG, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was managed by Vance Saunders, CPA, Managing Director; Cedric Fortemps, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; David Corbett, CFA, Director; John Duni, CFA, CPA, Vice President; and Michael Tucker, CFA, Associate.

John Steen, CEO of West Texas Gas, commented, "Matrix proved to be an indispensable partner and advisor to WTG on the divestiture of these assets. We appreciate all the efforts of the Matrix team over the course of this transaction."

Mr. Saunders added, "Our relationship with WTG first began back in late 2021 as we helped the Company evaluate strategic alternatives for the WTG Fuels businesses. After reviewing several options, the decision was made to divest WTG Fuels' retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses through a carveout process to maximize the value of the Company's assets. We are grateful to WTG for entrusting us with this complex mandate."

Larry Parker, Trevor Wind, Mary Katherine McGetrick, David Allen, Nico Balbontin, and Alston Underwood of Williams Mullen served as legal counsel for WTG Fuels.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals and car washes.

Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 270 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $13 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, today announced the successful closing on the sale of the retail motor fuels, convenience retail, and fleet fueling businesses of WTG Fuels Holdings, LLC ("WTG Fuels" or the "Company") to subsidiaries of GPM Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) ("GPM").

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

Matrix Advises TBC Corporation on the Sale of NTB and Tire Kingdom Service Centers

RICHMOND, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised TBC Corporation ("TBC" or the "Company") on the sale of TBC's company operated retail businesses to Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. ("Mavis"). The sale includes TBC's retail network of 595 tire and automotive service centers that utilize the NTB Tire & Service Centers ("NTB") and Tire Kingdom Service Centers ("Tire Kingdom") brands.

TBC, a joint venture between Sumitomo Corporation of Americas and Michelin North America Inc., is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and is one of North America's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires. The Company executes a multi-channel marketing strategy that includes automotive retail, wholesale and distribution, and franchise operations. As part of the transaction, Mavis and TBC have entered into a distribution agreement, through which TBC will provide tire distribution and wholesale services for Mavis retail locations.

While both the NTB and Tire Kingdom brands have long, storied histories, the formation of TBC's retail platform occurred during the early 2000s when the Company acquired both brands through separate acquisitions. Over the next two decades, TBC continued growing each brand and ultimately operated 392 NTB and 203 Tire Kingdom branded locations across a 17-state marketing territory prior to the sale to Mavis. Together, the NTB and Tire Kingdom brands represent the fourth largest independent tire dealership in the United States according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2022 MTD 100 rankings.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to TBC, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the transaction. The transaction was led by Stephen Lynch, CFA, CPA, Managing Director and William O'Flaherty, Director. David Shoulders, Head of Matrix's Consumer & Industrial Investment Banking Group; Kyle Tipping, CFA, Senior Associate; Matt Oldhouser, CPA, Senior Associate and Alexander Rakos, Senior Analyst, also advised on the transaction.

Brian Maciak, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of TBC Corporation, recognized, "This transaction was complex and lengthy in duration, yet the efforts, professionalism, and attention to detail from the entire Matrix team have made it as seamless as possible to finalize the agreement and partnership between TBC and Mavis."

Mr. Lynch added, "We are honored to have been chosen by TBC to not only market the NTB and Tire Kingdom brands, which are both incredibly well-known and respected within the automotive industry, but also to help the Company further develop this strategic partnership. The success of this transaction is a great reflection of the world-class organization that TBC and its shareholders have built, and we are very excited to watch TBC and Mavis grow and strengthen their partnership."

Mr. O'Flaherty noted, "Matrix is thrilled to have achieved such an excellent outcome for our client, creating value in both the near and long-term for the Company. We were uniquely positioned to drive value in this transaction given our rich history of multi-site retail expertise paired with our knowledge and experience in the automotive aftermarket value chain. We congratulate TBC, Mavis, and their various stakeholders on this successful outcome."

Bradley Edmister and Aafke Pronk of Hogan Lovells US LLP served as legal counsel for TBC.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://www.matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised TBC Corporation ("TBC" or the "Company") on the sale of TBC's company operated retail businesses to Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. ("Mavis"). The sale includes TBC's retail network of 595 tire and automotive service centers that utilize the NTB Tire & Service Centers ("NTB") and Tire Kingdom Service Centers ("Tire Kingdom") brands.

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

After 50 years, H.E. Hodge Company, Cumming athletic and institutional equipment company, kicks off a new season of ownership

CUMMING, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- DeJazz Woods has always had a love for sports. He has been around athletic equipment since childhood football, leading him to play at the collegiate level as an outside linebacker for the University of Illinois from 2010 - 2014. Upon graduation, armed with a master's degree, his career would take off in the athletic equipment industry. As a Business Development Manager for three major athletic equipment manufacturers, Woods would cross paths with Jeff Hodge, President of H.E. Hodge Company, and Bud Hodge, the company's founder, who are both huge college football fans. They began mentoring Woods in the athletic equipment industry, which would score a winning touchdown for each team.

In the late 60s, Bud Hodge, Jeff's father, served as Southeast Regional Manager with Brunswick Bowling which had diversified into a school division. This division specialized in school equipment, and Bud called on school systems to offer classroom, athletic, and institutional equipment solutions. Under his leadership and partnership with his wife, June, sales in the Southeast rocketed from $300K to over $3.5M in 3 years. With these impressive results, he was offered the Brunswick School Division Dealership for the Southeast in 1972. This dealership offering was the beginning of the H. E. Hodge Company. Eventually, Jeff took the company reins and has built a strong reputation as a merit-based business with a tradition of success in providing quality facility solutions. For 50 years, H.E. Hodge company's objectives have been to exceed customer expectations. With Jeff eyeing retirement, he considered passing the company on to the next generation. Woods met the owners of H.E. Hodge in 2016 at a job site for a customer in Chamblee, GA. After several years of mentoring Woods, they realized they had found their successor. Woods became the new owner in November 2022 and is poised to take the company to the next level.

Woods is carrying on the family-owned tradition, bringing his fiancé Karina Gomez onto his leadership team. Her role at H.E. Hodge focuses on marketing, branding, communications, lead generation, and other functions that facilitate daily operations. He is focusing on cultivating improvements within the company processes and developing the company's product offering. Woods is also working on improving the customer experience and creating resolutions for the customer's complex needs. His strategy is to provide a quality turn-key solution for all H.E. Hodges customers. H.E. Hodge's standards will exceed customer expectations with innovation and integrity.

Today, H.E. Hodge Company specializes in the preliminary planning, specification writing, budgeting, engineering, field measuring, project managing, and installation of specialty athletic equipment such as goals, lockers, and bleachers for schools and municipalities. H.E. Hodge Company will continue to evolve. Its mission moving forward is to serve our customers based on their need for efficient facility operations and services that ensure our clients have fully operable facilities to coordinate their programming and facilitate their community needs. While the ownership has changed, the winning spirit of the business remains the same.

Learn more: https://www.hehodge.com/

H.E. Hodge Company, 2393 Pendley Road, Suite 200, Cumming, GA 30041.

DeJazz Woods has always had a love for sports. He has been around athletic equipment since childhood football, leading him to play at the collegiate level as an outside linebacker for the University of Illinois from 2010 - 2014. As a Business Development Manager for three major athletic equipment manufacturers, Woods would cross paths with Jeff Hodge, President of H.E. Hodge Company, and Bud Hodge, the company's founder, who are both huge college football fans.

Related link: https://www.hehodge.com/

HOUSTON HALL – NYC’s Famous Beer Hall – Purchased By Havana Central Restaurant CEO/Founder Jeremy Merrin

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Jeremy Merrin, CEO/Founder of Merrin Hospitality, is excited to announce the acquisition of NYC's most iconic beer hall, Houston Hall (222 W Houston Street, New York, NY 10014). Located in the heart of the West Village, this expansive venue has been pouring brews and hosting large scale events for decades. Merrin, is owner of the 20 year old high-volume Cuban brand Havana Central, with locations in NYC, Long Island & New Jersey.

Formerly owned by restaurateur Jon Bloostein (Heartland Brewery and Flatiron Hall), Merrin made the purchase in late 2022 seeing an opportunity to expand his private events & catering presence in the New York City area. Besides its popularity as a beer hall, bringing in more than 100,000 guests a year for a robust Happy Hour, Weekend DJ parties and Live Sporting Events, Houston Hall is also an expansive private events space able to host up to 400 guests for corporate & social affairs.

Honored with the "Best of Weddings Award 2023" by The Knot, Houston Hall is a highly sought after venue for couples planning a memorable NYC wedding in a rustic beer hall setting. Beyond nuptials, this 5,000 square foot space is also a top choice among the Manhattan corporate scene looking for a private space with charm. Past clients include: Google, Citi Group, Vayner Media, NBC Universal, Deloitte and Spotify.

Houston Hall is set in a space formerly used first as a stable and then as a FBI garage at the turn of the 20th century. This 6,200 foot expansive space can hold 400+ people, including an upstairs 30-person private VIP Tap Room, complete with a private bar & TV. Guests enter through a cobblestone tunnel, greeted by 100+ year old 50-foot wood beams and trusses, the original garage floor (with parking lines still visible) and towering antique mirrors on muddled brick walls.

With a BA from Tufts University and MBA from Columbia University, Merrin came onto the hospitality scene in 2002 after spending decades in the fine jewelry and publishing businesses. Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Merrin saw an opportunity to bring real Cuban cooking to the masses with his Havana Central concept and brought the brand to life in Union Square in 2002.

Quickly growing out of the small space, Merrin moved the brand in 2005 to its now flagship location in the Heart of Times Square (151 W 46th Street). Known for its boisterous Latin music, homemade Empanadas and hand muddled Mojitos, Havana Central also has locations in Long Island, at the famous Roosevelt Field Mall (630 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530) and Menlo Park Mall in Edison, NJ (55 Parsonage Road, Edison NJ 08837).

Learn more at: https://www.houstonhallny.com/

Jeremy Merrin, CEO/Founder of Merrin Hospitality, is excited to announce the acquisition of NYC's most iconic beer hall, Houston Hall (222 W Houston Street, New York, NY 10014). Located in the heart of the West Village, this expansive venue has been pouring brews and hosting large scale events for decades. Merrin, is owner of the 20 year old high-volume Cuban brand Havana Central, with locations in NYC, Long Island & New Jersey.

Related link: https://www.houstonhallny.com/

Capstone Logistics Announces Acquisition of Last Mile Distribution Provider Rapid Response Delivery

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Capstone Logistics, LLC ("Capstone" or the "Company"), a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, announces the acquisition of Rapid Response Delivery ("Rapid Response"). Rapid Response is a Maryland-based company that has been in business for over twenty years, providing final-mile delivery services throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

"The acquisition of Rapid Response continues the expansion of Capstone's service offerings and customer base, particularly within the last mile delivery market," said Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Capstone. "This strategic move reinforces Capstone's position as a leading logistics provider, offering a full range of warehousing services, last mile delivery solutions, and transportation management."

"We are excited to partner with the team at Rapid Response. Their operational execution, extensive service capabilities, and geographic reach perfectly complement our existing business, providing greater options and opportunities for our partners."

Capstone is owned by affiliates of H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G."), TJC, L.P. ("TJC"), and Capstone's management team.

About Capstone Logistics

Headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Capstone Logistics is a leading third-party logistics company. It provides a comprehensive suite of warehouse, last-mile distribution services, and freight management across the United States and Canada. Capstone partners with some of the world's most-recognized brands throughout a variety of industries, including retail, grocery, automotive, food manufacturing, home improvement, healthcare, and more.

To learn more about Capstone, visit https://www.capstonelogistics.com/.

About Rapid Response

Rapid Response is a Maryland-based transportation and delivery company providing a range of last mile solutions, such as medical/pharmaceutical delivery, postal distribution, e-commerce small parcel delivery, pool distribution, and cross dock services. Founded in 1999, Rapid Response proudly serves a variety of customers across Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global alternative assets investment firm with $55 billion of equity capital under management.* Based in Miami, Florida and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

1. H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses.

2. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. is also a leading CLO manager, through its WhiteHorse family of vehicles, and manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance.

3. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.

4. H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $52 billion.

For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at https://higcapital.com/.

About TJC

TJC, founded in 1982, is a middle-market private equity firm that has managed funds with original capital commitments in excess of $19.0 billion since 1987 and has a 41-year track record of investing in and contributing to the growth of many businesses across a wide range of industries including Logistics & Supply Chain; Diversified Industrials; Healthcare & Consumer; Technology, Telecom & Power; and Tactical Opportunities. The senior investment team has been investing together for over 20 years and has completed more than 150 platform investments and 500 add-on acquisitions. The investment team is supported by the Operations Management Group, which was established in 1988 to initiate and drive operational improvements in portfolio companies. Headquartered in New York, TJC also has offices in Chicago, Stamford and Miami.

For more information, please visit TJC's website at https://www.tjclp.com/.

* Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.

Capstone Logistics, LLC ("Capstone" or the "Company"), a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, announces the acquisition of Rapid Response Delivery ("Rapid Response"). Rapid Response is a Maryland-based company that has been in business for over twenty years, providing final-mile delivery services throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Related link: https://www.capstonelogistics.com/

OptionsSwing Inc. Acquires Apex Alliance, Broadening Assets for Learning Technology and Instruction

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OptionsSwing Inc. ("OptionsSwing"), a leading innovative edtech and retail trading community in the United States, has declared the finalization of its share acquisition agreement to procure all of the shares of Apex Alliance Inc. ("Apex Alliance"). Apex Alliance, a start-up in financial education, is focused on educating future generations of retail investors on personal finance, investing, technology, and stock markets. The financial terms of the transaction have not been revealed yet.

Acquisition Highlights

Apex Alliance, located in Seattle, Washington, has been providing education to thousands of students since December 2021. The company has a workforce of 12 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) and has amassed over 300 million views, with a combined following of 500,000+ on multiple social media platforms. Catering to a fresh wave of retail investors, Apex Alliance has developed an all-in-one experience that incorporates trade ideas, news, and education, providing a comprehensive experience for both investors and traders.

"We are excited to join forces with OptionsSwing and integrate our vision and capabilities into their innovative community. Our team has been dedicated to providing personalized and high-quality financial education, and we believe that this partnership will allow us to reach even more aspiring investors and traders. By combining our expertise with OptionsSwing's resources, we are confident that we can deliver a more comprehensive and impactful experience to our community, ultimately empowering more individuals to navigate the markets with confidence," said Noah Newton, CEO of Apex Alliance.

Noah Newton is currently collaborating with OptionsSwing in a marketing capacity. While leading Apex Alliance to empower individuals with financial education, he is also contributing his expertise to bolster OptionsSwing's outreach efforts. This partnership enables OptionsSwing to enhance its marketing initiatives while continuing to improve the quality of its in-house delivery to members.

With comprehensive coverage of various markets, including US equities, cryptocurrencies, and foreign exchange, Apex Alliance furnished its community with essential tools and resources to navigate the markets with confidence, even during turbulent macroeconomic conditions.

"We've had a chance to work with Noah over a long period of time across numerous projects which includes modernizing both brands and websites for OptionsSwing and Ternary Developments. We couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to work closer together, now under the same roof, and with the same drive and passion to grow," said Jason Lee, Founder and CEO of OptionsSwing and Ternary Developments.

Upon acquiring Apex Alliance, OptionsSwing eagerly anticipates utilizing its fresh talent to sustain its delivery of exceptional value to its members and the wider community.

About OptionsSwing

OptionsSwing is the world's leading financial education and trading community. Founded in 2019, OptionsSwing became the fastest-growing financial education Saas in the world, with now over 2500 subscribing members, and a following of almost half a million followers. OptionsSwing delivers an arsenal of 3 award-winning products, along with supplemental free educational tools. Their most popular service, their Discord server, is filled with moderators and other team members aimed at providing trade ideas, educational content, technical analysis, mentorship, answering questions and much more. Furthermore, OptionsSwing has developed its very own proprietary trading algorithm. OptionsSwing also provides a suite of numerous trading courses targeting both beginner and intermediate traders, completely free.

Learn more: https://www.optionsswing.com/

OptionsSwing Inc. ("OptionsSwing"), a leading innovative edtech and retail trading community in the United States, has declared the finalization of its share acquisition agreement to procure all of the shares of Apex Alliance Inc. ("Apex Alliance"). Apex Alliance, a start-up in financial education, is focused on educating future generations of retail investors on personal finance, investing, technology, and stock markets. The financial terms of the transaction have not been revealed yet.

Related link: https://www.optionsswing.com/

Paul Sansone Jr. is proud to announce that Dealer Controlled Leasing, Inc. has acquired their technology partner AFS Dealers Inc., effective March 1, 2023

KEYPORT, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- This acquisition accelerates the expansion of DCL as a DMS provider within the independent dealer network that it already serves, as well as opens the door for franchised dealers to install Lease Here Pay Here (LHPH) as a separate department within their dealerships, much like F&I departments created in the late '70s.

Sansone Jr. says, "A dealership that establishes their own LHPH department would be able to take complete control of the lending process, allowing them to sell more cars and generate significantly higher income." Producing just 25 LHPH deals per month would generate an additional $3 million in revenue at the dealerships, plus an additional $1.25 million in profit at the leasing company.

This business model is a win-win solution for the dealer and their customers. The dealership generates revenue that they did not have available to them before, and the customer can refinance after just 50% of the payments are made, potentially saving $5,000 to $10,000 over traditional high-interest rate long-term loans.

Sansone Jr. started LHPH operations (NJ Auto Lending) at his NJ dealerships in December 2020. He has since originated 650 subprime leases and will collect a projected $4 million in customer payments in 2023.

As a dealer himself, Sansone Jr. wants the technology to focus on the highest areas of concern for a dealer. These include easy desking, easy comparison of short-term leases versus high-interest rate long-term financing, easy customer selection, easy collections of monies due, and protection of dealer assets.

Any dealer interested in hearing more about Dealer Controlled Leasing, Inc. can visit their website at https://dealercontrolledleasing.com/.

This acquisition accelerates the expansion of DCL as a DMS provider within the independent dealer network that it already serves, as well as opens the door for franchised dealers to install Lease Here Pay Here (LHPH) as a separate department within their dealerships, much like F&I departments created in the late '70s.

Related link: https://dealercontrolledleasing.com/

Stack Sports to Acquire Meridix to Simplify the Broadcast Experience for Sports Organizations

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Stack Sports, a global leader in modern sports technology, announced it has added Meridix, an innovative video streaming platform with the industry's most flexible technology, to the Stack Sports ecosystem. "Combining Meridix with Stack Sports is going to be a huge value add for our Partners and truly simplify the sports experience," said Jeff Brunsberg, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer at Stack Sports.

More than 30,000 club and league administrators, 200 National Governing Bodies or Professional Franchises, and millions of families trust Stack Sports to power their sports journey. The planned addition of Meridix will add a fast-growing and innovative technology to the growing ecosystem of solutions offered to sports organizations to simplify sports. Expanding services to coaches and families further strengthens Stack Sports' position as the industry leader in the $44 billion global youth sports market.

Meridix is an unlimited streaming platform for any size team or organization. It simplifies covering sports LIVE at any level, including youth, high school, college, and pro. Complete with HD video, audio streams, scores, stats, and easy-to-use monetization tools, Meridix offers the best experience for sports organizations. Get started for FREE today at Meridix.com/signup.

"Stack Sports is the only company that can marry a best-in-class registration and data layer with world-class end consumer applications," said Jeff Young, CEO at Stack Sports. "We truly believe that connecting these two technologies will accelerate our vision to grow participation and transform the sport experience worldwide."

This combination of Meridix and Stack Sports will allow organizations to have an end-to-end video solution from pre-event marketing through Sports Connect, to the field of play, all the way through athlete highlights, truly simplifying the experience for parents, coaches, and administrators.

"Meridix has truly been a game changer for our tournament," said Blake Whittle Pontiac Holiday Tournament. "Thanks to their innovative and robust platform, our tournament has brought in additional revenue we never thought was possible through their pay-per-view feature. Their support is top notch and the broadcast quality is so good. We look forward to streaming our tournament on Meridix for years to come."

"With its mission to increase participation and transform the youth sports experience, Stack Sports is truly aligned with Meridix's vision to simplify the broadcast experience,'' said Tyler Feret, CEO & Founder at Meridix. "We are confident the combination of Meridix's tools for coaches, administrators, event operators, athletes, parents, and fans with Stack Sports' industry-leading ecosystem of sports technology will create real value for our partners and for sports as a whole."

About Meridix:

Meridix is Live Streaming Made Easy. One of the fastest-growing video streaming and broadcast platforms in sports, with over 200,000 events streamed already, from any device, it ensures your fans don't miss a moment of the action. The easy-to-use monetization tools have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for sports organizations using your choice of pay-per-view, ticketing, season passes, and instant downloads. It is FREE to get started and works for ALL sports!

Start Streaming Today at https://www.meridix.com/ .

About Stack Sports:

With over 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company powers the sports experience through world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations, including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, USA Lacrosse, and NFL Flag, rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and focused on growing participation in sports through Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth Technology, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development.

To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

Stack Sports, a global leader in modern sports technology, announced it has added Meridix, an innovative video streaming platform with the industry's most flexible technology, to the Stack Sports ecosystem. Meridix is an unlimited streaming platform for any size team or organization. It simplifies covering sports LIVE at any level, including youth, high school, college, and pro.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

We Inspect Acquires Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy: Customers Benefit

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- We Inspect, LLC, a global mold inspection, consulting and health technology company, recently acquired Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy. Its acquisitional goal is to unify these individually-owned family businesses under one name and to better serve the community as a whole.

We Inspect was founded in 2018 by Corey Levy and Brian Karr; Certified Mold Inspections was founded by Steve Levy in 2004; and The Mold Guy was established by Mark Levy in 2005. As individual companies, the Levy family serviced different territories and were collectively known as the number one mold and biotoxin resource for medical practitioners across the country.

"These acquisitions have provided the company with the expertise and human capital needed to expand its educational and consulting capabilities, allowing it to fulfill its mission of empowering people everywhere with the tools and services they need to create healthy homes," Karr says.

Streamlining the family business under the one We Inspect name, will now allow it to serve significantly more mold-sensitive individuals by deploying its 42 years of experience across in-person home inspections, remote consulting and educational offerings.

Unlike other mold inspection companies that rely on antiquated inspection and testing practices which oftentimes dismiss the presence of mold contamination in homes, We Inspects' #FindProveRemove framework has been shaped by the most current scientific findings and proven by more than $20 million dollars of successful mold remediations.

"The majority of mold contamination in homes is hidden, but most mold inspection companies don't understand how to find it," Karr says. "They often rely on outdated testing methods that provide false negatives 70 percent of the time which is dangerous and gives occupants a false sense of security and perpetuates chronic illness."

Karr says that what sets them apart from other mold inspection companies is their ability to find the hidden sources of mold contamination in a home.

"Once we know where it's coming from, it can be remediated and the occupant can begin to heal in their home," he says.

Additional advantages of streamlining these businesses include free training and actionable resources for medical practitioners and their patients (bridging communication gaps), #moldfinders: RADIO podcast, scholarships, discounts for mold-affected people worldwide, DIY home screens and consulting services for anyone regardless of where they live or their financial situation.

About We Inspect, LLC:

We Inspect is a global mold inspection, consulting, and health technology company that helps mold-sensitive individuals regain their health through education and the environmental assessment and testing of their homes and buildings for mold, mycotoxins and other indoor pathogens. It has helped thousands of people across six continents to create homes that support their ability to heal from mold-related illnesses.

MORE INFORMATION:

https://yesweinspect.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

PODCAST (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moldfinders-radio/id1515039084

We Inspect, LLC, a global mold inspection, consulting and health technology company, recently acquired Certified Mold Inspections and The Mold Guy. Its acquisitional goal is to unify these individually-owned family businesses under one name and to better serve the community as a whole.

Related link: https://yesweinspect.com/

WordSphere Announces $6.8M Acquisition of DrupalWare

PALO ALTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- WordSphere LLC, a leading Palo Alto based tech company, announced today the completion of its acquisition of DrupalWare. DrupalWare, a tech company known for its cutting-edge software solutions, is one of the leading Drupal development agencies in the USA, responsible for sites like Tesla and Pfizer.

The 6.8 million dollar cash acquisition will include the DrupalWare website/brand, a portfolio of 164 active clients as well as 6 Drupal specialists who will transfer into WordSphere LLC's senior DevOps team. DrupalWare has a strong track record of delivering top-quality products and services to its clients, and we are excited to bring their expertise and innovation into the WordSphere LLC family.

"This acquisition will enable us to expand our product offerings and better serve the needs of our clients," said Mark Glixman, WordSphere LLC's enigmatic CEO. "We believe that this acquisition will be a win-win for both companies and our customers."

DrupalWare was founded by a senior website developer Randall Goya and for a number of years, was an award-winning national leader in Drupal CMS development. DrupalWare's clients included Pfizer, Tesla Motors, the City of New York, NY MTA, Columbia University, B&H photo, and many other Fortune 500 companies. DrupalWare specializes in Drupal, Acquia Drupal, and WordPress CMS (Content Management Systems).

DrupalWare also deals with a myriad of other platforms, including Joomla, Magento, PHPMotion, and Asp.net, as well as provides custom-built web solutions with PHP, MySQL, AJAX, JavaScript, DHTML, and CSS.

This key acquisition will provide WordSphere LLC with an additional 150+ clients as well as strengthen our team's Drupal capabilities to the next level.

"We are big believers in building out the best DevOps team, one that encompasses all technologies. There are many legacy websites built in Drupal that constantly need maintenance," said Rakibul Rajib, WordSphere LLC's CTO.

WordSphere LLC is primarily focused as a WordPress website development company, mainly offering services in WordPress customization, modification, theming, advanced WordPress custom themes, custom plugins, buddy press customization, and e-commerce/WooCommerce. WordSphere LLC also offers services in other CMS like:

Drupal: https://wordsphere.com/drupal/

BigCommerce: https://wordsphere.com/big-commerce/

Shopify: https://wordsphere.com/shopify/

Our team provides a variety of front-end and back-end development services utilizing more modern stacks like React, Node, Svelte, Typescript, ExpressJS, AngularJS, Vue.js, Next.js, PHP, OOP, Laravel, Codeigniter, Ruby, Python (Django) and many others.

We are confident that the combined strength of WordSphere LLC and DrupalWare will drive growth and success in the industry. We look forward to working with the talented team at Drupalware and leveraging their expertise to deliver even more value to our customers.

Drupal is currently utilized as the technology stack behind eBay, Nokia, McDonald's, Charles Schwab, Entertainment Weekly, Tesla, The Australian Government, The Emmy Awards, NASA, Harvard University, Stanford University, and many others. Over the last decade market shares of the Drupal CMS platform have been overtaken by WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and Joomla (2022 CM Survey). Drupal sits in the 6th position. It's used on 1.2% of all sites with a known content management system, equaling a 1.8% market share.

WordSphere LLC is already used to the limelight, after recently releasing its new live consulting development service ( https://wordsphere.com/live-consulting/ ). This aims at disrupting the current market trends and giving people direct access to senior web developers, live. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new chapter in the WordSphere LLC journey.

WordSphere LLC, 5500 University, Parkway, San Bernardino, CA; wordsphere.com

WordSphere LLC, a leading Palo Alto based tech company, announced today the completion of its acquisition of DrupalWare. DrupalWare, a tech company known for its cutting-edge software solutions, is one of the leading Drupal development agencies in the USA, responsible for sites like Tesla and Pfizer.

Related link: https://wordsphere.com/

Short-Term Rental Compliance Provider LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari) Acquired by Avenu

CENTREVILLE, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the global leader in revenue enhancement and administration solutions for state and local governments, today announced the acquisition of LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari®), a leading provider of short-term rental identification, monitoring and compliance software and services.

Avenu and Harmari share a long history of providing innovative public sector solutions that maximize revenue, optimize operations, fight fraud and non-compliance, and enhance the citizen experience. Both companies bring together a common mission to better connect governments with citizens through enhanced digital platforms and real-time communication.

Harmari's industry leading monitoring and identification software and Avenu's scalable administrative solutions will help maximize compliance, while streamlining the collection of short-term rental and transient tax revenue for governments. Together, Avenu and Harmari will provide an end-to-end monitoring and full-service compliance solution that improves the citizen experience while maintaining a budget-neutral approach for local leaders.

The integration of Harmari's monitoring and machine learning technology and Avenu's full-service compliance, administration, and analytics brings together a fully integrated platform for both citizens and government officials. The result is a level of service that transforms the way in which local government can address the rapid growth associated with short term rentals that puts a heavy drain on staff, services and resources that are hard to scale for local officials. This approach reduces the dependency burden on governments to piece together resource-intensive processes and technologies that result in an inefficient experience and loss of tax and permitting revenue for governments and the citizens they serve.

"Keeping pace with the growth of short-term rentals, rapid changes in technology, and increased citizen expectations are challenges that many state and local governments are facing," shared Avenu CEO, Paul Colangelo. "We are combining the industry's leading technologies to create a better experience for citizen's while providing a full-service compliance solution that gives governments a way to properly monitor and collect all short-term rental revenue."

"We are very pleased to join the Avenu family," stated Harmari CEO, Allen Atamer. "We are continually innovating our technology to pivot to the needs of local governments and address the rapidly changing landscape. Harmari has a highly skilled team, and together, we will continue to deliver an industry leading GovTech platform that modernizes and streamlines this critical revenue stream and compliance objective for governments of all sizes, worldwide."

About Avenu Insights & Analytics:

Over 3,000 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue enhancement solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Mill Point Capital.

To learn more, visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari):

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, LTAS Technologies Inc. is a SaaS provider of monitoring and compliance tools to over 300 government customers in the US, Canada and Spain at the federal, state, provincial and municipal level. Harmari's technology focuses on providing deep insight and clarity to online short-term rental data that allows governments to understand and administer compliance such as registration, transient lodging tax payment, nuisance response and audit selection.

About Mill Point Capital:

Mill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower-middle market companies across the business services, technology and industrials sectors in North America. Mill Point's experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, NY.

For more information, please visit https://millpoint.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Corinne Aycock, Avenu Marketing Manager, 571.313.5882

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/22-1110-s2p-avenu-harmari-300dpi.jpg

Avenu Insights & Analytics (Avenu), the global leader in revenue enhancement and administration solutions for state and local governments, today announced the acquisition of LTAS Technologies Inc. (Harmari®), a leading provider of short-term rental identification, monitoring and compliance software and services.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

EPIC Continues Strategic Expansion of Life and Executive Benefits Platform – Acquires Larry Gordon Agency

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that it has acquired Larry Gordon Agency ("LGA"). The acquisition continues the strategic expansion of EPIC's geographic footprint in the Midwest across its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution businesses under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella.

Established in 1965, the Larry Gordon Agency was one of the first independent brokerage agencies in the country and pioneered the concept of providing brokers a diversified mix of life insurance options with access to multiple carriers. Today, LGA services its customers with industry-leading life insurance and annuity products, and an experienced management team with extensive knowledge in impaired risk evaluation, business insurance solutions, estate planning techniques and financial planning tools.

LGA will continue to serve clients from its offices in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. In addition, the current leadership team will remain in place including principals Mike Smrt and Larry Grapenthin, with Tom Braigel serving as a consultant.

"Joining Vanbridge and EPIC creates opportunities for Larry and me to provide a broader array of solutions and resources to our clients and provides our staff with new avenues for growth and development," said Mike Smrt, advisor and long-time partner at LGA. "Our agency has succeeded for more than 57 years because of our commitment to identifying the best products for clients' needs, and a shared sense of tenacity and commitment to results. We are excited what we can continue to achieve in partnership with Vanbridge and EPIC as we join their platform."

"I have been fortunate to know Tom, Larry and Mike for many years and have admired their approach to their business. The addition of the LGA team will enable our Life and Executive Benefits practice to become more efficient, grow organically at a higher rate, and improve on the best-in-class service delivered to our clients," said Tom Bellig, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

"We are thrilled to continue our expansion in the Midwest with the addition of LGA, whose vision and values align strongly with ours. We are proud that LGA has chosen to partner with us and honored to welcome Mike, Larry and the entire LGA team to the EPIC and Vanbridge family," concluded Mitchell K. Smith, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,800 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. Visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits:

Vanbridge's Life and Executive Benefits division provides coordinated advice about insurance planning, executive benefits, estate, tax, distributions, business succession, and other related financial matters. Our clients rely on our team to identify relevant areas of risk, ask clarifying and exploratory questions to identify goals, generate custom solutions and manage the implementation in conjunction with their legal and tax advisors, when applicable.

Vanbridge's infrastructure, tools, services, and strategies cater to RIAs, Family Offices, CPA firms and financial service professionals and institutions. We have assembled a distinguished interdisciplinary team that combines the best in life and annuity, capital markets, tax, and legal expertise. A true independent firm with offices and leadership across the country, Vanbridge provides objective access to the world's leading carriers across life insurance, annuities, disability income, long-term care, and linked benefits. Visit: https://www.vanbridge.com/.

About Larry Gordon Agency:

Established in 1965, the Larry Gordon Agency was one of the first independent brokerage agencies in the country to pioneer the concept of providing brokers a diversified mix of life insurance options with access to multiple carriers. LGA has been synonymous with performance and expertise specializing in multiple carrier management, aggressive impaired risk underwriting and an extensive annuity portfolio. Visit: https://www.lganet.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that it has acquired Larry Gordon Agency ("LGA"). The acquisition continues the strategic expansion of EPIC's geographic footprint in the Midwest across its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution businesses under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Expands Northern California Presence with Acquisition of SLCO LLC

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced it has acquired SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California. The acquisition expands EPIC's growing presence in Northern California and adds to its client offerings both regionally and nationally.

SLCO is an established leader in employee benefits, property & casualty, and personal lines. It is known nationwide for its comprehensive service capabilities, sophisticated product offerings and customized insurance solutions. SLCO will continue to serve clients from its offices in Lafayette, Santa Rosa, and Novato, California, under the leadership of Matthew M. Sitzmann, SLCO practice leader.

"Our team is excited about the opportunities ahead with EPIC. The partnership will bring both businesses added knowledge, market reach and expanded resources. We anticipate numerous opportunities to collaborate with EPIC in ways that will greatly benefit our clients and employees," said Sitzmann.

KJ Wagner, President, West Region with EPIC said, "SLCO brings extraordinary talent and client services to the EPIC Retail West business region. The SLCO team will expand and strengthen our presence within Northern California, and throughout the country, as we look forward to achieving great success together."

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,800 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

For more information on EPIC, visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced it has acquired SLCO LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, California. The acquisition expands EPIC's growing presence in Northern California and adds to its client offerings both regionally and nationally.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

KROST Acts as Exclusive Financial Advisor for American Range in Sale to Hatco

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- American Range, a privately held manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking appliances, was sold to Hatco, an employee-owned manufacturer of warming, cooking, sanitizing, and cooling equipment. KROST CPAs & Consultants acted as the exclusive financial advisor to American Range in its transaction to Hatco Corporation.

American Range was founded over 40 years ago by Shane Demirjian and has become a national brand known for engineering innovation, design quality, and excellent customer service in commercial and residential cooking appliances. The company has manufacturing locations in Pacoima, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hatco Corporation, a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company has corporate offices in Milwaukee, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The acquisition of American Range is part of Hatco's goal to broaden product offerings and expand opportunities to service customers in the food service industry.

American Range has been a client of KROST for five years. During this time, KROST provided Tax, Accounting, Consulting, R&D Tax Credit, Cost Segregation, and now Mergers & Acquisitions services. KROST's service model is designed to guide and support businesses throughout their lifecycle - from early-stage growth and development to succession and exit planning.

"When I was considering the potential sale of my business, I turned to KROST. They performed the full range of M&A services for me - from finding buyers, running a competitive bidding process, hosting management presentations, negotiating deal terms, running due diligence, and working with the legal team through the close of the transaction. They were a vital part of this transaction, and I relied on them enormously," said Shane Demirjian, Founder of American Range.

"We have been advising American Range, its owners, and its management team for over five years, so when they were considering a sale, they turned to us to run the full sell-side process for them. Because of our knowledge of their business and market, we were able to understand what was needed to get a comprehensive job done on a timely basis," said Paren Knadjian, M&A and Capital Markets Principal.

The M&A practice at KROST is led by industry veteran, Paren Knadjian, who recently became a Principal at the firm. The M&A team has been involved in over 300 transactions, consisting of outright sales of businesses, corporate divestitures, recapitalizations, acquisitions, and equity and debt financings worth over $2 billion in transaction value. The practice also offers transactional support services, including buy-side and sell-side quality of earnings reports, valuations, and due diligence services.

Contact KROST for more information about KROST's Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets services at: https://www.krostcpas.com/ma-contact.

Learn more about KROST's services at: https://www.krostcpas.com/services.

About KROST CPAs & Consultants:

Established in 1939 in Pasadena, California, KROST, is a full-service Certified Public Accounting and Consulting firm serving clients across various industries. Their focus is on recognizing opportunities and creating value for clients by equipping them with the tools to make better business and financial decisions for the future. As trusted advisors, clients depend on KROST to provide timely information, innovative solutions, and result-driven teamwork to ensure success. Along with providing traditional services, such as Tax, Accounting, and Assurance & Advisory, KROST also provides special services, including Client Accounting Services (CAS), Mergers & Acquisitions, Wealth Management, Tax Specialty Services, and KROST Business Intelligence (KBI).

American Range, a privately held manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking appliances, was sold to Hatco, an employee-owned manufacturer of warming, cooking, sanitizing, and cooling equipment. KROST CPAs & Consultants acted as the exclusive financial advisor to American Range in its transaction to Hatco Corporation.

Related link: https://www.krostcpas.com/

EPIC Expands Life and Executive Benefits Platform with Acquisition of The National Benefit Corp

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that it has acquired The National Benefit Corp ("TNBC"). The acquisition further expands EPIC's geographic footprint in the Midwest across its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution businesses under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella. The transaction continues to broaden the reach of EPIC's current Life and Executive Benefits practice and provides TNBC with an expanded and complementary portfolio of products and resources to facilitate growth and enhance client service.

Founded in 1977, TNBC is a full-service insurance marketing organization and a trusted insurance and annuity partner for advisors across the country. TNBC offers advisors a diverse line of financial products including Life, Long-Term Care and Disability Income insurance along with a specialization in Annuity solutions. The current leadership team of TNBC, including President John Gilbert, will remain intact upon joining the EPIC organization. Gilbert also serves as Chair of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA).

"Over the last 45 years, TNBC has become a leader in delivering personal relationships and independent life and annuity solutions to our incredible customers. Through this new partnership with EPIC and Vanbridge, we are very excited to be able to offer a more robust suite of solutions and best in class expertise to enhance our long-standing customer relationships," said Gilbert.

"I am fortunate to have known John Gilbert and Tom Kirke for the last decade and am very excited to welcome the team at TNBC into our collaborative organization," said Tom Bellig, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

"TNBC has cultivated a great reputation of performance within their specialty and this acquisition is an excellent opportunity for us to build on that success and drive growth - together," concluded Mitchell K. Smith, EPIC Life and Executive Benefits and Managing Principal of Vanbridge.

About EPIC Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has more than 2,800 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients. Visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits:

Vanbridge's Life and Executive Benefits division provides coordinated advice about insurance planning, executive benefits, estate, tax, distributions, business succession, and other related financial matters. Clients rely on its team to identify relevant areas of risk, ask clarifying and exploratory questions to identify goals, generate custom solutions and manage the implementation in conjunction with their legal and tax advisors, when applicable. Vanbridge's infrastructure, tools, services, and strategies cater to RIAs, Family Offices, CPA firms and financial service professionals and institutions. It has assembled a distinguished interdisciplinary team that combines the best in life and annuity, capital markets, tax and legal expertise. A true independent firm with offices and leadership across the country, Vanbridge provides objective access to the world's leading carriers across life insurance, annuities, disability income, long-term care and linked benefits. Visit: https://www.vanbridge.com/.

About TNBC:

The National Benefit Corp. (TNBC) is a full-service insurance marketing organization focused on providing extraordinary service and building quality relationships with our customer, the financial services professional. TNBC streamlines the business of its customers using proprietary technology platforms and through extraordinary personal service. Life insurance, annuities, long term care and disability income insurance are the primary products that we use to strengthen the financial futures of our clients. Visit: https://www.tnbc.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that it has acquired The National Benefit Corp ("TNBC"). The acquisition further expands EPIC's geographic footprint in the Midwest across its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution businesses under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Freedom Makers Virtual Services Merges with Re4ormed to Enhance Support for Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Businesses

SAN ANTONIO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Effective immediately, Freedom Makers Virtual Services (FMVS) has merged with Re4ormed to create The Forum. The Forum's mission is to grow veteran and military spouse owned businesses by providing an ecosystem of support through "All Calls" and partner offerings.

The merger was a natural one. FMVS's mission is to connect small business owners with professional, capable military spouse virtual assistants. This aligned well with Re4ormed's goal to help veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. A new logo has been revealed as part of the merger and launch.

The founder of Re4ormed, Navy Veteran, Mark Mhley, says, "There is clearly defined entrepreneurial spirit shared by those who have worn our nation's cloth and supported the defense of our nation. I believe that combining forces with FMVS will scale and improve our collective impact and amplify the voice of our community's offerings."

"All Calls" are a dynamic part of The Forum's ecosystem. They consist of weekly, time-zone-based virtual support forums, quarterly professional symposiums and other networking events held throughout the year. All veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the community to "get a little help and give a little help" by sharing their businesses through executive pitches and connecting with one another online and in the real world.

The Forum's directory of vetted partners, business services and products can be found on FMVS's website. It provides a searchable catalog of enterprises that offer support and resources to small business patrons. It also features products from veteran and military spouse-owned companies.

"We believe small businesses make up the backbone of our country and military spouses are the backbone of our military," Laura Renner, FMVS's founder, says. "Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs deserve marketplace access and resources. Supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses and the income earning potential of military families are at the heart of what we do. Mark and I believe in each other's missions and I'm honored and excited to partner with him."

Renner is also a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. After serving as a Public Relations Officer, she earned her International MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Renner currently serves as an Air Force Reservist.

About Freedom Makers Virtual Services:

FMVS was founded in 2015 and continues to grow. It's built on a foundation of principles: freedom, transparency and striving for excellence. Because the virtual assistants who find work through FMVS are associated with the military, they understand how to be flexible and deliver top-notch service to small businesses and entrepreneurs who are working to grow and scale their companies. FMVS prides itself on delivering excellent, customized support while simultaneously proffering meaningful, flexible work for military spouses around the globe.

For more information about FMVS, visit: https://www.freedom-makers.com/; or email info@freedom-makers.com.

Effective immediately, Freedom Makers Virtual Services (FMVS) has merged with Re4ormed to create The Forum. The Forum's mission is to grow veteran and military spouse owned businesses by providing an ecosystem of support through "All Calls" and partner offerings.

Related link: https://www.freedom-makers.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings Announces Acquisition of Reel Media, Further Expanding Firm’s Reach into Global Specialty Marketplace

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, in its continuing bid to diversify and expand into the global specialty markets, today announces the acquisition of Reel Media, LLC, a leading provider of insurance solutions for the broader entertainment and sports industries.

"We're excited about the opportunity to partner with Reel Media and their key trading relationships," Ron Ganiats, CEO, and co-founder of Paragon, said. "Marc Idelson and his team have built the market leading MGA in the film/TV and studio niche by attracting great talent and partnering with Allianz (AGCS), the leading carrier in global entertainment markets. Moreover, by harnessing their underwriting expertise, distribution network, and carrier and reinsurance relationships, to write E&S excess casualty, shell and touring, contingency, and motorsports business, Reel Media has done a great job of diversifying their business."

Reel Media is strategically aligned with deep and longstanding carrier and reinsurance relationships that includes Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), Munich Re, HDI Global Specialty SE and Sutton National, among others. These markets have supported Reel Media for many years and bring stability to the entertainment industry, which was validated during the loss cycle attributed to the pandemic.

"This is a great moment for Reel Media, our staff and our partners" Marc Idelson, CEO, and founder of Reel Media, said. "Paragon's business strategy and commitments to attracting and partnering with great talent, distribution, and carrier and reinsurance partners resonated with us. Their operational and analytic capabilities will also drive business efficiencies and improvements for Reel Media and deliver value to our clients and partners."

About Reel Media:

Reel Media LLC is an entertainment, film, television, sports, motorsports, and leisure Managing General Agent with offices located in California, Massachusetts, and Toronto. Reel Media offers innovative and competitive commercial insurance products representing strategic alliances with both admitted and surplus lines markets.

About Paragon:

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a Galway Holdings company formed in 2014, writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results.

Learn more: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, in its continuing bid to diversify and expand into the global specialty markets, today announces the acquisition of Reel Media, LLC, a leading provider of insurance solutions for the broader entertainment and sports industries.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Innovative, Removable Mesh Sling Now Available for Exclusive Manufacture

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California firm, ProNova Partners, has been chosen to handle the sale of the patent and rights to an easily removable mesh sling based on the natural encapsulation around monofilament wires or its interconnected narrow and flat strips. This encapsulation allows its easy removability.

15-year-old Mergers and Acquisitions firm, Los Angeles based ProNova Partners, has announced their commission to facilitate the sale of a new, patented technology for the repair of urine and fecal incontinence. This breakthrough has the potential to take over almost the entire incontinence repair market valued at billions of dollars.

"We are proud that our work worldwide has now enabled us now to assist in bringing a life-transforming technology to the market for manufacture," stated Rick Carlson CEO and founder of ProNova Partners.

In the almost two decades of its existence, ProNova Partners has overseen the sale of more than 400 opportunities in divergent areas. "This broad experience in multiple areas of the marketplace has been critical to our work in the medical and tech arenas," Carlson continued.

The patented "sling" technology available for rights purchase comes in 3 versions, all covered by patents: a weaved version, a detachable flat version, and an inflatable version for adjustment of the sub-urethral support.

The developer, an MD and a prolific inventor who owns more than 20 issued US and tens of International Patents says, "The weaved version of the sling we developed looks similar to the currently available synthetic slings and can be made from the same materials. However, there are some significant differences: differing from all the other available slings ours are not knitted, they are weaved making them more flexible and thinner."

"We are proud to be offering the full rights and ownership of this technological breakthrough into the marketplace for manufacture," concluded Carlson. "The offering includes all patents and will improve quality of life immediately for hundreds of thousands of patients, and once released those numbers will grow to millions."

For detailed information go to: https://pronovapartners.com/engagement/patented-easily-removable-sub-urethral-sling-medical-device-company-for-sale/

California firm, ProNova Partners, has been chosen to handle the sale of the patent and rights to an easily removable mesh sling based on the natural encapsulation around monofilament wires or its interconnected narrow and flat strips. This encapsulation allows its easy removability.

Related link: https://www.pronovapartners.com/

New Technology, 28 Patents, for secure Iris ID. Utilized By the UN, US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Homeland Security, and Many in Private Sector. Available for Investment or Purchase

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ProNova Partners, an L.A. based Mergers and Acquisitions firm, has been selected to oversee investment in or the sale of a patented, groundbreaking ID and security technology. This technology involves iris recognition including in the outdoors under bright sunlight, plus world-leading iris recognition tech secured by crypto wallet.

ProNova Partners, a fifteen-year-old Mergers and Acquisitions company, has announced their selection to oversee investment in or the full sale of a world-leading, patented, iris recognition technology.

This technology currently has clients such as the UN, the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Navy, US Marine Corps, the governments of India, the Philippines, Kenya, and numerous others in both the public and private sectors. Uses range from numerous physical security applications to blockchain and cryptocurrency applications.

"The producing company owns 28 patents on this tech," related Rick Carlson, CEO of ProNova Partners. "Its proprietary 'iris recognition in bright outdoors under sunlight' technology is coupled with innovative world-leading iris recognition to crypto wallet. This dramatically improves the security and convenience of digital assets on blockchain."

"This new technology will be usable and game-changing in both developed and emerging countries," announced Rick Carlson CEO and founder of ProNova Partners. "We are proud to be a part of bringing this to the world market."

The technology meets information sharing protocols between service providers and will lead to a new and open data economy. The ramifications are complete security for Bank information, Financial Transaction Data, Driving Data, SNS Contents, Health Information, Government/Education Certification, Insurance Information-in short data stemming from virtually any source.

ProNova Partners has assisted expansion or sale of some 400 firms in its history, in multiple areas of the marketplace.

"We are very pleased to assist in the growth and expansion of this much needed and innovative technology," concluded Carlson. "This tech empowers users to safely and securely lock and unlock everything from bank and medical transactions to equipment and even clothing. It could well change the way everything is done, and to do so with 'no mistake security' for every user."

For detailed information go to: https://pronovapartners.com/engagement/patented-world-leading-iris-recognition-technology-firm-for-sale/

ProNova Partners, an L.A. based Mergers and Acquisitions firm, has been selected to oversee investment in or the sale of a patented, groundbreaking ID and security technology. This technology involves iris recognition including in the outdoors under bright sunlight, plus world-leading iris recognition tech secured by crypto wallet.

Related link: https://www.pronovapartners.com/

KROST Announces Paren Knadjian as Principal of M&A and Capital Markets and Brad Pauley as Principal of Tax

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Los Angeles-based CPA Firm, KROST CPAs and Consultants announced Paren Knadjian as Principal of M&A and Capital Markets and Brad Pauley as Principal of Tax. Knadjian has successfully completed over 200 M&A and Capital Markets transactions worth over $1 billion.

Having been at the firm since 2017, Paren's work has made a great impact on the firm. He has over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions along with equity and debt financings. Paren and his team at KROST have assisted over 350 entities in procuring, managing, and obtaining forgiveness for more than half a billion dollars of PPP, EIDL, and Main Street Loans. He also acts as an outsourced CFO. Paren's talent at understanding client needs and his industry resulted in rapid professional growth at our firm.

"Paren has been instrumental at KROST, especially in developing the M&A practice at KROST into one of the most successful and respected in the industry. In addition, as the leader of the firm's technology industry niche, he has leveraged that expertise to help to make a significant impact in the growth of KROST clients. He is a talented speaker and frequently shares his knowledge through educational webinars relating to mergers and acquisitions and other aspects of capital markets," said Jason Melillo, CEO of KROST.

Brad Pauley has been with KROST since 2019 after merging in from Gaynor & Umanoff. He brings over 20 years of experience providing tax advice, projections, and compliance services to clients. His areas of expertise include high-net-worth individuals and their closely held businesses in the sports and entertainment space. Working with clients such as athletes, entertainers, professionals, and owners/operators of real estate including like-kind exchanges. Brad has been a tremendous contributor to the firm and helps his clients maintain their financial success.

"Brad spearheaded the sports and entertainment industry, working with current and former MLB, NBA, and NFL players. He handles everything from tax planning and preparation to multi-state/residence issues and has extensive real estate industry experience. Brad is truly a visionary in his industry. His attention to detail is immaculate and he is committed to providing the best client service," said Richard Umanoff, Principal.

Learn more about our new services " https://www.krostcpas.com/services

For more information about KROST, please visit https://www.krostcpas.com/

About KROST:

Established in 1939 in Pasadena, California, KROST, is a full-service Certified Public Accounting and Consulting firm serving clients across various industries. Their focus is recognizing opportunities and creating value for clients by equipping them with the tools to make better business and financial decisions for the future. As trusted advisors, clients depend on KROST to provide timely information, innovative solutions, and result-driven teamwork to ensure success.

Along with providing traditional services as Tax, Accounting, Assurance & Advisory, KROST provides special services including Client Accounting, Mergers & Acquisitions, Wealth Management, Tax Specialty Services and KROST Business Intelligence/Data Analytics.

Los Angeles-based CPA Firm, KROST CPAs and Consultants announced Paren Knadjian as Principal of M&A and Capital Markets and Brad Pauley as Principal of Tax. Knadjian has successfully completed over 200 M&A and Capital Markets transactions worth over $1 billion.

Related link: https://www.krostcpas.com/

KLLM Transport Services Acquires Quest Global Inc.

JACKSON, Miss. /ScoopCloud/ -- KLLM Transport Services (KLLM), one of the leading temperature-controlled, truckload carriers in North America, has acquired refrigerated transporter Quest Global Inc., located in Cartersville, Georgia.

"The acquisition of Quest Global Inc. will enhance KLLM's premium service offerings now with expedited, temperature-controlled shipping nationwide," KLLM CEO Jim Richards said. "Quest Global Inc. has been a well-run, safety driven company for years. Their culture and values are a great fit with our family of companies, and we're thrilled to have them as part of the KLLM family."

The expedited, team-driven temperature-controlled operation will continue to run out of the Cartersville, GA., location and be branded as KLLM Expedited Services. It adds to KLLM's currently offered core-services of Over-the-Road, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, and Logistics.

"Building Quest Global, Inc. has been my life's work, and I could not have found a better home than KLLM for the Quest family," said Jason Dickerson, CEO of Quest Global. "Within five minutes of meeting Jim Richards I knew KLLM was a perfect fit because of their family values, respect for their employees, and dedication to providing the best customer service possible. As a family-oriented company, my goal was to find the best home for our people for years to come, and I look forward to being part of the team to ensure a smooth transition."

This is the latest addition for KLLM in their ongoing growth strategy in the temperature-controlled shipping sector.

KLLM Expedited Services will also complement the full menu of refrigerated transportation services offered by the entire KLLM family of companies, which includes LTL carrier Frozen Food Express, time-sensitive same-day expedited carrier Koolshot Expedited, and KLLM's rapidly expanding intermodal division that services ramps across the country.

With 60 years of exceptional service, KLLM partners with some of the largest brands in America each day within the lower 48 states and with service into Mexico. To learn more about KLLM please visit https://www.kllm.com/.

About KLLM Transportation Services:

KLLM Transportation Services (KLLM) is one of the largest and most prestigious truckload, temperature-controlled carriers in North America with services also into Mexico. Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., KLLM offers a range of transportation solutions including Over-the-Road (OTR), Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal, and Logistics. KLLM delivers unrivaled service to some of North America's largest brands each day and has done so for 60 years since its founding in 1962. You can learn more about KLLM by visiting https://www.kllm.com/.

KLLM Transport Services (KLLM), one of the leading temperature-controlled, truckload carriers in North America, has acquired refrigerated transporter Quest Global Inc., located in Cartersville, Georgia.

Related link: https://www.kllm.com/