As the new year unfolds, the realm of B2B services and products is witnessing significant focus and activity, particularly among middle-market dealmakers. Numerous transactions are currently highlighting trends in technology-enabled business service providers, notably within the consultancy, compensation management, B2B payments, and marketing sectors. Among the various deals recently reported, one notable transaction involves the online influencer space.
Coalesce Capital has acquired a majority stake in Pearl Meyer & Partners, an advisory firm that assists boards and senior management with building and developing leadership teams. The investment aims to bolster Pearl Meyer's growth by introducing complementary service areas, as indicated in the firm's press release.
Private equity firm L Catterton has also made headlines by acquiring a majority stake in Kapital, a Japanese denim brand. Although the transaction was finalised in the previous year, the announcement was made recently. The acquisition is set to enhance Kapital's business network both in Japan and across international borders.
In the advertising sector, H.I.G. Capital has taken ownership of Best Version Media, which provides advertising solutions specifically tailored for small and medium-sized businesses across the U.S. and Canada. This move is expected to facilitate the company's geographic expansion.
Energy consulting firm Electric Power Engineers (EPE) secured a strategic growth investment from Berkshire Partners this week. This partnership will support EPE in offering consulting and software solutions focused on renewable energy, energy storage, and transmission, serving a roster of blue-chip power and energy clients. Following the investment, previous investor Lime Rock New Energy has exited its position.
Renovus Capital Partners has invested in Superior Health Holdings, a firm providing home health and hospice services. This backing will assist in the expansion of Superior’s services not only in Louisiana, where it currently operates, but also into neighbouring states.
GTCR has announced the acquisition of Concord Servicing, a provider of loan servicing software and administration services. The company oversees the management of approximately $16 billion in consumer loans.
In the realm of consumer events, Clarion Capital Partners has acquired Marketplace Events, which operates various consumer shows across multiple sectors, including home and garden and sports. Recently, the company has added 11 trade shows to its portfolio.
In fashion, ACON Investments has acquired the lifestyle and apparel brand True Religion, with strategic partner SB360 Capital Partners planning to support geographic and product diversification for the brand.
Later, a provider of influencer marketing and social media management software, has acquired influencer marketing platform Mavely for a reported $250 million. Mavely was previously acquired by Rhyz Inc, a subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises.
In financial management, TPG-backed Elite has acquired Tranch, a B2B payments platform that facilitates invoice automation and payments for law firms, thereby integrating these capabilities into its existing platform.
New State Capital’s The Blackhawk Group (TBG) has completed its fifth acquisition with the acquisition of Glendale Aero Services' maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business, contributing to its service offerings in the light turbine aircraft market.
Additionally, Havencrest Capital Management's Avid Health at Home has finalised its fifth acquisition with the purchase of Sandhills Home Care, expanding its healthcare services in North Carolina.
Wellful, supported by Kainos Capital, has enhanced its health and wellness platform with the acquisition of Ancient Nutrition from its previous investors, further solidifying its foothold in the vitamin and supplement categories.
MBC Companies, a frozen breakfast brand backed by Entrepreneurial Equity Partners, has acquired Nardone Brothers Baking Co., expanding its product offerings into the pizza market.
Ludi, operating in compensation management, has carved out the wRVU calculator from healthcare solution provider MDComp, augmenting its offerings for physician compensation calculations.
AWP Safety, supported by Kohlberg & Co., has announced three acquisitions that broaden its capabilities in safety and traffic management solutions.
In cybersecurity, Watchguard Technologies acquired ActZero, thereby enhancing its managed detection and response services.
Pexco, backed by Odyssey Investment Partners, has expanded its plastics solutions provider portfolio with the acquisition of Wisconsin Plastic Products.
Finally, Blackford Capital has successfully sold its stake in Mopec Group, a manufacturer of equipment for diagnostic research, to Waud Capital Partners. In a separate deal, New Mountain Capital has exited its investment in accounting firm Citrin Cooperman, selling its stake to Blackstone.
Additionally, Mustafa Siddiqui, formerly Global Head of GP Stakes at Blackstone, has launched SQ Capital, a private equity secondaries firm focused on opportunities in the U.S. and European middle market.
The emerging trends in AI automation for businesses are crucial in shaping the landscape of these transactions, as companies increasingly leverage technological advancements to enhance their service offerings and expand their market presence.
Source: Noah Wire Services