Specialty Distribution

On February 2, 2024, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) successfully advised SurfacePrep (the Company), a portfolio company of CenterOak Partners (CenterOak), on its sale to Nautic Partners (Nautic). KBCM was chosen to serve as SurfacePrep’s Exclusive Sell-Side Advisor based on its industry-leading Specialty Distribution practice, proven M&A execution capabilities and creative approach to managing sale processes. These strengths were demonstrated to CenterOak during the sale of a prior portfolio company, Vivify Specialty Ingredients in 2021.

SurfacePrep, headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, is a leading global distributor of abrasives, specialty ceramics, and surface enhancement equipment used by a broad base of customers. The Company's comprehensive product offering includes blasting media, tumbling media, coated abrasives, specialty ceramic materials, chemicals, metallurgical additives, abrasive equipment, and repair replacement parts. The SurfacePrep network includes over 35 distribution branches and more than 10 process development labs and production finishing centers to provide surface enhancement solutions to its more than 15,000 customers. For additional information, please visit www.surfaceprep.com.

CenterOak Partners LLC is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with a focus on making control-oriented investments in middle market companies. The Firm invests in Consumer Services, Business Services and Industrial Growth companies. CenterOak has a history of creating significant value through operational improvements. CenterOak and its Partners have managed $2.5 billion of equity capital commitments and have completed more than 150 transactions, representing over $8 billion in value. For additional information, please visit www.centeroakpartners.com.

Founded in 1986, Nautic is a middle-market private equity firm based in Providence, Rhode Island. Since inception, Nautic Partners has completed more than 200 transactions and partnered with a wide array of talented management teams. Nautic focuses primarily on the healthcare, services and industrials sectors.

On February 3, 2023, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) advised Ovation Holdings, Inc. (Ovation or the Company), a portfolio company of Lewis & Clark Capital LLC (LACC), on its sale to Warren Equity Partners (WEP). KBCM was selected to serve as Exclusive Sell-Side Advisor based on its industry-leading Specialty Distribution investment banking practice, deep industry expertise, extensive strategic and financial buyer relationships, relevant transaction experience, and track-record of successful M&A execution.

Ovation is a leading specialty distributor of diversified process, flow control, and instrumentation solutions serving blue-chip customers across diverse and attractive end markets. The Company maintains a robust central U.S. presence, operating 18 facilities 1n 16 states with the ability to serve customers coast to coast. In addition to sales, Ovation offers value-added support through its deep inventory stock, consultative sales approach, and comprehensive solutions offering that includes integrated service, installation, repair, and remanufacture capabilities via local service centers, mobile service trucks, and a growing staff of OEM-certified technicians and industry experts.

Lewis & Clark Capital, based out of St. Louis, Missouri, is a family office investing in established, lower-middle-market companies within its targeted sectors, including value-added distribution, industrial/business services, and niche manufacturing. LACC has a long history of helping management teams and entrepreneurs achieve their strategic visions of growth and long-term value.

Warren Equity Partners is a private equity firm that invests in small- and middle-market operating companies primarily in North America. WEP invests in established companies where additional capital and operating resources can accelerate growth, targeting companies in the industrial services, industrial products, business services, and distribution sectors.

On January 10, 2023, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) successfully advised HASA, Inc. (HASA or the Company), a portfolio company of GHK Capital Partners (GHK), on its sale to Wind Point Partners (WPP). KBCM was selected to serve as Exclusive Sell-Side Advisor based on its industry-leading specialty distribution and chemicals investment banking practices, deep industry expertise, relevant transaction experience and track record of successful M&A execution.

HASA is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment solutions. Founded in 1964, the company is recognized industry-wide as the premier source for sodium hypochlorite sanitization and shock solutions for the pool and industrial/municipal markets. HASA is headquartered in Saugus, California, and has 11 facilities throughout the Western United States.

Founded in 2018, GHK is a leading middle market private equity firm focused on making control investments in industrial companies across North America. GHK targets well-performing, defensible businesses and partners with exceptional management teams to accelerate earnings growth and maximize equity value.

Wind Point Partners is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm with approximately $5 billion in assets under management. Wind Point focuses on partnering with top caliber management teams to acquire well-positioned middle market businesses where it can establish a clear path to value creation. The firm targets investments in the consumer products, industrial products and business services sectors.