Investing in Exceptional Businesses and Exceptional Individuals
INVESTMENT APPROACH
COMPANY EBITDA
$2mm to $5mm
MANAGEMENT PARTICIPATION
All Transactions
TRANSACTION TYPE
Majority / Minority
INVESTMENT HORIZON
Patient / Flexible
OWNERSHIP SITUATION
Family / Entrepreneur
INDUSTRIES
We foresee a persistent trend towards outsourcing vital operational services to specialized third-party providers in the future. At Apice Structured Investments, investing in specialty services companies constitutes a central pillar of our strategy. We possess a deep understanding of the requisites for fostering success in service-based enterprises amidst today’s evolving business landscape. Through operational reinforcement, focused labor recruitment and retention initiatives, and strategic investments in both field-level and back-office infrastructure, we expedite growth and cultivate excellence in service-oriented businesses. Below, we outline a selection of our key areas of interest:
- Environmental and Safety Services
- Industrial Facility Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO)
- Residential and Commercial Service Providers
- Testing, Inspection, and Certification Specialists
- Utility and Infrastructure Support
- Water and Wastewater Management Solutions
These sectors represent just a glimpse into our diverse portfolio, showcasing our commitment to driving innovation and growth in service-based industries.
Our team boasts extensive experience in collaborating with value-added distribution enterprises. We invest in a diverse range of value-added distribution companies, encompassing those with proprietary vendor networks and those fostering enduring distributorship alliances with key suppliers. Hand in hand with management, we embark on enhancing the capabilities of value-added distributors, bolstering their product and end-market reach, scaling through strategic investments in cutting-edge systems and technology, and fortifying customer relations by integrating kitting, assembly, and service-oriented revenue streams. Below, we outline several focal areas of interest within this domain:
- Aftermarket Parts and Components
- Assembly, Kitting, and Calibration Services
- Automation and Flow Control Solutions
- Engineered Industrial Products
- Safety Equipment and Tooling
- Water and Wastewater Equipment
These sectors exemplify our commitment to driving growth and innovation within value-added distribution, reflecting our dedication to fostering success in this dynamic industry.
We actively seek partnerships with high-performing, entrepreneur-owned niche manufacturing firms. Our passion lies in immersing ourselves in the shop floor environment, witnessing firsthand the ingenuity of business owners and their workforce. We stand by our manufacturing partners, offering support through strategic investments in capital and back-office infrastructure, facilitating growth and market expansion, and refining bespoke operational and manufacturing techniques that define each business’s uniqueness. Here are several key areas of interest that exemplify our focus:
- Consumable and Wearable Parts Manufacturing
- Engineered Industrial Product Fabrication
- Plastic and Rubber Molding Solutions
- Protective Packaging Manufacturing
- Specialty Fabrication Services
- Testing and Measurement Equipment Production
These sectors epitomize our commitment to nurturing excellence and innovation within niche manufacturing, underscoring our dedication to fostering success in this vibrant sector.
TRANSACTION TYPES
As family-owned companies progress, there often arises a pivotal moment to consider augmenting resources to propel the business forward. Whether entrepreneurs seek personal liquidity, capital for expansion endeavors, or a blend of both, we collaborate closely with business owners to craft a tailored solution aligned with their personal aspirations. A majority recapitalization affords shareholders the opportunity to unlock substantial value from their business holdings while accessing Keswick’s resources to fuel future growth endeavors.
Opting for a majority recapitalization with Keswick presents an optimal choice for company owners seeking liquidity while retaining significant ownership stakes and maintaining active involvement in day-to-day operations. An investment with Keswick ensures the preservation of the company’s esteemed legacy and cherished culture.
For business owners seeking personal liquidity or immediate growth capital while maintaining majority ownership, a minority recapitalization offers an appealing solution. Keswick specializes in customizing solutions that align with the unique goals and objectives of each shareholder and manager.
In a minority recapitalization, the existing management team retains control over the day-to-day operations of the business while benefiting from Keswick’s strategic partnership. This arrangement allows managers to maximize their involvement in the company’s future value while accessing the resources needed for growth.
As a strategic partner, Keswick serves as a valuable sounding board for senior leadership and assists in crafting a balanced sheet poised for continued expansion.
It’s not uncommon for management teams to operate businesses without significant ownership stakes or avenues to purchase the business themselves. At Keswick, we provide support to senior leadership teams seeking to acquire businesses through a management buyout, offering a path for current owners to realize the value of their business while preserving its legacy and culture forged through years of dedication.
Through a management buyout facilitated by Keswick, active managers and select family members have the opportunity to continue operating the business while gaining a strong financial partner to address capital needs and steer the company’s strategic direction. We firmly believe that management teams deserve an ownership stake in the businesses they operate, which is why all companies we partner with are equipped with meaningful management incentive equity programs.
Family-owned businesses often involve multiple generations, each with their own aspirations and objectives. As businesses transition from one generation to the next, it’s common for founders and next-generation managers to have differing goals. At Keswick, we bring substantial experience to the table, aiding businesses in navigating the intricate process of ownership transition between generations.
Our family succession strategies are designed to benefit both older and younger generations. We assist the older generation in unlocking the value of their business while simultaneously providing opportunities for the younger generation to build substantial wealth by participating in the company’s future success. Additionally, when estate planning becomes necessary, Keswick offers effective alternatives to diversify owners’ net worth and facilitate the tax-efficient transfer of wealth to the next generation in a personalized manner.