The Stephens Specialty Distribution and Services team concentrates on growing middle market companies that provide specialty distribution and services to a broad group of customers in diverse end markets regionally, nationally and globally. The Stephens team is unique in its specialization and combines deep industry knowledge with a full suite of investment banking services. We deliver expert advice on mergers, acquisitions, sales, divestitures and capital solutions as well as capital markets transactions in the public and private equity and debt markets. Since 2011, our team has advised on over 75 successful M&A transactions and raised over $11 billion of capital for clients through debt and equity transactions.
Stephens’ Specialty Distribution and Services group has extensive experience advising clients who serve a critical role in the supply chain across a variety of end markets. Our team maintains longstanding relationships and active dialogues with many of the leading public and private companies in targeted sectors. In addition to our corporate client relationships, we have a targeted effort directed at private equity firms that have a specialized focus in distribution and services. “Stephens” (the company brand name) is a leading family-owned independent financial services firm. Stephens’ US operations are headquartered in Little Rock, AR, with strategic locations in the US and a European presence in the UK and Germany. Stephens Inc. is a Member of the New York Stock Exchange and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and is regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Stephens Europe Limited (Registered office: 12 Arthur Street, London, EC4R 9AB, Registered number 8817024) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information, visit www.stephens.com. © 2022 Stephens
Big Rock Sports, LLC
Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to Big Rock Sports, LLC (“Big Rock Sports”) in securing a majority investment from a group of investors led by Stephens Capital Partners LLC (“SCP”). Big Rock Sports is North America’s premier outdoor sporting goods distributor, offering the broadest selection of firearms, ammunition, hunting, fishing, camping, boating and taxidermy products available.
DXP Enterprises, Inc.
Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to DXP Enterprises, Inc. on the acquisitions of Total Equipment Company (“TEC”), APO Pumps & Compressors including Corporate Equipment Company (together “APO/CEC”) and Pumping Solutions, Inc. (“PSI”). Combined sales and adjusted EBITDA for the acquired companies were approximately $114 million and $16 million, respectively and enhance DXP’s aftermarket and service capabilities and further diversify its end markets with meaningful expansion into the water and wastewater market.
Cadence Petroleum Group
Stephens served as financial advisor to Cadence Petroleum Gorup (“Cadence”) in its sale from Tenex Capital Management to Wellspring Capital Management. Cadence is a leading distributor of oil and lubricants used in automotive, commercial and industrial applications. Formed when leading distributors in the southeastern United Sates joined forces, Cadence is among the largest distributors in the US. Bolstered by strong partnerships with the leading national oil brands, Cadence is proud to provide the best products and services for automotive, commercial, and manufacturing facilities.
APE Companies
Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to APE Companies in its sale from Ridgemont Equity Partners to Marco Group International, a portfolio company of The CapStreet Group. For over twenty years, APE has been a leader in providing abrasive products, including garnet and equipment, to fill the surface preparation needs of its customers. During its history, APE has opened new locations and, through acquisitions, further expanded its branch network and offering to include safety products, industrial supplies, environmental remediation and disaster response. APE also maintains and rents a large fleet of surface preparation equipment.
Applied Systems Technologies
Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to Applied Systems Technologies in its sale from LKCM Headwater Investments to an Undisclosed Buyer. Founded in 2005, Applied System Technologies provides the highest quality aluminum piping systems available for distribution of compressed air, vacuum and inert gas. AST’s manufacturing and warehouse facilities in North Carolina and Nevada are extensively stocked to ensure same-day shipments 99% of the time. In addition, the Company has relationships with a host of distribution partners across North America standing by to assist with project installations.
Stephens’ Specialty Distribution and Services clients are leading distributors and service providers that deliver value-added solutions to their customers in a variety of end markets, touching all aspects of the economy. We strive to understand the specific nuances of each product vertical and the key factors affecting them.
Stephens’ Dedicated Distribution Group Focus Verticals Include:
• Aftermarket Parts
• Automation
• Consumer Products
• Chemicals, Fuels and Lubricants
• Electrical Products
• Engineered Products
• Flow and Process Control
• Fluid power, Conveyance and Filtration
• Industrial Equipment and Supplies
• Industrial Services & Maintenance
• Miscellaneous Products & Services
• MRO Products
• Safety
• Technology and electronics
Brad Yates
Managing Director, Co-Head of Industrial
(404) 461-5157
byates@stephens.com
Mr. Yates is a Managing Director responsible for the Firm’s Industrials effort. He also founded the Firm’s Specialty Distribution & Services practice in 2004. He has over 38 years of experience in investment banking. He has helped clients raise over $30 billion in the public and private capital markets including a considerable amount of leveraged acquisition financing. Mr. Yates has completed over 170 M&A assignments, advising numerous companies, boards and individual owners in divestitures, acquisitions and defense assignments. He has worked extensively with private equity firms leading a significant number of sell side assignments. Prior to joining Stephens in 2004, he built successful businesses at Salomon Brothers, Bank of America and SG Cowen. Additionally, Mr. Yates has served as a director on a number of company boards.
Patrick Clark
Senior Vice President
(404) 461-5146
patrick.clark@stephens.com
Mr. Clark is a Senior Vice President in Stephens’ Specialty Distribution & Services group. He has over 15 years of experience. Prior to his current role at Stephens, Mr. Clark served as a Vice President and an Associate within the SD&S group at Stephens. Prior to joining Stephens, Mr. Clark worked at AlixPartners, where he specialized in financial and operational restructurings both in and outside of bankruptcy, and began his career in the Assurance group at KPMG. Mr. Clark received a BBA and MS in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is also a certified public accountant, inactive.
Alexandra Lundell
Vice President
(404) 461-5175
alexandra.lundell@stephens.com
Ms. Lundell joined Stephens in 2014 and currently serves as a Vice President in the firm’s Specialty Distribution & Services group where she has provided execution support on a wide variety of M&A and capital raising transactions. Prior to joining the SD&S group, she was an Analyst working with the Specialty Finance and Specialty Distribution & Services Investment Banking groups. Ms. Lundell received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance from the University of Georgia, from which she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Justin Schoenberg
Vice President
(404) 461-5163
justin.schoenberg@stephens.com
Mr. Schoenberg is a Vice President in Stephens’ Specialty Distribution & Services group and focuses on M&A and capital markets transactions. Prior to joining Stephens, Mr. Schoenberg was an investment banker with Citigroup, Stifel, and BB&T Capital Markets. Mr. Schoenberg received an MBA from The University of Chicago and a BS in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University.
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