News

Acquisition

July 07, 2022

The Sterling Group Completes the Acquisition of Ergotron, Inc.

The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), an operationally-focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ergotron, Inc. (“Ergotron”) from Melrose Industries PLC. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ergotron is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of ergonomic products for use across healthcare, workspace, industrial, and education settings.

“Ergotron is a pioneer in ergonomic solutions, and its strong market position and commitment to its customers and employees seamlessly align with Sterling’s employee-focused approach to partnerships,” said Brad Staller, Partner at The Sterling Group. “We look forward to supporting the management team as they look to accelerate growth.”

“Our partnership with Sterling Group will enable Ergotron to continue building on its 40-year legacy of designing solutions that support the wellness of caregivers and workers and how they interact with technology,” said Chad Severson, CEO of Ergotron. “We look forward to collaborating with the Sterling team to continue empowering people across the globe to improve how they work, learn, play and care for others.”

Sterling has deep experience with corporate carve-outs, having previously partnered with management teams to transition over 20 companies to standalone businesses. 75% of Sterling’s historical platform investments have either been corporate carve-outs or entrepreneur / family-owned businesses.

About Ergotron, Inc.

Ergotron, Inc. is a global leader in designing ergonomic solutions that connect people and technology to enhance human performance, health and happiness. Using the Technology of Movement™, Ergotron builds products and custom solutions that help people feel a new sense of energy in healthcare, industrial and office settings, both at home and on-site.

Through its 40-year history, Ergotron has led the industry with innovative, professional-grade products and customer-focused service. The company has earned more than 200 patents and established a growing portfolio of award-winning brands including WorkFit® and CareFit™, and patented Constant Force™ and LiFeKinnex™ technologies. Ergotron is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a presence in North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 63 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling recently closed its fifth investment fund with $2.0 billion in commitments and currently has over $5.7 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.



Acquisition

June 02, 2022

Frontline Road Safety, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Ozark Striping Company, LLC

Frontline Road Safety (“Frontline”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), today announced the acquisition of the pavement marking contracting operations of Ozark Striping Company, LLC. (“Ozark”). Frontline’s operating companies provide pavement marking and ancillary services to a variety of end markets and customers.

The Ozark transaction marks Frontline’s eighth acquisition since the platform was established in July 2020. Headquartered in Ozark, Alabama, Ozark Striping Company is a pavement marking contractor known across the industry as one of the leading firms in the nation.

“We are excited to expand our footprint in the Southeast region by partnering with this best-in-class pavement marking firm and look forward to working with the outstanding team at Ozark,” said Mitch Williams, CEO of Frontline Road Safety. “Ozark has a strong presence in Alabama and is a great addition to the Frontline family.”

“We have built a premier pavement marking contractor of considerable scale and believe Frontline is the ideal partner for Ozark going forward,” said Lee Gross, President of Ozark Striping Company.

Over the last several years, Sterling has executed on its investment thesis to build a leader in the road safety and infrastructure maintenance industry. Through organic growth and further acquisitions, Sterling intends to continue building Frontline into the leading platform for road safety solutions with best-in-class local execution capabilities. Sterling has a long history of partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to support the growth of their businesses.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 62 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling recently closed its fifth investment fund with $2.0 billion in commitments and currently has over $5.7 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

May 02, 2022

Fencing Supply Group, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Acquires Specialty Fence Wholesale, Inc.

Fencing Supply Group (FSG) today announced that it has acquired Specialty Fence Wholesale, Inc. (SFW), a respected leading wholesaler of vinyl and aluminum fencing products in the Central Florida market.

“It is truly an exciting time, and we are thrilled to welcome the talented and dedicated people of Specialty Fence Wholesale, Inc. to our Fencing Supply Group team,” said Andrea Hogan, CEO of Fencing Supply Group. “We are building North America’s premiere distribution company for fencing and outdoor living products, and SFW is the ideal addition to our team.”

“Specialty Fence Wholesale complements our existing footprint in the Tampa and Southeast regional area,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields. “New and existing customers will benefit from having more options and greater access to high-quality fencing, perimeter security and outdoor living products.”

“We are proud of what we built over the past 20 years. Specialty Fence Wholesale has a strong reputation for quality products, competitive pricing, and the best customer service,” remarked Al Robinson, owner of Specialty Fence Wholesale, Inc. “Today, we found the right partner in Fencing Supply Group, who will help us elevate what we do so well to the next level.”

Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, an operationally focused private equity firm focused on the industrial sector. Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy.

About Fencing Supply Group

Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (FSG) is a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. FSG is the largest wholesale distributor and manufacturer of fencing and outdoor living supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources to benefit customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, Pro Access Systems, Sharon Fence Distributors, Specialty Fence Wholesale Jacksonville, and Vinyl By Design, which collectively operate nearly 70 branches across more than 30 states.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 62 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling recently closed its fifth investment fund with $2.0 billion in commitments and currently has over $5.7 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

March 02, 2022

The Sterling Group Completes the Acquisition of West Star Aviation

The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), an operationally-focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of West Star Aviation, LLC (“West Star”) from Norwest Equity Partners. West Star is a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services to the business aviation industry providing maintenance, modification, and other services to aviation customers. West Star provides services at four primary locations in East Alton, Illinois; Grand Junction, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Perryville, Missouri, as well as fifteen mobile repair bases and satellite MRO facilities. West Star also provides parts distribution and composite repair services through its Avant and DAS businesses respectively.

Sterling has deep experience in the business aviation industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Lynx, an FBO Network. Greg Elliott, a Partner at The Sterling Group, has been involved in building several business aviation platforms in the past twenty years, including as either Chairman or Board Member of Lynx, Encore, Trajen, and Landmark Aviation.

“We believe that our experience coupled with West Star’s industry-leading customer service capabilities will make us a powerful combination,” said Greg Elliott, Partner at The Sterling Group. “Jim Rankin has built a stellar leadership team, and we are eager to help accelerate their growth plans.”

“Sterling’s employee-focused approach to their business partnerships and their expertise in the general aviation space makes them the perfect fit for West Star,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation. “As we enter our 75th year, the combined efforts of our experienced employees, our founders, and now the Sterling team, will allow West Star to continue to offer the best customer experience in the industry,” Rankin continued.

West Star has been voted the #1 Preferred MRO for eight consecutive years from 2014-2021 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual PRASE Survey.  The survey first included the ‘Most Preferred MRO’ category in 2014 and West Star has won the #1 slot each year since its inception.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 62 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling recently closed its fifth investment fund with $2.0 billion in commitments and currently has over $5.7 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.



Acquisition

February 01, 2022

Fencing Supply Group, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes Acquisition of Specialty Fence Wholesale Jacksonville

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”) today announced that it has acquired Specialty Wholesale Fence Jacksonville. Specialty Wholesale Fence is a respected leading wholesaler of vinyl and aluminum fencing products in the Jacksonville, Florida, market.

“We are excited to welcome the dedicated people of Specialty Fence Wholesale to our Fencing Supply Group team,” said Andrea Hogan, CEO of Fencing Supply Group. “We are building North America’s premiere distributor for fencing and outdoor living products, and Specialty Fence Wholesale is the ideal fit.”

“Specialty Fence Wholesale complements our existing footprint in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas,” added Jeff Cook, FSG executive vice president of M&A and Greenfields. “New and existing customers will benefit from having more options and greater access to high-quality fencing, perimeter security and outdoor living products.”

“We have built a company that thrives on providing the best customer experience in the fence industry and takes pride in our knowledgeable staff and high-quality products,” remarked Stephen Seymour, owner of Specialty Fence Wholesale Jacksonville. “Our market is becoming more competitive, and customers are looking for more. By joining Fencing Supply Group, we can take our business to the next level, which means an opportunity to accelerate growth and more professional options for our people.”

Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, an operationally focused private equity firm focused on the industrial sector. Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy.

About Fencing Supply Group

Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (FSG) is a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. FSG is the largest wholesale distributor and manufacturer of fencing and outdoor living supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources to benefit customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, Pro Access Systems, Sharon Fence Distributors, and Vinyl By Design, which collectively operate nearly 70 branches across more than 30 states.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 61 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling recently closed its fifth investment fund with $2.0 billion in commitments and currently has over $5.7 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

November 01, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Accents & Interiors

Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Accents & Interiors (“A&I”). Headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, A&I is one of the premier providers of flooring and solid surfaces in the Northwestern United States.

“We are thrilled to work with A&I to strengthen ADG’s presence in the greater Puget Sound region,” said Larry Barr, CEO of Artisan Design Group. “The addition of A&I will provide ADG with substantial growth opportunities and greater coverage of the single-family market in this region of Western Washington.”

“A&I is a great addition to the ADG family.  The partnership will create an exciting opportunity for ADG to add countertops and window coverings, continuing to grow our product offerings for customers,” added Wayne Joseph, Vice Chairman of Artisan Design Group.

“A&I has achieved significant growth over the last decade and we believe partnering with ADG is the right next step for us in expanding our reach in the single-family home market nationally,” said Derek Atkinson and Dave Jacobs, Co-Founders of Accents & Interiors.

ADG is a provider of design, procurement, and installation services for flooring, cabinets and countertops, serving homebuilders, multi-family developers and institutional property owners. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 135 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 3,000 personnel across 25 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed thirteen acquisitions over the past three years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed twenty-one total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring, cabinets and countertops specialists.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 61 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.



Acquisition

October 04, 2021

Artisan Design Group, a Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes the Acquisition of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths

Artisan Design Group (“ADG”), a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, today announced the acquisition of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths, Eurocraft Cabinets and Distinctive Millwork (collectively “DKB”). Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, DKB is a cabinet manufacturer, dealer, and installer serving the state of Florida.

“Our partnership with DKB will further our product expansion in Florida, an important area of growth for the company,” said Larry Barr, CEO of Artisan Design Group. “We look forward to working with the Canters and their team,” added Wayne Joseph, Vice Chairman of Artisan Design Group.

“We are excited for this opportunity to expand operations and partner with an industry leader such as ADG,” said Adam Canter, President of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths. “At DKB, we value a family culture for our employees and for our customers, so we are glad to be joining forces with a company that shares the same values.”

ADG is a provider of design, procurement, and installation services for flooring, cabinets and countertops, serving homebuilders, multi-family developers and institutional property owners. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 135 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 2,500 personnel across 25 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed twelve acquisitions over the past two years under Sterling’s ownership. The company has completed twenty total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring, cabinets and countertops specialists.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as legal advisor to ADG and Berger Singerman LLP acted as legal advisor to DKB.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 61 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.



Acquisition

September 14, 2021

Fencing Supply Group, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Acquires Vinyl by Design

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”), a group of industry-leading distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products, today announced that it has acquired Vinyl by Design, a full-service provider of vinyl fence, vinyl railing, decking, and aluminum railing and fence located in New Paris, Indiana.

“We are thrilled and honored that Vinyl by Design has joined the FSG family,” said Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO. “They have built an impressive legacy of exceptional product and industry knowledge, paired with a passion for serving their customers, which aligns well with our vision.”

“With the addition of Vinyl by Design, FSG customers in the upper Midwest will have expanded options for their outdoor living and fencing needs,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields. “Vinyl by Design’s aluminum and vinyl fencing, decking, and accessories will complement existing FSG company product lines.”

Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas. Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy. Vinyl by Design is the eighth acquisition for the Fencing Supply platform.

About Fencing Supply Group

Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (FSG) is a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. FSG is a leading wholesale distributor of fencing supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources to benefit customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, Pro Access Systems, Sharon Fence Distributors, and Capitol Wholesale Company which collectively operate more than 60 branches across 30 states.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 60 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

September 08, 2021

Fencing Supply Group, A Portfolio Company of The Sterling Group, Completes Acquisition of Capitol Wholesale Fence Company

Fencing Supply Group (“FSG”) today announced that it has acquired Capitol Wholesale Fence Company, Inc. (“Capitol”). FSG is a group of industry-leading distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Capitol is a full-service fencing supplier for commercial, industrial, and residential customers with branches in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Olive Branch, Mississippi.

“I am excited that Capitol and its more than 80 employees will join our growing family of distributors and manufacturers of fencing and outdoor living products in North America,” said Andrea Hogan, FSG CEO. “This is an extraordinary development for FSG, for Capitol, and for our customers, people, and suppliers.”

“The addition of Capitol boosts FSG’s presence and supply network with an outstanding distributor and talented fence professionals,” added Jeff Cook, FSG Executive Vice President of M&A and Greenfields. “The added locations offer further opportunities to expand the business and products and to provide customers more choices from the local people they already know.”

“Joining FSG is the best choice for Capitol, and we are thrilled about our future,” commented Lisa Harrison, CEO of Capitol. “Over the past 56 years, we have partnered with our customers and suppliers and have built a strong business. I believe that by joining forces with FSG, we will be in a better position for continued growth.”

Fencing Supply Group is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, an operationally focused middle market private equity firm based in Houston, Texas. Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution industry, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, and Artisan Design Group. Fencing Supply Group and Sterling intend to continue to support the platform through organic growth initiatives and an active acquisition strategy. Capitol Wholesale Fence Company is the seventh acquisition for the Fencing Supply platform.

About Fencing Supply Group

Founded in 2021, Fencing Supply Group (FSG) is a group of industry-leading fencing distributors. FSG is the largest wholesale distributor and manufacturer of fencing and outdoor living supplies in the United States. FSG businesses serve professional fencing contractors who provide new, improvement, and repair fencing services across residential, industrial, commercial, and infrastructure end markets. The FSG model combines local relationships, service, and expertise with national scale and resources to benefit customers, employees, and suppliers. Current FSG companies include Binford Supply, Cedar Supply, Fence Supply, Merchants Metals, Pro Access Systems, and Sharon Fence Distributors, which collectively operate 60 branches across 30 states.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 60 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.



Acquisition

September 02, 2021

The Sterling Group Completes the Acquisition of L&S Mechanical

The Sterling Group (“Sterling”), an operationally focused middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of L&S Mechanical (“L&S”), a leading tri-trade provider of turnkey plumbing, HVAC and electrical installation services in the Texas residential market. Founded in 1985, L&S is headquartered in Richardson, Texas, and serves large production homebuilders in Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin through its five production warehouses.

“Thomas Mozjesik and his team pioneered the tri-trade model in Texas,” said Greg Elliott, Partner at The Sterling Group. “We are excited to partner with the team to continue to expand that model in both Texas and other states.”

“Sterling’s ‘roll up your sleeves’ approach combined with their experience and success in building products are what make them a great fit for L&S,” said Thomas Mozjesik, President of L&S Mechanical. “With Sterling as our partner, we will accelerate our growth plans.”

Sterling has deep experience in the building products distribution and services industries, having previously partnered with entrepreneur owners to build Roofing Supply Group, Construction Supply Group, Artisan Design Group, and Fencing Supply Group.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 60 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $14.0 billion. Sterling currently has over $5.0 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.