Wood Products Manufacturer's Strategic Acquisition in 12 Months

Overview

In this case study, we delve into the full acquisition of a wood products manufacturing company in northern Alabama. Our client, the seller, needed to make the sale for family and personal reasons. We identified a strategic buyer interested in vertical portfolio growth within the wood products space, and facilitated a successful deal over the course of 12 months. This acquisition was marked by strong operational alignment and valuable synergies.

Key Deal Metrics

• Advised the: Seller
• Type of Deal: Full Acquisition
• Timeline: 12 months
• Earnings Multiple: 3.5x

Objectives & Reasons for the Deal

Seller's Objective

The seller, after decades of managing the company, sought to sell for family and personal reasons, wanting to ensure the business continued to thrive under new ownership.

Buyer's Objective

The buyer was looking to expand their portfolio strategically in the wood products manufacturing sector. They were particularly interested in the company's customer contracts and physical capacity, viewing this as an excellent opportunity for vertical growth.

What Went Right

Operational Fit

The buyer proved to be an excellent operational fit, helping stabilize the company culture and align with the employees. This synergy allowed for a smooth transition and a focus on key assets.

Strategic Synergy

The buyer’s existing portfolio complemented the acquired business, shifting focus onto valuable customer contracts and physical capacity, rather than back-end business operations.

Areas for Improvement

Preparedness for Due Diligence

The deal experienced delays during the due diligence process, which could have been mitigated with more proactive preparation. This highlighted the importance of aggressive planning in similar future deals.

About the Business

The company, a wood products manufacturer in northern Alabama, had been under consistent management for over 25 years. Specializing in customized wooden shipping materials, the business served clients in logistics, defense, and distribution sectors.

Deal Partner Highlight

Oakworth Capital Bank provided funding for this acquisition. Known for their client-centric approach, Oakworth offers exceptional services and facilities for commercial customers. Working with representatives Bishop Mostellar and Brent Stewart, we found them to be professional, fast-acting, and creative, contributing greatly to the success of this deal.

Conclusion

This strategic acquisition illustrates our brokerage's capacity to align client needs with ideal outcomes, even in complex and specialized industries. Our expertise, integrity, and network of reliable partners ensure that both buyers and sellers achieve their objectives, even when navigating intricate due diligence and operational challenges.