Background
Alerion Door and Glass, Inc., an S-corporation based in Central Florida, has been a trusted name in the commercial and industrial door and glass industry for over 20 years. Specializing in sales, fabrication, installation, and service of products such as storefronts, automatic doors, and hardware, Alerion serves a broad region from Central Florida to South Florida, with regional contractors expanding its reach to growth markets like Tampa, Key West, The Villages, and Jacksonville. The company has thrived by balancing new construction projects with service, repair, and retrofit work, maintaining a 50/50 split between these segments. Alerion’s competitive edge lies in its ability to deliver “on time and on budget with high-quality products” by purchasing directly from manufacturers, bypassing distributors, which allows it to outbid larger firms in key markets. The company is led by owner Chris Nelson.
The buyer, Northwoods Partners, is a family-owned investment firm with a focus on acquiring and growing businesses in the lower middle market. Based on their mission to partner with exceptional companies, Northwoods emphasizes long-term value creation through operational expertise, strategic growth initiatives, and a commitment to preserving the legacy of the businesses they acquire. With a proven track record of successful investments, Northwoods was well-positioned to pursue new opportunities following the recent sale of another venture.
Challenges
Five years ago, Alerion faced a significant transition when the owner’s business partner passed away. To maintain continuity, a new management team was hired, which successfully elevated the company’s performance to new heights. However, as owner Chris Nelson approached retirement, he faced a dilemma. He initially hoped to pass the business to key personnel, but the lead candidate expressed interest in pursuing other opportunities. Shutting down Alerion was not an option for Nelson, who was deeply concerned about the livelihoods of his 22 employees and their families. Finding a buyer who could preserve the company’s legacy, retain its workforce, and drive future growth became a critical challenge.
TREP’s Approach
Jerry Butz, a seasoned advisor at TREP, took a proactive and personalized approach to address Nelson’s needs. Understanding the importance of finding a buyer aligned with Alerion’s values and operational strengths, Butz leveraged his extensive network to identify potential acquirers. He reached out to Northwoods Partners, a family-owned firm with a reputation for thoughtful acquisitions and a commitment to employee retention and business growth. Northwoods had recently exited another venture, making the timing ideal for a new investment. Butz facilitated discussions to ensure both parties’ goals were aligned, emphasizing Northwoods’ ability to maintain Alerion’s workforce and capitalize on its established market position.
Outcome
The acquisition of Alerion Door and Glass by Northwoods Partners was a resounding success, meeting the objectives of both parties. For Alerion, the transaction ensured the company’s legacy would continue under new ownership, safeguarding jobs for its 22 employees and maintaining its reputation for quality and reliability in the Florida market. For Northwoods Partners, the acquisition represented a strategic opportunity to expand their portfolio with a well-established, profitable business in a growing industry. TREP’s tailored approach, driven by Jerry Butz’s deep industry connections and commitment to understanding Chris Nelson’s unique needs, was instrumental in identifying Northwoods as the ideal buyer.
“Working with TREP was a game-changer for me,” said Chris Nelson, owner of Alerion Door and Glass. “Jerry Butz took the time to understand my priorities, especially my commitment to my employees, and found a buyer in Northwoods Partners who shared those values. I’m thrilled with the outcome.”
By fostering a mutually beneficial deal, TREP demonstrated its ability to deliver transformative outcomes in the M&A advisory space, reinforcing its reputation for creating value through strategic partnerships and unwavering dedication.
