Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Canaide, Inc. to Apprio Holdings, LLC.

Canaide, Inc., hereinafter referred to as Canaide, is a revenue cycle management firm located in Central Florida. They are a provider of outsourced, self-pay services to hospitals across the Southeastern United States. The acquirer, Apprio Holdings, is a provider of specialized technology solutions, particularly for the Health, Defense and Homeland Security markets. They are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and now have 11 total offices from coast to coast.

Art Seypura, owner of Canaide, stated, “Benchmark made the sales process timely and seamless. We went to market just a few short months ago and they quickly found a great cultural fit that would allow me to step away quickly from the helm while partaking in future growth under the guidance of Apprio.”

Benchmark International Director, Dara Shareef, stated, “We are really excited that we were able to successfully locate a buyer for Art Seypura and Canaide. Every facet of this process, from engagement to close, went smoothly thanks to the dedication and effort from both the sell-side and buy-side teams.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Silexx Financial Systems, LLC and Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). Headquartered in Chicago, IL, CBOE is the largest U.S. options exchange in the nation. Silexx Financial Systems, LLC is a broker-neutral, multi-asset class trading platform in Sarasota, Florida.

Thomas Frey, president and majority owner of Silexx Financial Systems, LLC stated, “I would like to thank Benchmark International for their persistence, and focus during this transaction. As is often the case, this transaction faced numerous challenges during each stage of the process. The Benchmark team remained focused, and leveraged their experience to maintain forward progress during difficult times of the process.”

Benchmark International Director Dara Shareef stated, “We would like to congratulate our clients, Silexx Financial Systems, LLC, Thomas Frey, and Michael Williams, as well as the buyer, Chicago Board Options Exchange. This acquisition enhances the CBOE delivery model and provides its customers industry-leading data analytics and trade execution tools for more than three dozen global markets. The buyer truly valued our client’s existing OEMS platform and access to major global markets in North America, Europe and Asia. We feel this deal was a win-win proposition for both CBOE and Silexx, and we wish them both all the best in the future.”

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Central Florida Solar, Inc. (“CFS”) to Wayfare Impact LLC (“Wayfare”).

Based in Altamonte Springs, Florida, CFS operates as a multi-service solar energy provider that designs, sells and installs solar energy systems for water heating, pool heating and solar electric power. The company primarily services the residential sector across the Orlando, Florida market. The company’s owner, Bill Park, has been designing and installing solar energy systems since 1984 and has completed the Florida Solar Energy Center’s photovoltaic system design program.

Since 2000, CFS has been committed to providing clean energy options that are both cost effective for the consumer and environmentally friendly. Since inception, the company has grown from a small family business to a profitable venture. The company’s technical knowledge, experienced staff, and professionalism not only ensure client retention, but foster additional growth opportunities within the industry.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Wayfare is a privately-owned investment firm with a focus on U.S. investments. Wayfare pursues a multitude of sectors and markets from an investment standpoint; however, the group primarily focuses on growth companies with clear potential to be not only profitable, but to have a positive impact on the environment. Today, Wayfare is further expanding its portfolio of socially responsible and environmentally conscious companies with the acquisition of CFS.

President and Founder of CFS, Bill Park, stated, “Benchmark International played an instrumental role in bringing my exit strategy to fruition. The team did an outstanding job of marketing my business toward motivated buyers, and even lined me up with first-rate legal counsel as the deal entered more mature stages. I would like to thank the Benchmark transaction team for the extraordinary effort in making this transaction a reality.”

Benchmark International’s Senior Associate, Trevor Talkie, added, “We have really enjoyed working with our client, Bill Park, and bringing to the table an acquirer with many of the same core values. Bill has built an excellent business over the years and this acquisition by Wayfare is a testament to the value CFS provides. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.” Tyrus O’Neill, Director at Benchmark International, stated, “It was a pleasure to represent CFS in this transaction, and on behalf of Benchmark International, we are extremely pleased with the outcome. A win-win for the buyer and the seller is always an ideal end result.”

Following on last year’s impressive 26 closings, Benchmark International’s US offices represented sellers on 14 transactions in the first six months of 2017. This was due in no small part to a 30-day span in which Benchmark International closed ten deals globally, with six of those being for US-based sellers.

International M&A specialist, Benchmark International, has successfully facilitated the transaction between Carl Amber Brian Isaiah and Associates Co. (“CBAIA”) and Whalen Strategies, Inc. (“WSI”).

Headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, CBAIA is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) which was established in Partlow, Virginia in 2005 by Carl Lawson Sr. CBAIA’s main offerings include Logistics Management and Hardware Lifecycle Support with a primary focus on providing outstanding support to the Department of Defense. In 2005, CBAIA’s efforts were honored with the United States Marine Corps Systems Command (USMS MCSC) Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Award and were highlighted for outstanding support services supporting the Marine Corp Logistics Command (Care of Supplies in Storage – Barstow, CA) in an official Marine Corp publication.

With over 30 years of experience in the defense contractor space, Kelly Whalen of WSI will be leading the CBAIA team as Chief Executive Officer. After spending his last 10 years in various executive positions in the life cycle logistics sector, Kelly will immediately take part in executing strategic initiatives to bolster CBAIA’s growth. The acquisition of CBAIA represents an excellent addition to WSI’s growing presence and further expands on its current footprint.

“Benchmark International played an instrumental role in marketing my family company, interviewing potential buyers, and properly cementing a deal that was beneficial to both parties, ultimately facilitating a successful acquisition,” said CBAIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Carl Lawson Jr. "From the beginning, the Benchmark team was diligent in identifying the perfect buyer for my business and brought multiple candidates to the table. Overall, WSI was the ideal fit from an acquirer standpoint and I’d like to extend a big thank you to Benchmark for the hard work and extraordinary effort that made this transaction a reality."

Trevor Talkie, Senior Associate at Benchmark International, added, “It was a pleasure working with the Lawson family from the early stages of our marketing process right through to the transaction closing. Given Carl Sr.’s vision for CBAIA and the strategic value that Kelly (WSI) brings to the table, we feel this deal was a win-win for both sides.” Director, Tyrus O’Neill, added, “Carl Sr. has built a tremendous business and we’re ecstatic to have brought his exit strategy goals to fruition. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both parties the very best moving forward.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Progressive Industries, Inc to Power Products LLC. With this acquisition, Power Products LLC expands its product offering and distribution base in the recreational vehicle industry.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Advanced Renal Care, Inc. and Fresenius Medical Care of North America. Fresenius Medical Care of North America is one of the largest dialysis providers in north America. Advanced Renal Care, Inc. is a dialysis provider in Tampa, Florida.

Dr. Stanley Dennison, CEO and Owner of Advanced Renal Care, Inc. stated, “I would like to thank Benchmark International for their drive, and focus on closing this transaction. This transaction faced difficulties at times. The Benchmark International team always stayed focused, and did not falter in the time of need.”

“We are truly excited to have acquired Advanced Renal Care, Inc. This presents a fantastic opportunity for Fresenius Medical Care to treat new patients,” stated Erik Lyesiuk, Senior Director of Mergers & Acquisitions of Fresenius Medical Care.

Benchmark International Director Dara Shareef stated, “We would like to congratulate both Advanced Renal Care, Inc. and Fresenius Medical Care of North America. This acquisition is a terrific strategic move for Fresenius Medical Care, allowing them to enter the Tampa Bay market. The buyer truly valued our clients location and access to major hospitals in the area. We feel this deal was win-win for both sides and wish all the best in the future.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between C&S Carpet Distribution, Inc. and Best Logistics Group. Best Logistics Group is a leading logistics provider in the southeast United States. C&S Carpet Distribution, Inc. is a truckload and LTL distributor and logistics provider of flooring products throughout the southeast.

C&S Carpet Distribution is a distribution and logistics provider in the southeast United States. C&S Carpet specialized in the movement of flooring products, such as: carpet, wood, laminate, turf, etc. The company is strategically located in Dalton, GA, which has been affectionately titled by industry players “the carpet capital of the world”. Best Logistics Group (the acquirer) is a large logistics provider located in the southeast, which has been actively seeking to expand into new industries. When Benchmark International approached Best Logistics Group with the C&S Carpet Distribution acquisition opportunity, immediate interest was shown, and the deal closed very quickly as all sides were motivated.

“I would like to thank the Benchmark International team for their dedication and persistence. Their M&A deal expertise allowed us to complete a transaction quickly and quietly, just as I sought to do. Benchmark ensured that the team at Best Logistics Group truly understood that the unique value of my business lies in both the location, and its diverse distribution channels.” - Pete Bethea, President and Owner of C&S Carpet Distribution.

Benchmark International Director, Dara Shareef, added, “We would like to congratulate both the C&S Carpet Distribution, Inc. and Best Logistic Group teams. This acquisition is a terrific strategic move for Best Logistic Group allowing them to implement the floor distribution niche into their nationwide distribution network. The buyer truly valued our client’s current distribution channels, and location, being in the carpet capital of the world. We feel this deal was a win-win for both sides and wish all the best in the future.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the asset sale of Forward Ventures, Inc. (“Forward Ventures”) to Powerhouse Equipment and Engineering Co., Inc. (“Powerhouse Equipment”). The transaction unites two market leaders in the boiler sales and services industry.

Forward Ventures, based in Gastonia, North Carolina, has been providing high quality boiler equipment and services across the southeastern United States since 1971. The company specializes in the service, sales, and installation of boilers and boiler room equipment throughout the region. For over 40 years, Forward Ventures has been committed to providing its clients with the highest level of boiler services and industry-leading technology.

Powerhouse Equipment, headquartered in Delanco, New Jersey, sells new and used boilers and provides boiler services to companies across a wide range of industries, with a focus on industrial and heavy commercial businesses. The company offers its products and services internationally, and partners with leading manufacturers to satisfy the needs of companies worldwide.

Tyrus O’Neill, Director at Benchmark International, said, “It was a pleasure to represent Forward Ventures in this transaction, and on behalf of Benchmark International, we are extremely pleased with the outcome. Achieving our client’s goals and objectives regarding their exit strategy has been a thoroughly satisfying experience and we wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.”

Sunny Yang Garten, Senior Associate at Benchmark International, affirmed, “We have really enjoyed working with our client, Tom Goldner, and the rest of the Forward Ventures team. At the end of the day, we believe our client found the perfect fit to carry on the company’s legacy within the industry.”

Forward Ventures, Inc. President, Russell “Tom” Goldner, stated, “I was extremely pleased with the overall experience provided by Benchmark International’s transaction team. I believe we found the best acquirer for our business to continue to build on the platform that has been created. Thank you to Benchmark International for the extraordinary effort in helping facilitate this deal.”

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Gasco Affiliates, LLC to Tech Air, a Connecticut-based distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment and supplies. Tech Air is owned by CI Capital Partners and Tech Air management.

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Carolina Physical Therapy Associates, Inc. (“CPTA”) to CORA Health Services, Inc. (“CORA”) a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors (“Gryphon”) a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Steven Feller P.E. PL and Yenni Capital.

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of TREC Corporation (dba TREC Global) to Inergex Holdings LLC.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a common ownership transaction amidst NISSCO Restaurant Dealer Group and Excell Marketing and Procurement Group.

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Conarc, Inc. (“Conarc”) to Swiftcurrent Holdings, Inc. (“Swiftcurrent”), an affiliate of ESW Capital, LLC ("ESW"). The transaction represents the conjoining of two best-of-breed solution providers.

Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Conarc develops and sells client management software solutions used in a variety of industries including finance/accounting, real estate, healthcare and insurance. Conarc’s flagship content collaboration software product, iChannel, was built from the ground up by the Conarc development team, allowing the company the flexibility to offer a multifaceted solution with the ability to customize features to client specifications. Additional programs within the Conarc suite of products include a customer relationship management solution, workflow module, a file management system and multiple finance and accounting database products.

For nearly 20 years, Conarc has been committed to finding innovative ways to connect people, businesses, and ideas. With a current presence throughout the United States and Canada, Conarc remains dedicated to continuing improvement and growth.

Based in Austin, Texas, Swiftcurrent is part of the ESW Capital group (www.eswcapital.com) and is specifically focused on acquiring and growing industry-focused business software companies. ESW buys, transforms, and runs mature software and technology companies. By taking advantage of its unique operating platform, ESW revitalizes its acquisitions for sustainable success while making customer satisfaction a top priority. ESW and its affiliated companies have been in the enterprise software space since 1988, and the group includes notable brands such as Trilogy, Aurea, Versata, and Ignite Technologies.

Benchmark International’s Tyrus O’Neill acted as the lead on this transaction and was successful in pinning down the needs of both parties involved, “This is one of those transactions where the parties were truly a good fit right from the start.” O’Neill stated, “On behalf of Benchmark International, we are thrilled to have been able to work alongside our client, Conarc, in this transaction. Chet Joglekarhas built a tremendous suite of software solutions and we believe it is a perfect fit for Swiftcurrent.” Senior Associate, Sunny Garten, added, “We have really enjoyed working with our client, Chet Joglekar, and would like to take this opportunity to wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.”

Conarc, Inc. CEO and Founder, Chet Joglekar, stated, “Benchmark International’s hands-on approach during all aspects of the transaction process was fundamental in our successful deal closing. Benchmark’s industry knowledge and relationships proved to be highly valuable as they assisted us in identifying a buyer that fits our innovative culture and provides Conarc with the resources necessary to continue the company’s trajectory of rapid growth.”

International M&A specialist, Benchmark International, has successfully negotiated the sale of Sea Level Marine to the Rheinhold & Mahla Group (R&M).