Intellectual property (IP) is a non-physical creation of the mind or the product of a company's work or reputation. It is essentially ideas that are executed to become successful business assets and are often copyrighted, under patent, trademarked, or considered trade secrets, to protect from unauthorized use. Technology is a key IP type in our largely digital world and is a major driver of change and progress in nearly every industry. As a result, IP is a very important aspect of the valuation of a company. In our modern global economy, some countries recognize more IP types than others, as circumstances vary.

The telecommunications industry will be undergoing some new transitions this year, most notably due to the rollout of fifth generation (5G) technology. Global telecom revenue is forecasted to grow up to three percent through 2019.

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 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 Nefco, Inc. (“NEFCO”) to North American Filtration, Inc. (“NAF”). The transaction represents the conjoining of two leaders in the water and wastewater treatment industry.

Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, NEFCO has been a major provider of engineered fiberglass products to the water and wastewater treatment industry since 1993. The company designs and develops unique baffle systems, launder cover systems for algae and odor control, as well as effluent troughs systems, weirs, scum baffles and other treatment plant infrastructure.

For over 20 years, NEFCO has been committed to finding innovative ways to improve productivity in municipal, industrial water and wastewater treatment plants worldwide. With a current presence throughout the United States and Canada, NEFCO remains dedicated to continuing improvement and growth.

Based in South Carolina, NAF was founded in the late 1970’s. While a number of the NAF family companies operate in the wastewater treatment space, the NAF family continues to grow each year through new acquisitions of other industry-leading providers. NAF currently employees over one-hundred employees across four locations, and has recorded thousands of installations on six continents.

Benchmark International’s Trevor Talkie acted as the lead on this transaction and was successful in pinning down the needs of both parties involved, “Benchmark’s ability to create a competitive bid process for our client was instrumental in this transaction.” Talkie stated, “On behalf of Benchmark International, achieving our client’s goals and objectives regarding their exit strategy has been a thoroughly satisfying experience, and we are extremely pleased with the outcome.” Director, Tyrus O’Neill, added, “Earle [Schaller] has built a tremendous business, and it is clear that NEFCO is a perfect fit for the North American Filtration portfolio of companies. We would like to take this opportunity to wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.”

NEFCO, Inc. President and Founder, Earle Schaller, stated, “Benchmark International’s hands-on approach during all aspects of the transaction process was fundamental in our successful deal closing. I would like to thank the transaction team at Benchmark International, for without the diligence and dedication of each member there, we strongly feel this end result could not have been achieved.”

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Charron Sports Services, Inc. (“Charron”) to Corvus Industries, LTD. (“Corvus”).

Based in Liberty, South Carolina, Charron is an industry

 leader in the installation, maintenance and restoration of aluminum bleachers, telescoping bleachers (gymnasium bleachers) and other seating. The company’s other offerings include basketball backstops and other various gym equipment items.

Since 1991, Charron has been committed to providing reliable and dependable bleacher repair services to some of the Southeast’s largest schools systems. 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.

With operations dating back to 1973, Corvus is recognized nationally as a major player in the bleacher repair and maintenance space. Bleachers are considered a great liability for institutions, and Corvus has been dedicated to ensuring that bleachers are safe and current with the latest safety codes. Today, Corvus industries is further expanding its geographic presence with the strategic acquisition of Charron Sports.

Tyrus O’Neill, Director at Benchmark International, stated, “It was a pleasure to represent Charron Sports in this transaction, and on behalf of Benchmark International, we are extremely pleased with the outcome. Allowing both the seller and acquirer to prosper and benefit is always an ideal end result.”

Senior Associate, Trevor Talkie, added, “We have really enjoyed working with our client, Maury Purcell, and bringing to the table a company that very closely represents Charron’s ideal candidate in terms of corporate culture and values. Overall, this has been a thoroughly satisfying experience and we wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.”

President and Founder of Charron Sports, Maury Purcell, stated, “Benchmark International played an instrumental role in facilitating a transaction quickly and fairly. I would like to thank the Benchmark International transaction team for the extraordinary effort in representing Charron Sports in this deal. We strongly feel this end result could not have been achieved without the help of each member there."

Benchmark International has successfully negotiated the sale of Action Concrete Pumping, Inc. (“Action Concrete”) to Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Inc. (“Brundage-Bone”), a portfolio company of Peninsula Pacific Strategic Partners, LLC. The transaction represents the strategic expansion of Brundage-Bone throughout the Southeast US and further consolidation of the concrete pumping industry.