Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between CivilCorp, LLC, a Texas-based AEC firm specializing in transportation and public works infrastructure markets, and ESP Associates, Inc., an ENR Top 500 multi-disciplinary engineering design and consulting firm.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Sarasota, Florida-based R.J. Rhodes Engineering, Inc. and LJA Engineering, based in Houston, Texas.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between Dallas Plumbing Company and Air Pros USA.

Benchmark International's client JTAM Engineering, a Houston-based engineering firm, has successfully sold to a High-Net-Worth Individual.

Benchmark International proudly announces that our Managing Partner Kendall Stafford, from our Texas office, has been named Best Mid-Market Financial Services Business Leader 2021 by the 2021 Influential Businesswoman Awards, hosted by Acquisition International.

The winners' selection is made using careful analysis of the panel's final shortlist, as well as anything else that their internal research team learned while doing their online and public due diligence. In addition, the nominee must demonstrate a high level of excellence and work ethic within their chosen field, with their dedication to innovation, commitment, and business development taken into account.

The awards are based solely on merit and not the number of votes that a nominee receives or their financial stature, offering a level playing field for individuals to showcase their talents and achievements.

The Benchmark International team congratulates Kendall on this well-earned commendation, as this isn't the first time she has been recognized as one of the best in the business. "This award confirms everything that we already know about Kendall—that she is a true leader with a unique vision that helps to keep our firm on our trajectory of success and innovation," said Global CEO Gregory Jackson.

ERW Site Solutions (an RW Assets, Inc. company) announced the acquisition of Ratliff Hardscape, LTD.

Ratliff Hardscape is a well-established hardscape construction company with a long-standing history of providing various services for civil and hardscape projects. These projects include single-family, multi-family, commercial, municipal, state, and oil & gas projects. Their turn-key solutions include budget and time management, self-performed concrete and masonry, construction management, and quality assurance.

Booder McWhorter will continue operating Ratliff Hardscape as Chief Operating Officer and President along with the entire Ratliff team to continue to provide quality services to their customers.

RW Assets, Inc is an infrastructure construction holding company. It owns ERW Site Solutions, a retaining wall and site service company; LandTec, a landscape, and irrigation company; and DesignBuild Consulting Services, an engineering firm.

Randy O’Neal, Chief Operating Office of RW Assets, commented in the company’s press release, “This acquisition will further RW Assets’ market penetration from retaining walls, landscape and irrigation, engineering services and site services, into hardscape solutions such as screen walls, monuments, concrete solutions, such as sidewalks, patios, and other flat works. With the addition of Ratliff Hardscape, this aggregation will strengthen the brands of ERW Site Solutions, LandTec, and DesignBuild Consulting Services through the synergism created across the various product lines that are offered to our customers. Ultimately, we are now able to offer an array of products with an increased scope to better deliver our customers’ projects on time and on budget. The management team RWA has built over the last 5 years includes one hundred years of experience doing subcontracting and general contracting work across Texas and Southeastern United States.”

Kendall Stafford, Managing Partner at Benchmark International commented, “We are excited for ERW Site Solutions’ acquisition of Ratliff Hardscape. It appeared that the two companies share similar views in their visions and philosophies. We look forward to what the future has in store for the entities and wish them the best of luck with integration.”

CCAC is a Texas-based full-service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company.  They focus on servicing and installing residential and light commercial markets: the company services Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.

Founded in 1994, Southern Air Heating & Cooling is a BBB Accredited and NATE Certified HVAC and plumbing services business serving residents across Louisiana and Mississippi.  It proudly employs technicians who have met the highest standards of training in the industry and backs its work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

President David Mathews of CCAC, Inc commented regarding the deal, “I have enjoyed working with Benchmark for the sale of our business.  They were professional and brought us several potential buyers to choose from.  We had several offers and chose the buyers that we thought would be the best to take care of our employees and the business going forward. Thank you.”

Benchmark International proved value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies.  Also, Benchmark International incorporated several campaigns with local, regional, and national associations.  As a result, Benchmark International presented the client with multiple buyers and offers for the client to have the most vital options and make the best decision for themselves, their business, and their employees.

Deal Associate Amy Alonso commented, “We are excited to see that our client’s legacy will remain and prosper through this transaction. We understood that our client was seeking a company that would provide a succession plan for the future of the company while also providing a great work environment for their employees. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success in the future.”

Calvin’s Electric is an electrical contractor that focuses on residential projects.  The company provides hardwire electric services for their clients’ projects while improving each customer’s electrical efficiency and providing electrical code compliance consulting as needed. They also offer 24-hour service for their existing customers.

Calvin’s Electric is based in Dripping Springs, a suburb of Austin, Texas, but the company services Austin and the surrounding area. They work with new home builders such as Ash Creek Homes, Brookfield Residential, Sitterle Homes, and Scott Felder Homes, to name a few.

In Charge LLC began in 2007 and provides residential production construction, custom residential and commercial construction, and retrofit services.  In Charge completes jobs that are production or custom and have vast expertise in the areas of electric options, smart home technology, and lighting. In Charge is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, a suburb of Austin, Texas. Prior to the acquisition of Calvin’s Electric, they had seven locations in Texas.

Benchmark International proved value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies.  Also, Benchmark International incorporated several campaigns with local, regional, and national associations. While clients are often hesitant to meet with local competitors, after speaking with both parties about their goals with a potential transaction, it was abundantly clear that there could be a great fit between them. After much work, we could get both parties in the same room where the great cultural fit emerged.

Deal Associate Amy Alonso commented, “We are excited to see that our client’s legacy will remain and prosper through this transaction. We understood that our client was seeking a company that would provide a succession plan for the company’s future while also providing a great work environment for their employees. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success in the future.”

November 2020 Benchmark International facilitated the transaction between Associates in Pediatric Therapy (serving Kentucky and Indiana) and VersiCare Group of Detroit, MI.

The seller,  Associates in Pediatric Therapy, has provided therapeutic services to children with special needs in Metro Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Erlanger, and Southern Indiana since 2007. Renea Sageser, CEO of APT, and husband Scott started with six part-time employees and grew to over 175 employees who serve patients in rural areas to receive high-quality care closer to their homes.

The buyer, VersiCare Group, is a Detroit, MI-based provider of home and community-based services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are pleased to welcome APT to the VersiCare Family,” stated Lauren Sclesky, CEO of VersiCare. “When we decided to launch an aggressive growth plan in 2018, we targeted companies who share the mission in “helping people succeed” that has led to VersiCare’s success. With this new partnership, I am confident we can continue to provide best-in-class services across Kentucky and Indiana in addition to our other service areas.”

Benchmark International was fortunate enough to represent another highly sought after business opportunity with Associates in Pediatric Therapy.  “We had a lot of connections along the way.  We never know who he is going to put in our path.  We challenge ourselves every day to be better.  We are only here for a short period of time.  I pray we cross paths again one day.  Thank you and your team for their contributions,” stated CFO of APT, Scott Sageser.

Matthew Kekelis, Transaction Director with Benchmark International, added “Scott and Renea Sageser are truly the most caring clients whom I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  Their passion for providing quality care to children in need and providing a family environment for their staff is commendable. It deserves to be recognized.”

Benchmark International facilitated the transaction between Vertex Software Corporation and Level 5 Lab.

Vertex Software Corporation is a web-based solutions business specializing in building online, browser-based software applications. Vertex brings traditional software engineering methodology and discipline to web development, delivering robust solutions to its clients quickly and efficiently.

Benchmark International proved its value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies.  In addition, Benchmark International incorporated several campaigns with local, regional, and national associations.

President of Vertex Software Corporation David MacDonald commented, “Benchmark International’s team delivered on finding a buyer for my business that would take care of my team as well as would carry on the high level of service after the sale that our customers have come to expect.”

Deal Associate, Amy Alonso commented, “Benchmark International added value by negotiating this deal.  We saw throughout the entire process that the buyer, Level 5 Lab, was a perfect fit who stood to benefit greatly from the experience, industry knowledge and high-quality service that they would gain from the existing owner. With this knowledge, the team was able to negotiate a deal that would allow for the existing owner to successfully transition the business to a capable buyer.  We wish Vertex Software Corporation and Level 5 Lab the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC to Atwell, LLC.  Benchmark International worked diligently to find a Buyer that was an ideal candidate to ensure the goals of the sellers from a financials and corporate fit perspective.

Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC is a land development consulting firm providing a range of civil engineering, utility and infrastructure design, as well as planning and land development services in Central Texas.

Atwell, LLC is a consulting, engineering and construction services firm that delivers a broad range of technical solutions to clients in the real estate and land development, power and energy, and oil and gas markets.  They provide comprehensive professional services including engineering, planning, surveying, landscape architecture, environmental consulting, program management and construction services to a diverse blend of clients

Benchmark International was able to procure for Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC a buyer that met their financial goals while also being an ideal cultural fit and providing the additional resources that the buyer was searching for.  Benchmark International corresponded with numerous potential investors and the Owners of Texas Engineering Solutions had several in-person meetings until they met with the representatives from Atwell, LLC.  

Per Brian Wenzel, CEO of Atwell, LLC “We believe identifying the right opportunity with the right fit is critical for success in the M&A space.  In working with Benchmark International on our most recent acquisition, we realized they share that same vision.  Not only was the [Benchmark International] team helpful throughout the process, but their approach to this engagement was comprehensive, thoughtful and focuses while placing significant emphasis on the success of the combined firms.  We look forward to working with them on future opportunities.”

Benchmark International’s Senior Associate, J.P. Santos, commented “The Benchmark International team is excited for Texas Engineering Solutions as they join a firm in Atwell, LLC that aligns with their corporate goals.  As Texas Engineering Solutions enters this next chapter, the mutual respect and admiration amongst the two firms leaves little doubt that the combined entities will continue to thrive and grow as a business.”

Benchmark International has facilitated the sale of certain assets of South Texas Precision Inc. to Harris Machine Tools.  South Texas Precision Inc.,  is a Texas-based custom machine shop that manufactures and provides turnkey oilfield equipment for OEMs in the Houston market.

The company is a qualified vendor of choice for many of its products. Harris Machine Tools is a Houston-based sales and machinery company that distributes a full line of quality CNC machine tools, such as mills, drills, lathes, presses and saws. The company has been an international leader in the metal working market place since 1979.

Benchmark International’s extensive network and ability to reach a wide market of buyers allowed us to find an acquirer interested in purchasing the manufacturing division of South Texas Precision. Benchmark provided a variety of options to the client to allow them to make the best selection for the future of their business.

In reference to the transaction, Walter Schouten, President of South Texas Precision, 
explained his experience with Benchmark International, “We enjoyed working with Benchmark International. From the beginning, they understood the Oil & Gas Manufacturing market and were able to uncover various competent buyers for the machine shop portion of the business.  The team continuously worked with us and adapted their strategy to match the ever changing market conditions. Benchmark International presented several options to us, which allowed us to choose the best option for South Texas Precision. We choose to carve out the manufacturing division of our business while continuing to operate the retail and distribution division of the business.”

Senior Associate, William Van Buren, mentioned “The Austin, Texas team truly enjoyed working with the South Texas Precision team. We understand what business owners go through on a daily basis to keep their businesses successful. The Austin team focused on presenting our clients, Walt and Jeff, options for them to continue the longevity and success of their business. Walt and Jeff were responsive to our inquiries and were the ideal partners to work with for our team.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of American Precision Fabricators to Alpine 4 Technologes, Ltd.

American Precision Fabricators Inc. is located out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and it is a steel-sheet manufacturing business. It provides assemblies and sub-assmeblies to original equipment manufacturers (OEM). The company supplies several industries with fabricated parts that it creates in-house. It offers several production capabilities with its state-of-the-art machinery. For over two decades, the company has been an industry leader for customers in the OEM markets.

Alpine 4 Technologies, Ltd. (ALPP) is a publicly traded enterprise with business-related endeavors in software, automotive technologies, electronics manufacturing, energy services and fabrication technologies, and industries that support those market segments. This acquisition was important for Alpine 4 Technologies to complete its industry platform strategy.

President of American Precision Fabricators, Andy Galbach, said “Pulling Alpine and APF together would not have happened without Benchmark International’s reach and knowledge of the market. As a first time seller, the team at Benchmark International guided me all the way, from preparing to go to market to the actual closing table. The team was always responsive and always willing to help when needed. I would recommend any seller to engage Benchmark International for the sale of their business.”

Benchmark International Senior Associate, Luis Vinals, shared his thoughts on this transaction: "The Austin, Texas team truly enjoyed working with Andy in preparing the business to market and managing buyer relationships," he said. " We were always conscious that time was of the essence in this deal, and we focused our efforts in finding the right buyer within our client’s time expectations.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Technical Resource Group to White Wolf Capital, LLC.

Technical Resource Group is a Texas-based IT Staffing firm that provides contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placement services to technical professionals in a number of industries, including transportation, IT, food, financial, healthcare, and government.

White Wolf Capital, LLC is a private equity firm that began operations in late 2011 and is focused on making control-investments in leading middle market companies. It practices a solutions-oriented and flexible investment approach with experience in leverage buyouts, management buyouts and recapitalizations.

In reference to the transaction, Scott Clary, owner of Technical Resource Group, explained his experience with Benchmark International. “I never thought there would be such an aggressive market for my company. The Benchmark International team was very professional and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Having an experienced M&A advisor, like Benchmark International, allowed us to solely focus on top-quality buyers in the market for our company” he said. “In addition, the Benchmark International team also ensured that any buyers they presented culturally aligned with the values my company stands by.”

Benchmark International Director, Luis Vinals, added “Having a client like Scott, a man who loves his business, is always a joy. Throughout the entire process, he was communicative and collaborative. With the Benchmark Team at his side, Scott was able to procure the deal he desired. Open communication allowed us to have strategic conversations that ultimately lead to a great deal for our client.”

We’ve all heard it, the best measurement of a city’s growth is the number of cranes and projects going up. We’ve all heard buzzwords about Austin, TX being an “IT” city, but it’s not just Austin that is sprawling with new developments and high-rises. Stop and think about this type of buzzing activity throughout a 70 mile stretch from San Antonio, the home of the Alamo, to Austin-Roundrock. This, my friends, is the I-35 corridor, a stretch of interstate highway that connects San Antonio, San Marcos, Austin and Dallas. Almost everyone has benefited one way or another from the massive growth happening in the region. Better jobs, more activities for the young professionals, and an overall increased quality of life. The growth in the region has, of course, brought upon Central Texas its unique set of challenges that one does not think of
right away.

No, it is not practically unaffordable real estate and rent. The biggest challenge lies in making these interconnected cities feel like home 24/7. Going home sure in the knowledge that the roads will be safe, our lights will turn on, and that water will flow when we take a shower after a long jog in Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake for you non-Austinites).

With the increased growth in population over last decade, the Central Texas region, that is known as the i-35 Corridor, has experienced its unique set of challenges. While home builders and apartment complexes make fortunes from overpriced property values, there is an unsung hero behind the scenes: the engineers who make all this growth possible. As mentioned previously, everyone expects their roads to be safe, their lights to turn on, and their water to run. In Texas, these are all major engineering feats. No, we’re not just flatland sitting on enormous oil and gas reserves. Central Texas is home to the Hill Country, one of nature’s gifts to the world; and as its name implies, it has plenty of hills.

So, how does one exactly get water to flow up the hill? Well, we didn’t know the answer either, and quite frankly, we still don’t, but some of the Benchmark International teammates live on top of hills. So, not having water up there would be a problem. Engineering firms in Texas have long solved problems before the growth spurt in Central Texas. The Colorado River dam for example, or the Houston Port.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Builder Security Group is complete. Benchmark International, as the sell-side representative, was able to bring an ideal buyer to the table to close this sale.

The closing of the Builder Security Group acquisition marks the tenth US deal completion for Benchmark International in 2018. Benchmark International's Global CEO, Gregory Jackson, stated "This record-setting quarter looks to end on a high note, and quarter two is moving with great momentum as well."

Builder Security Group is a security installation and monitoring company located in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. It is an all-in-one resource for all finishing touches that go along with a new home, from security products and monitoring to home theater systems and networking. Its experience and reputation, along with the vast selection of products and services it offers, has helped Builder Security Group form a reputation in San Antonio and the surrounding areas as a premiere outlet for homeowner and homebuilder needs.

Builder Security Group was acquired by a buyer seeking to spread its national footprint, specifically its expansion in to the state of Texas. Builder Security Group will continue its business in security products and monitoring.

Managing Director, Kendall Stafford stated “The team and I enjoyed working with BSG [Builder Security Group]. We were fortunate that there were many options in the market and that BSG was able to choose a party that could provide it with a tax advantageous structure for a high multiple. The negotiations ended in a win-win for all parties.”

Clinton Johnston, Managing Director at Benchmark International's US Headquarters, explained the quarter's feats in more detail. "This year we've closed US transactions with private and public trade buyers, high net worth individuals, private equity funds, and management buyout teams," he said. "This continuing broad, but fairly standard, mix of buyers bodes well for the near-term market. In this case, the need establish a presence in the looming Texas markets drove value for this particular buyer and allowed us to negotiate for very favorable deal terms in areas of high importance for our client. We are seeing this as an exploding trend in the Lonestar State.

Benchmark International sponsored and attended the 2018 Texas ACG Capital Connection event in Houston, Texas from March 28 to March 29. Texas ACG Capital Connection is known as the most significant private equity and debt capital event in Texas and the Southern United States. It is also one of the largest ACG Capital Connections in the United States.

Benchmark International’s Managing Director, Kendall Stafford, feels that these types of events are essential to the team’s professional development and growth, and offer Benchmark International the opportunity to present their clients’ opportunities to many buyers. “These events allow us to connect with financial buyers across several industries, states, and countries at the same time,” she said. “Additionally, members of our team can attend keynote speaker sessions and they can share what they learn with the rest of the team, so we can focus on trends in today’s M&A market.”

Benchmark International is delighted to announce that 3rd Millennium has successfully completed the acquisition of Database-Brothers, Inc.

Database-Brothers, Inc. is a developer of database performance tuning software located in Austin, Texas. 3rd Millennium, Inc., a publisher of software products located in Waltham, Massachusetts, was looking to expand its market reach and product offerings. An acquisition with Database-Brothers, Inc. was a viable option and made it possible to achieve this goal.

The Database-Brothers, Inc. CEO expressed “The greatest measure of a company is doing what they say they will. In the case of Benchmark [International], they not only did what they said they would, but also, did more. I would definitely use them again and would recommend them to anyone who asked.”

President and CEO of 3rd Millennium, Ousama Shamma, stated “Working with Benchmark [International] has been very productive and efficient. Throughout the process they were constantly engaged, followed up on all the issues, and provided a professional and courteous atmosphere that enabled the deal to complete in a timely manner.”

Database-Brothers Inc. will continue to operate under the name DBI Software as a division of 3rd Millennium. Employees from both companies will work on all combined software products and services.

Benchmark International analyst, Keegan Rinn said “Both our client and the acquirer were eager to close the deal quickly and efficiently. We streamlined the process as much as possible and tried to be proactive instead of reactive to any problems that could have occurred.”

Benchmark International facilitated the sale of Weigelt Enterprises, LCC headquartered in Buda, Texas with additional locations throughout Central Texas. They were acquired by an undisclosed financial buyer based in Austin, Texas.