Blackford Capital

🚨 Exciting News from Blackford Capital! 🚨 We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of Security Fire Systems (SFS), a leader in fire sprinkler design, engineering, and installation services based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This acquisition marks our entry into the fire safety and security industry and launches our Fire Safety Consolidation Platform. We’re excited to partner with SFS’ talented team, led by Founder and CEO Mike Alexander and President Chris Alexander, who will remain with the company to help drive this next phase of growth. “The fire safety industry is currently fragmented across geographies and product / markets" said Martin Stein, Founder and Managing Director at Blackford Capital. “We look forward to pursuing further add-on acquisitions to consolidate the industry’s high-growth, high-margin segments and leverage natural synergies, such as servicing and maintenance for installation work.” We’re excited to begin this new chapter with SFS and look forward to making a meaningful impact in the fire safety and security space! #PrivateEquity #FireSafety #BlackfordCapital #SecurityFireSystems #GrandRapids #Dallas #FortWorth Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gJeYxNSt

We are proud to announce that our Founder and Managing Director, Martin Stein, has been named one of the 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in West Michigan by Crain's Grand Rapids Business! This recognition is a reflection of Martin’s leadership and vision, which have driven Blackford Capital to new heights. Please join us in congratulating Martin on this well-deserved honor! 👏 #Leadership #PrivateEquity #BlackfordCapital #CrainsGrandRapidsBusiness

We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Empire Distributing, a premier hearth and outdoor living distributor. This marks the latest addition to our Patio Consolidation Platform, expanding our mission to create a one-stop-shop for outdoor living! With a strong footprint across the Northeast and Midwest, Empire Distributing adds over 780 dealers and an extensive range of fireplaces, BBQ grills, fire pits, and more. Their legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision of an omnichannel platform for outdoor living. We are excited to welcome The Rupp Family, along with the entire Empire team, as we continue to lead and grow in the outdoor living market. #BlackfordCapital #PrivateEquity #OutdoorLiving #Acquisition #BusinessGrowth

Proud to share that Blackford Capital and Artificial Turf Supply LLC (ATS), an Operating Company of our Patio Platform, have been recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, celebrating the fastest-growing private companies in America! This marks Blackford's third appearance on the list, with ATS earning its spot for the first time. A testament to our dedication and growth, we’re honored to be part of this elite group. Congratulations to the entire Blackford Capital team for making this achievement possible!

We are excited that, for the second time, Blackford Managing Director Jeffrey W. Johnson is being recognized by The M&A Advisor as Private Equity Professional of the Year! A skilled dealmaker known for deal sourcing, platform leadership, profitable exits, and being a great team player, we are honored to work alongside Jeff. Congratulations! Jeff will receive this honor at the 15th Annual International M&A Awards presented by The M&A Advisor in September. See the full list of honorees: https://bit.ly/3YteNIi Read the press release: https://bit.ly/3ykWnz1 #PEleadership #PrivateEquity #Buyouts #GrandRapids #Michigan

We are delighted that The M&A Advisor is recognizing Blackford’s 2023 acquisition of PACIV with 2024 International M&A Deal of the Year ($10M-$25M) honors! The acquisition of Puerto Rico-based PACIV launched a new platform for Blackford Capital and has seen two successful add-ons in less than 12 months. Kudos to Blackford’s deal team, including PACIV Chairman and Blackford Managing Director Jeffrey W. Johnson and Senior Analyst John Gutmann, along with PACIV President Rick Straw, CFO Douglas [Mácar] Garrote and founder, Jorge Luis Rodriguez, PE. Their determination and ingenuity have aligned stakeholder interests, propelled the company into new geographical territories and verticals, and established a foundation for rapid growth in the industrial automation sector on two continents. The PACIV team will be recognized at 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, presented by The M&A Advisor, in NYC in September. See the full list of honorees: https://bit.ly/3YteNIi Read the press release: https://bit.ly/3ykWnz1 #equityvaluecreation #middlemarket #growthmindset #PrivateEquity #Buyouts

Today marked the end of an incredible journey with our 2024 Summer Intern class. It has been a pleasure to have such talented young professionals join our Deal and Investor Relations teams for the season. To celebrate the conclusion of our summer internship class, we enjoyed breakfast-for-lunch from Anna's House, and each departing Junior Analyst shared a brief presentation reflecting on their semester with us. Thank you, Nhat Vu, Nikita Mukhin, Grace Harte, Christopher Dong, Conor Callahan, and Christopher Sharrar for your dedication, enthusiasm, and many contributions to our firm this summer. We wish you all the best with your continued academics and career-building journey (and Nhat, we are thrilled to have you continue your Investor Relations internship for the Fall semester). We are immensely proud of all of their hard work, creativity, and growth over these past months. They have truly made a positive impact, and we look forward to seeing all the amazing things they will achieve in the future. #Internship #SummerInterns #TeamCelebration #FutureLeaders #Gratitude #PrivateEquity #GrandRapids #GVSU #Duke #UofM #Georgetown #UGA

We are excited to share that Senior Analyst John Gutmann has been named a winner of the 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Award by The M&A Advisor! Congratulations, John Gutmann and thank you for your many contributions to Blackford Capital. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gX4GDKzk

Thank you to DBusiness Magazine for highlighting our most recent acquisition, Eight12 Automation! We are thrilled to welcome Eight12 Automation to our PACIV Platform, further expanding our industrial automation platform.

Today, we shine the spotlight on an extraordinary member of our Blackford Capital family, Emily Heist, as we commemorate 9 wonderful years of dedication, growth, and success together!   Emily joined us nine years ago, and since then, she has been nothing short of a powerhouse of talent, driving innovation and embodying the spirit of teamwork. Her journey with us is a story of remarkable achievements, constant learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.   Through her hard work, Emily has left an indelible mark on our company, influencing our culture, and setting a benchmark for excellence. She has not only contributed to our success but has also been a mentor and inspiration to many.   We are immensely proud to have Emily as a pivotal part of our team. Her journey is a testament to the incredible impact one individual can have on a community and a company.   Please join us in congratulating Emily on this significant milestone. Here's to more years of success, innovation, and collaboration together!