July 9, 2026
We are pleased to share a completed transaction involving a West Coast-based manufacturer and distributor of precision tooling products serving the aerospace and defense industries. Founded in the early 1980s, this company built a four-decade track record supplying specialized tooling, including fastener systems, cutting tools, as well as installation & removal tools to some of the most demanding customers in aviation, including Boeing, Northrop and Airbus. When the founder decided it was time to transition to the next chapter, he believed that his second-in-command would be vital to supporting the continuation of the business’ long-term success.
The founder of this company spent over 40 years building a business rooted in precision and reliability. As he approached retirement age, he had planned well in advance and was ready to explore options to monetize what he had created by strategically taking someone under his wing. He handed over the day-to-day operations of the company to his Vice President years in advance of a sale. Our client’s goal was clear: seek fair value for the business he had built, help position his right-hand man to be taken care of in the transition, and find a buyer who would continue the company’s legacy.
Our client intended to give his Vice President a meaningful equity stake at closing (half of his rollover equity) and wanted the buyer to fully recognize this individual’s value. This resulted in extended salary negotiations and required careful handling of the equity gift.
Several major factors made this opportunity attractive:
The business was easier for buyers to understand, which can be helpful when seeking to generate competitive tension across a broad buyer pool.
In this transaction, the marketing process generated strong, competitive interest. One buyer became the clear early choice for reasons that went beyond price.
The buyer was drawn to the direct marketing model, the quality of the supplier relationships, the attractive and growing end markets, and critically, second tier management’s presence and commitment post-transaction. Their offer came without financing contingencies, and their eagerness to close was evident in how they engaged with the more challenging aspects of diligence. Even when the buyer-led quality of earnings suggested negative valuation adjustments and a deficiency in commercial insurance, this buyer showed restraint and goodwill, avoiding heavy handedness.
The deal was structured with 73.25% cash at close, 11.63% seller note, and 15.12% rollover equity.
A Few Lessons from This Deal:
At Mariner, we specialize in creating options, competition, and leverage for our clients and in doing the hard work of getting deals across the finish line even when the path isn’t linear. If you are a business owner in manufacturing, distribution, or specialty industrial markets and are thinking about your next chapter, we would welcome the conversation.
Contact us using the form to the right or call 203-285-6190. We work with companies with $5M or more in annual revenue across the U.S. and Canada.
Disclosure: This case study is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of future results. Past transaction outcomes are not indicative of future performance. Each transaction is unique and subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions, business characteristics, buyer dynamics, and timing. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a disciplined M&A process will result in a completed transaction or achieve any specific valuation, structure, or outcome. Some engagements may result in lower valuations, restructured terms, or no transaction at all.
Mariner is a marketing name utilized by Woodbridge International LLC (“Woodbridge”), a subsidiary of Mariner Wealth Advisors, LLC. Woodbridge provides investment banking services focused on mergers and acquisitions and may, where applicable, conduct certain limited securities activities in reliance on an exemption from broker-dealer registration under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Broader securities transactions are conducted by Registered Representatives of W G Securities, LLC (“W G Securities”), a subsidiary of Woodbridge International LLC. W G Securities is a FINRA-registered Capital Acquisition Broker, Member SIPC or Registered Representatives of MSEC, LLC an affiliated Broker-Dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment banking services provided by Woodbridge are separate and distinct from the investment advisory services offered by other affiliates of Mariner Wealth Advisors, LLC.
Woodbridge, A Mariner Company is now simply Mariner.
Brand Update: Last year, Woodbridge joined the Mariner family, combining our M&A Experience with Mariner’s comprehensive wealth, estate, and tax advisory services. As the final step in this integration, we are transitioning our name from Woodbridge, A Mariner Company to simply Mariner. You’ll continue working with the same team you know and trust, with the same commitment to your success — now under one unified brand.