BlackArch Leads Recapitalization of ISN with Audax Group

BlackArch was retained by ISN owners Bruce and Pete Weber to serve as exclusive financial adviser on the sale of the privately-held company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bruce and Pete Weber and their executive team will continue to lead ISN.

Originally founded in 1972, ISN is the key link in the supply chain between manufacturers of automotive tools and equipment and the fragmented group of mobile and stationary jobbers supplied by ISN. Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., the company offers manufacturers and customers a national network of warehouses and the broadest array of products offered in the market, backed by sales leadership, innovative use of technology and multi-step direct marketing capabilities.

“The guys from BlackArch were true partners, far better than I ever imagined,” ISN co-owner Bruce Weber said. “They were superb in every way, particularly in promoting our business, inspiring our executive team and negotiating the deal. They were exceptional at creating value in very thoughtful ways and were terrific advocates when we needed help. In short, we knocked it out of the park and they made it possible.”

ISN is at the intersection of three key BlackArch Partners industry teams: Automotive Aftermarket; Transportation & Logistics; and Distribution & Supply Chain Management. The sale of ISN was completed shortly after another BlackArch-led transaction in the Automotive Aftermarket and Transportation & Logistics space, the sale of Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. to ONCAP.

Prior to forming BlackArch, the firm’s founders completed transactions in the Transportation & Logistics and Automotive Aftermarket space on behalf of clients that include AAMCO, FleetPride, Driven Brands, Qualitor, Twinco Romax and BBB Industries.

Audax Group (www.audaxgroup.com), founded in 1999, is a leading investor in lower-middle market companies. With offices in Boston and New York, Audax has raised in excess of $5.0 billion of equity, mezzanine debt, and senior loan capital.

BlackArch Partners is a leading middle-market investment bank offering a full spectrum of mergers and acquisition advisory services. The firm offers a complete suite of investment banking services to Financial Sponsors, Private Companies and Diversified Corporations. Based in Charlotte, N.C., BlackArch features a total of 12 industry-focused practices that cover sectors of key interest to middle-market investors. BlackArch professionals have closed over 250 deals in 16 countries on four continents. Please visit our website, www.blackarchpartners.com, for more details.

Securities transaction conducted through BlackArch Securities LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.