Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Tecum Capital Partners (“Tecum”) is proud to announce its newest investment in Midwest Equipment Sales (“MWE” or the “Company”). Tecum partnered with the existing CEO, James Cline, Jr., Provariant Equity Partners (“Provariant”), and Centerfield Capital Partners (“Centerfield”) in the transaction (collectively, the “Investor Group”). MWE is a leading, technology-enabled specialty distributor of outdoor products for both home and professional uses.
MWE, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, was founded in 2009 by its CEO, James Cline, Jr. Under Cline’s leadership, MWE has enjoyed rapid growth through its market-leading direct-to-consumer and wholesale business model driven by robust online marketing, lead generation, and nationwide distribution. MWE is a leading developer of branded and private label aftermarket replacement tracks and tires used on utility machines and compact construction equipment sold through both a national network of independent dealers and online directly to end-users. MWE has also leveraged its supply chain and digital marketing capabilities to develop and distribute branded outdoor home products (including portable generators, pressure washers and other power equipment) through leading online retailer partners.
“I was looking for partners to provide guidance on strategic planning and organizational development who had the financial and operating resources to support our growth plans for the next several years,” said Cline. Mr. Cline, who founded and started MWE, will continue in his role as CEO of the Company. “The Provariant-led Investor Group’s knowledge of our business, commitment to our entrepreneurial culture and experience working with teams at our stage of development is a great fit. I am excited to have them partner with us and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
The Provariant team commented on the transaction, “From the start, our goal was to bring in value-added financing partners with cultural alignment and a demonstratable track record of working successfully with founder led businesses. We found the right partners in both Tecum and Centerfield as they were able to work aggressively alongside us to ultimately help Mr. Cline achieve his goals.”
Stephen Gurgovits, Jr., Managing Partner of Tecum, stated, “This transaction is a special one, as it brings us back to our roots of supporting high-growth, founder led businesses, in our backyard with a strong Investor Group supporting a great outcome.” Matt Harnett, Partner of Tecum, added, “Mr. Cline is a salt-of-the-earth individual who has tremendous business acumen and has built an impressive company in a short amount of time. We are very fortunate to be a part of this group and we could not ask for better partners in Provariant and Centerfield. Tecum is excited about what the future holds.”
The Deal Team from Tecum consisted of Matt Harnett, Sean Edmonson, and Austin Montevecchio.
The Investor Group was supported by First Commonwealth Bank in its capacity as Administrative Agent along with First Merchants Bank to support the senior debt financing in the transaction.
Footprint Capital out of Columbus, Ohio functioned as the exclusive sell-side advisor to MWE in the transaction.
About Tecum Capital Partners
Tecum Capital Partners is an independent investment firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with over $750 million in assets under management. Tecum is a multi-strategy investor and is currently investing out of its second SBIC Fund. The investment team partners with independent sponsors, family offices, business owners seeking succession plans, and management teams to create shared success. Since 2006, Tecum’s investment professionals have invested in over 80 platform and add-on acquisitions. Tecum specializes in growth-oriented, middle market companies across the broader high-value manufacturing, value-added distribution, and business service sectors, with a focus on businesses with EBITDA greater than $2 million. Tecum seeks to invest $5 million to $20 million in potential portfolio companies. For more information, please visit www.tecum.com.
About Provariant Equity Partners
Located outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Provariant Equity Partners was founded in 2018 by Gregg Taber, Dan DeSantis, Murad Beg, and Kurtis Zabell who have worked together for over 20 years. Provariant focuses on recapitalizations partnering with founder and family owned businesses, leveraging their diverse professional backgrounds and experience across 18 platform investments and 32 acquisitions while partners at Linsalata Capital Partners. For more information, please visit https://provariantequity.com.
About Centerfield Capital
Founded in 1998, Centerfield is an independent investment firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana with over $500 million in assets under management. Centerfield is a national provider of flexible junior capital to lower middle market companies. We work closely with financial sponsors (funded and independent), management teams and business owners who seek a combination of subordinated debt and equity financing to build companies. Centerfield is investing out of its fourth fund (CCP IV-SBIC, L.P. and Centerfield Capital Partners IV, L.P.), totaling $335 million. Over the past 20 years, Centerfield has have invested in 67 platform companies and 40+ add-on acquisitions. Centerfield invests across a wide range of industries, focusing on businesses with EBITDA exceeding $3 million. Centerfield seeks to invest $7 to $25 million per unique platform company. For more information, please visit www.centerfieldcapital.com.
About MWE Sales
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, MWE Sales is a nationwide resource for compact equipment parts and accessories and outdoor power equipment. MWE leverages multiple brands and solutions for its broad customer base, including TNT tracks and tires, ClimateRight and Westinghouse portable generators. MWE sets the gold standard through innovation and unparalleled attention to customer service, product quality and price. https://www.mwesales.com.