July 31, 2024 1876 Partners Fund I, LP (“1876 Partners”), acquired Maverick Document Signings, Inc. (“Mavsign”), the technology leader in remote document closing and fraud detection and mitigation services for motor vehicle dealerships in the United States. Mavsign has earned a robust reputation over the past 17 years as a pioneer in remote vehicle transactions, assisting dealers to streamline closings and mitigate fraudulent transactions with its VerifyID technology. Additionally, Mavsign provides the largest mobile notary network with 13,500 validated notaries and 3,500 active notaries covering every state in tandem with its industry leading technology. The company’s commitment to … [Read more...]
Colonnade Securities advises Crystal Fusion™ Technologies, Inc. on its sale to APCO Holdings, LLC
May 1, 2024 APCO Holdings, LLC (APCO), a leading provider and administrator of automotive Finance & Insurance (F&I) products and home to the EasyCare and GWC Warranty brands, has acquired Crystal Fusion Technologies, Inc., a renowned innovator in automotive glass protection solutions. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for APCO as it expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the automotive aftermarket industry. Crystal Fusion Technologies is widely recognized for its cutting-edge technology and superior products designed to enhance the durability and performance of automotive glass surfaces. With a commitment to innovation and customer … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Reynolds & Reynolds on the acquisition of Xzilon, Industry Leader of Vehicle Appearance Protection Products
July 13, 2023 The Reynolds and Reynolds Company announced today the acquisition of Xzilon, the industry benchmark for high-performance vehicle protection products. The Xzilon brand is well known in dealership F&I departments and is nationally recognized for its exterior protection products (Carbon Ceramic with Graphene and Diamond Grade 9H Ceramic System), Xmicrobe all-in-one interior protection, and full portfolio of additional industry-leading appearance protection products. “Much like Reynolds, Xzilon is focused on the success of its customers, innovation, and teamwork,” said Chris Walsh, president of Reynolds. “The company has a legacy of being a leader in its space and … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises Streamline Recon on its Sale to SolutionWorks
February 6, 2023 SolutionWorks, a leading provider of automotive reconditioning services, announced the acquisition of Streamline Recon, LLC (“Streamline Recon” or the “Company”), a Texas-based automotive reconditioning company focused on the automotive dealership market. SolutionWorks will be partnering with Streamline’s management team, who will remain with the Company post-close and retain an ownership stake in SolutionWorks. Streamline Recon provides automotive reconditioning services primarily for the franchise dealership market, turning new and used inventory into retail-ready vehicles. Founded in 2000, the Company has been a trusted service provider in the Dallas Metroplex for … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises The Reynolds and Reynolds Company on its acquisition of American Guardian Warranty Services
January 26, 2023 The Reynolds and Reynolds Company announced today the acquisition of American Guardian Warranty Services (AGWS), a premier provider of vehicle service contracts, limited warranties, and other F&I products and services. The acquisition will provide a clear path for dealers looking to streamline selling aftermarket products no matter where the customer is – online, in-store, or a combination of the two. “Consumers are demonstrating that regardless of how they shop, they see growing value in F&I products. But they expect to be educated and they expect accurate pricing,” said Chris Walsh, president of Reynolds. “AGWS has proven to be the leader in aftermarket … [Read more...]
Colonnade Securities Advises OpenRoad Lending on its sale to Clarion Capital Partners
Fort Worth, TX, September 14, 2021— OpenRoad Lending and Clarion Capital Partners announced that Clarion has completed a strategic investment in OpenRoad, the fast-growing direct-to-consumer auto finance company. OpenRoad’s co-founders, Chris Goodman, Jeff Austin, and Joseph Everly, will continue their roles as CEO, CFO, and CTO, respectively. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2009 by the same executives who pioneered RoadLoans, OpenRoad partners with banks, credit unions and institutional investors to enable consumers to refinance their existing auto loans, lower their interest rates and achieve significant monthly savings. In addition, OpenRoad offers value-add … [Read more...]
Sky Auto Protection, a Direct to Consumer Marketer of Vehicle Service Contracts, was acquired by Fortegra
December 2020. Fortegra announced its acquisition of Sky Auto Protection, a leading direct to consumer marketer of vehicle service contracts. Colonnade Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Sky Auto Protection. … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises CalTex on its sale to Cornell Capital and Spectrum Automotive
NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum Automotive Holdings Corp. ("Spectrum"), a leading agent, marketer and administrator of finance and insurance ("F&I") products for the U.S. automotive market, today announced the acquisition of CalTex Protective Coatings ("CalTex" or the "Company"), the largest manufacturer and provider of automotive appearance protection products in the U.S. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Since its founding in 1983, CalTex has become a leading administrator of automotive F&I products with one of the most extensive distribution networks in the industry, selling through nearly 4,000 franchise dealerships nationwide. A trusted … [Read more...]
Milestone Marketing Solutions was acquired by Spectrum Automotive, a portfolio company of Cornell Capital
October 2020 – Spectrum Automotive, a portfolio company of Cornell Capital, announced the acquisition of Milestone Marketing Solutions, a lead generation (“lead gen”) data analytics company. Milestone improves organizational marketing effectiveness through value-add analytics and consulting. Colonnade Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Milestone Marketing Solutions. … [Read more...]
Colonnade Securities Advises on Smart AutoCare sale to Tiptree
Founder and CEO Peter Masi will continue to run business NEW YORK & RICHARDSON, Texas--(PR Newswire)--December 17, 2019--Tiptree Inc. (NASDAQ: TIPT) and Peter Masi today announced that Tiptree Insurance has agreed to acquire Smart AutoCare, a rapidly growing vehicle warranty solutions provider led by its founder and CEO, Peter Masi, in an all cash transaction that will also include incentive-based earn outs over time. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval and is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2020. Peter Masi will remain CEO of the business. The acquisition is expected to expand Tiptree’s warranty distribution channels … [Read more...]
Protect My Car, a portfolio company of Crestview Partners, acquired Direct Media Partners, a Digital Lead Gen Company
September 2018 – Protect My Car, an automotive F&I portfolio company of Crestview Partners, announced the acquisition of Direct Media Partners, a digital lead generation (“lead gen”) company. Direct Media Partners provides unique leads in the financial services industry. Colonnade Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Protect My Car. … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises Protect My Car on its Acquisition by Crestview Partners
NEW YORK and CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Protect My Car ("PMC" or the "Company") today announced that funds managed by Crestview Partners ("Crestview"), together with members of PMC's management team, have completed the acquisition of the Company from a private investor group. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Craig Rubino, who founded PMC in 2007 and has been CEO since, will continue to lead PMC as CEO and serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Headquartered in Clearwater, FL, PMC is one of the nation's leading providers of extended warranty products for vehicles, including vehicle service … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises APC Integrated Services Group on its Partnership with Southfield Capital Partners
February 2018 GREENWICH, CT; CHESTERFIELD, MO - Southfield Capital announced an investment in APC Integrated Services Group (“APC” or the “Company”), the pioneer in consumer marketing of vehicle service contracts (“VSCs”) on behalf of automotive dealers, manufacturers and other partner channels. APC’s talented senior management team including Kyle McEvoy, Ken Murer, David Diem and Todd Johansen will be continuing in their current roles. Founded in 2000 by Ken Murer, a 22 year veteran and pioneer of the VSC after-sale market industry, APC is headquartered in Chesterfield, MO. The Company creates revenue generating programs using advanced database marketing to sell automotive VSCs and … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises Mepco Finance on its Sale to Seabury Asset Management
May, 2017 Independent Bank Corporation (Nasdaq: IBCP) completed the sale of its payment plan processing business, Mepco Finance Corporation, to Seabury Asset Management LLC (“Seabury”). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement announced in December 2016, the divestiture included the sale of the payment plan processing business, payment plan receivables, and certain other assets to Seabury, which also assumed certain liabilities of Mepco. Colonnade Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to Mepco Finance Corporation and Independent Bank Corporation on this transaction. … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises AutoAssure on its Sale to Endurance
August 2016 Colonnade Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial adviser to AutoAssure, a direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) marketer of Vehicle Service Contracts, on its sale to Endurance. The acquisition will enable Endurance to expand its DTC penetration and leverage AutoAssure’s systems. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises Capital Z on its Acquisition of Portfolio Group
June 2016 Lake Forest, CA – Capital Z Partners Management, LLC (“Capital Z”), a New York-based private equity firm, announced today that it has acquired Portfolio Group, Inc (“Portfolio” or the “Company”) from Frontenac Company, LLC (“Frontenac”), a Chicago-based private equity firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Based in Lake Forest, CA, and with operations in Dallas, TX, Portfolio is a leading independent provider of finance and insurance products and services to automotive dealers across the country. The Company develops, sells and administers auto dealer extended warranty programs across a full-service product offering including vehicle service contracts, GAP insurance … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advises Automotive Development Group, a Leading F&I Agency, on its Sale to APCO Holdings, LLC
February 2016 APCO Holdings, LLC (APCO), a leading marketer and administrator of aftermarket benefits sold by franchised and independent auto dealers throughout the U.S., today announced that it has acquired 100% of Automotive Development Group, LLC (ADG) from The Zabel Companies, LLC (Zabel). Following the transaction, ADG's senior management will remain shareholders and the company will continue to be operated as a separate business operation with the current management team remaining in place. Colonnade Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor to ADG and Zabel on this transaction. "ADG has been an intricate and an important part of APCO and our EasyCare brand's success since … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Serent Capital and Tricolor Auto Group on the sale of Tricolor
January 2016 - Colonnade advised Serent Capital on the sale of its portfolio company, Tricolor Auto Group, to Ganas Group. … [Read more...]
Colonnade Advisors advises Southfield Capital on its acquisition with management of Vanguard Dealer Services, a vehicle service contract administrator.
August 2015 Southfield Capital, a leading lower middle market private equity firm, has partnered with management, led by CEO Jim Polley, along with Ed Reitz and Mike Seergy, to invest in Vanguard Dealer Services (“Vanguard”). Vanguard is a premier agent and administrator of finance and insurance (“F&I”) products and services to franchised automobile dealers nationwide. Vanguard’s senior management will continue in their current operating roles and will maintain a shareholding in the company. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, Vanguard offers a full suite of proprietary and third party auto extended warranty (vehicle service … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Endurance, a leading vehicle service contract company, on its sale to TRP Capital Partners
June 2015 Endurance Dealer Services, LLC and Endurance Warranty Services, LLC (together "Endurance"), a leading direct-to-consumer marketer, administrator and payment plan provider for vehicle service contracts (VSCs), announced its sale to affiliates of TRP Capital Partners. Under the terms of the sale, TRP Capital Partners will take a controlling interest in Endurance, with the recapitalized company expected to pursue opportunities for continued growth. Paul Chernawsky and Jordan Batt, Endurance's executive leadership and founders, will retain a significant ownership stake in the company and will continue to operate the business going forward. Colonnade Securities served as the … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Omnisure on its sale to Fortress
October 2014 Omnisure Group, LLC, a leading provider of payment plans for retail vehicle service contracts (VSCs), announced its sale to affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC (NYSE:FIG). Under terms of the sale, Fortress will take a controlling interest in Omnisure, previously held by Lincoln Park Capital, LLC, a Chicago based institutional investor, and affiliates, with the recapitalized company expected to pursue opportunities for growth and business expansion. Ed and Paul Walder, Omnisure’s founding executives, will retain a significant ownership stake in the company and will continue to operate the business going forward. Colonnade Securities LLC advised Omnisure Group on this … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Harbert Management on the sale of PACCO to AFS Acceptance
August 2013 AFS Acceptance has acquired the assets of Preferred Automobile Credit Co. (“PACCO”), a specialty finance company that acquires and services auto finance contracts primarily in the below-prime credit tier, from Harbert Private Equity Fund II, Northstar Mezzanine Partners IV and management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Colonnade Securities served as the exclusive financial advisor to Harbert, Northstar and management of PACCO on this transaction. About AFS Acceptance AFS Acceptance of Plantation, FL, is a full-service auto finance company that has served the subprime customer financing needs of franchise and independent car dealers since 1996. … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Harbert Management on its sale of Preferred Warranties to KAR Auction Services Inc.
June 2013 KAR Auction Services Inc. (NYSE:KAR), has acquired Preferred Warranties, Inc. (“Preferred Warranties”), a vehicle service contract company, from Harbert Private Equity Fund II, LLC, Northstar Mezzanine Partners IV L.P. and management. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Preferred Warranties markets vehicle service contracts through independent dealers of used vehicles in 2,200 locations in fifteen Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern and Southern states. KAR believes the acquisition of PWI will strengthen its offering to independent dealers, and that Preferred Warranties’ products will be enhanced as a result of being backed by KAR’s financial strength and … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises D.E. Shaw & Co. and investors on the sale of PayLink Payment Plans, LLC to an investment group led by Oxford Financial Group
January 2012 Oxford Financial Group, Ltd., announced that PayLink Mayfair, Inc. has completed the acquisition of PayLink Payment Plans, LLC ("PayLink"). PayLink Mayfair, Inc., a strategic investment entity created by Oxford on behalf of a private investor group and the management of PayLink, is a continuation of Oxford’s Mayfair Management Buyout strategy of investing directly in privately held companies with exceptional management teams. Headquartered in Chicago, PayLink is a specialty finance company with a demonstrated leadership position as a provider of short-term, collateralized receivables and payment processing to facilitate the purchase of Vehicle Service Contracts ("VSC"), … [Read more...]
Colonnade advises Mepco Insurance Premium Finance on its sale to Independent Bank Corporation
In April 2003, Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ:IBCP), acquired Mepco Insurance Premium Financing, Inc. (“Mepco”) of Chicago, Illinois. Mepco’s senior management team will continue to lead and operate the business after the closing of the transaction. Mepco is a 40-year-old company that specializes in financing insurance premiums and automobile warranty contracts. At December 31, 2002 Mepco had total assets of approximately $96 million and total finance receivables of approximately $89 million. Independent Bank is a bank holding company that operates 97 offices in Michigan. Colonnade Advisors LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Mepco. … [Read more...]