Rostra Tool Company

Business Description
Rostra, in business for over 150 years, designs and manufactures specialized hand tools mainly for the plumbing, automotive and electrical market. The company markets its product lines of crimp and press tools, cutting tools as well as strip tools to wholesale distributors and other market specific distribution channels under a number of trademarked brands, with its flagship brand being “Sargent Quality Tools”. 

Background
Buckingham Capital Partners and Ironwood Capital had been invested in the Company for nearly 10 years and were seeking a liquidity event for the lenders and equity investors. 

Solution
CMM was hired to conduct an auction process for Rostra and approached a number of logical strategic buyers and financial investors, several of whom demonstrated interest.  Through one of its strong relationships, CMM identified the Oetiker Group, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of crimping solutions as a possible bidder.  Ultimately, CMM worked with the Company to solicit a compelling offer that maximized value, provided full liquidity for all of the lenders, a decent return for all of the equity holders, a great new home for the management team and plenty of opportunities for growth, leveraging Oetiker’s global footprint and strong relationships.