Battalion Crest IB Research
Advisory Approach
Battalion Crest is a boutique investment banking firm that specializes in advising entrepreneur and family-owned companies on sell-side transactions, recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. The firm operates with a thesis-driven approach: the best outcomes come from thorough understanding of client goals combined with flawless execution and senior-level attention. Battalion Crest's managing partner Bernie Zaia brings nearly thirty years of M&A and corporate finance experience, having led M&A transactions across a wide variety of industries since 1986. The firm differentiates itself through creative, thorough, and focused execution that has produced consistently outstanding transaction results.
Battalion Crest's core philosophy emphasizes leaving nothing to chance. They quarterback a comprehensive process designed to navigate the complexities of business sales, recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises. This includes fully understanding client goals and business intricacies, producing high-quality marketing materials, and executing flawlessly to drive successful completion. The firm delivers senior-level attention on each mandate, ensuring that experienced hands guide transactions throughout.
Sector Focus
Battalion Crest maintains deep expertise across multiple mid-market industries. The firm has particular strength in consumer products and distribution, as evidenced by the SAS Safety Products sale to Bunzl and the Franklin Machine Products advisory engagement. Their agriculture and food practice is substantial, with notable transactions including the Pasqua Coffee sale to Starbucks and the Sunrise Growers/Frozsun recapitalization with Heritage Partners.
Healthcare services represent another key practice area, with the firm advising on the Promises Treatment Centers transaction involving Frazier Healthcare Ventures and NEA. The firm also has active practices in nutraceuticals and ingredients (Stauber Performance Ingredients), manufacturing and industrial products, and recreational vehicles (Keystone RV Company sale to Thor Industries for approximately $145 million).
Process & Fee Structure
Battalion Crest runs institutional-quality sell-side and capital raising processes. The firm focuses on business owners typically with revenues between $10 million and $500 million. For liquidity transactions (sales or recapitalizations), the firm helps business owners achieve cash events to unlock value created in their businesses. The firm also supports capital raise transactions where businesses require additional capital to fund growth or execute on strategic initiatives.
While specific fee details are not published on the firm's website, the firm emphasizes its relationships with a broad universe of private equity investors, junior capital providers, and subordinated and senior debt lenders. They understand what is required to achieve optimal pricing and terms for their clients' benefit.
Deal Track Record
Battalion Crest has closed over 40 company M&A and financing transactions. Notable transactions include the sale of SAS Safety Products to Bunzl plc, a leading international distribution group; gloProfessional's recapitalization with Swander Pace Capital in 2013; Franklin Machine Products' sale to Diversified Foodservice Supply (backed by KRG Capital) in 2012; Keystone RV Company's sale to Thor Industries in 2001 for approximately $145 million; and Pasqua Coffee's sale to Starbucks Corporation in 1998.
Additional advisory transactions include Promises Treatment Centers' involvement with Frazier Healthcare Ventures and NEA, Acoustical Material Services' sale to Quad-C Management, Stauber Performance Ingredients' recapitalization with ICV Partners in 2011 (subsequently sold to Hawkins Inc. for $157 million in 2015), and Sunrise Growers/Frozsun's recapitalization with Heritage Partners.
Buyer Network
Battalion Crest maintains relationships with multiple categories of acquirers and investors. Their deal history demonstrates strong connections with strategic acquirers (Bunzl plc, Starbucks Corporation, Thor Industries), private equity firms (Swander Pace Capital, KRG Capital Partners, ICV Partners, Frazier Healthcare Ventures, Heritage Partners), and family offices. The firm has closed transactions spanning sell-side advisory (SAS Safety, Pasqua Coffee, Keystone RV), recapitalizations (gloProfessional, Stauber, Sunrise Growers), and buy-side support.
Team
Bernard I. Zaia is the Founder and Managing Partner. With nearly 30 years of M&A and corporate finance experience, Bernie has led transactions for companies in consumer products, agriculture, nutraceuticals, specialty retail, manufacturing, distribution, business services, franchising, financial services, healthcare, medical devices, media, and technology. Prior to founding Battalion Crest in June 2015, Bernie was a Managing Director and head of M&A for Wells Fargo Securities Middle Market Investment Banking group. Also former Managing Director and Partner at Barrington Associates (sold to Wells Fargo Bank in 2006).
Thomas Patrick Weigandt serves as Senior Vice President. The firm conducts securities transactions through GT Securities, Inc., which is FINRA and SIPC registered, providing institutional-quality execution and regulatory oversight.
Geographic Coverage
Based in Manhattan Beach, California, Battalion Crest serves clients nationwide with focus on mid-market businesses. The firm's experience spans companies across diverse geographies and industries throughout the United States.