Coastal M & A Research
Advisory Approach
Coastal M & A is a New England-focused business intermediary firm that has operated for over 20 years as a division of The Nery Corporation. Unlike traditional investment banks, Coastal operates as Certified Business Intermediaries (CBIs) through the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), focusing on lower middle market transactions with enterprise values between $1 million and $25 million. The firm's thesis centers on providing highly personalized, confidential representation to founder-owned businesses across New England, with particular expertise in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
The firm distinguishes itself through deep operational expertise—many team members have owned, bought, or sold businesses themselves. This operator-to-operator perspective allows them to understand the practical realities of running a business, not just financial metrics. Their approach emphasizes confidentiality, ethical conduct, and minimizing disruption to sellers' daily operations throughout the sale process.
Sector Focus
Coastal M & A maintains broad industry expertise across manufacturing, distribution, business services, and consumer services. Their manufacturing practice encompasses discrete manufacturing (precision machining, metal fabrication, lighting fixtures, electrical components) and process manufacturing (food processing, specialty coatings, industrial chemicals). The firm has completed numerous transactions in manufacturing sectors including lighting manufacturing, HVAC equipment, precision castings, and specialty fasteners.
In distribution and logistics, Coastal has handled seafood distributors, logistics companies, and industrial suppliers. The business services practice includes security & monitoring systems, telecommunications services, temporary labor agencies, and business/professional services. Consumer sector experience spans hospitality & catering, adult day care healthcare services, retail franchises, and moving & storage.
Deal Track Record
Coastal M & A has completed 30-50+ transactions over their 20+ year history, with consistent deal flow across multiple economic cycles. Notable transactions include:
Manufacturing & Industrial:
- Vulcan Catalytic Systems, Ltd. and MDF Coating Systems, LLC to Heraeus Noblelight, LLC (2014) – Portsmouth, RI-based manufacturers of gas catalytic infrared heaters sold to German strategic buyer
- Vantage Lighting Company to The Lexington Lighting Group, LLC (2013) – Plainfield, CT commercial lighting manufacturer
- Young Electric Services and Rossi Electric – electrical contractors in Massachusetts
- Multiple metal manufacturers, precision casting/foundry operations, and industrial automation companies
Food & Beverage:
- Lisbon Sausage Co. to Mediterranean Greek Products LLC (2021) – Nearly century-old Portuguese meat products manufacturer with 13,000 sq ft facility
- B&M Catering Co. to Teamshares (2022) – Pawtucket, RI hospitality company transitioned to employee ownership
- Metro Lobster & Seafood – seafood distributor
Business Services:
- Capeway Adult Day Health Inc. and Capeway Transportation Services to Active MA, Inc. (2017) – New Bedford adult day care with real estate
- Security & monitoring systems company, telecommunications services provider, temporary labor agency
- Moving & storage company serving Greater Boston and international markets
Other Notable Deals:
- Budget Blinds of Mid and Outer Cape Cod (Tailored Solutions Inc.) – national franchise sale
- HVAC company on Martha's Vineyard
- Telecommunications company serving RI, MA, and CT
- Multiple logistics, warehousing, and distribution companies
The firm has been recognized by Pratt's Stats for transaction reporting since 2000 and has received Hall of Fame awards. Team members have earned IBBA Outstanding Producer awards, demonstrating consistent deal-closing performance.
Process & Fee Structure
Coastal M & A runs confidential, structured sell-side processes. Their methodology includes:
Initial Phase: Comprehensive business valuation, preparation of confidential business review, and marketing strategy development.
Marketing Phase: Proprietary database outreach, confidential intermediary networks, and targeted buyer identification. The firm maintains relationships with corporate acquirers, private equity groups, and investment banking organizations. Marketing materials are presented in "blind" format to protect confidentiality.
Buyer Outreach: The firm conducts targeted outreach to qualified buyers while maintaining strict confidentiality agreements. They leverage 20+ years of accumulated buyer relationships and industry connections.
Transaction Management: Coastal handles all meetings, negotiations, and due diligence coordination, allowing sellers to focus on operating their businesses with minimal disruption.
Fee Structure: While specific fee terms are not publicly disclosed, Coastal likely follows industry-standard business broker models: monthly retainers during the engagement period (typically $5,000-$15,000/month) plus success fees calculated as a percentage of transaction value (sliding scale structure common in lower middle market). The minimum engagement size appears to be approximately $1 million in transaction value.
Buyer Network
Coastal M & A maintains buyer relationships across multiple categories:
Strategic Buyers: The firm has completed sales to strategic acquirers including Heraeus Noblelight (German multinational), Mediterranean Greek Products LLC, and various regional strategic buyers.
Private Equity & Financial Buyers: While the firm's deal history shows more strategic buyer activity than private equity, they maintain relationships with investment banking groups and financial buyers.
International Buyers: Coastal has significant experience with international acquirers, having completed transactions with companies in China, Japan, and Germany. The Heraeus transaction demonstrates their capability to handle cross-border sales.
Employee Ownership Transitions: The B&M Catering sale to Teamshares (employee ownership platform) shows capability in ESOP and employee-owned transitions.
Regional Buyers: Strong network of New England-based buyers across MA, RI, CT, and broader Northeast.
Competitive Positioning
Coastal M & A differentiates from traditional investment banks and business brokers through:
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CBI Certification: Team members hold Certified Business Intermediary credentials requiring rigorous education, experience, and ethics commitments through IBBA.
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Operator Expertise: Principals have owned, bought, and sold businesses themselves, bringing practical operational insight beyond financial analysis.
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New England Focus: Deep regional expertise and buyer relationships across MA, RI, and CT markets.
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Confidentiality Focus: Emphasis on blind marketing and strict confidentiality protocols, critical for smaller businesses where employee/customer attrition risk is high.
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Broad Sector Coverage: Ability to handle diverse industries from manufacturing to healthcare to hospitality.
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International Capability: Proven track record with cross-border transactions.
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Longevity: 20+ years in business through multiple economic cycles, with consistent transaction flow.
Not a Fit If
Coastal M & A is not a fit for:
- Transactions above $25 million in enterprise value (their stated upper limit)
- Businesses requiring complex securities structuring (they are not FINRA-registered broker-dealers)
- Highly regulated industries requiring specialized regulatory expertise (healthcare facilities, financial institutions)
- Sellers seeking aggressive auction processes with 50+ buyer contacts (their approach is more targeted)
- distressed turnaround situations or bankruptcy sales
- Companies outside their New England geographic focus
Team
Kevin A. Nery – President, CBB, CBI, M&AMI. Founder and president with 20+ years of M&A experience. Holds multiple certifications including Certified Business Broker (CBB), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), and M&A Masters Intermediary (M&AMI). Recognized by M&A Source with Platinum Club awards. Has led hundreds of transactions across manufacturing, distribution, and services sectors.
Justin Grolley – MBA, CBI, M&AMI, CMEA. Senior Business Intermediary with MBA, Certified Business Intermediary, M&A Masters Intermediary, and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser credentials. Recognized with IBBA 2021 Outstanding Producer Award. Serves on NEBBA Board of Directors. Key deal lead on B&M Catering, Lisbon Sausage, and multiple manufacturing transactions.
Adam Bradshaw – CBI. Certified Business Intermediary focused on sell-side representation. Recognized with IBBA Outstanding Producer Award and Coastal's 2022 Top Broker award. Successfully completed transactions totaling over $4.5 million in a single year. Key contributor on multiple lower middle market transactions.
Neil Corkum – MBA, CBI, CRPC. Business Intermediary with MBA, Certified Business Intermediary credential, and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. Brings financial planning expertise to transaction structuring.
The firm's team operates from 700 Pleasant Street, Suite 535, New Bedford, MA 02740, with office phone 508-990-9800.
Geographic Coverage
Coastal M & A's primary focus is New England, with particular emphasis on:
- Massachusetts: Bristol County (New Bedford, Fall River), Greater Boston, South Shore, Cape Cod & Islands, Worcester, and Springfield markets
- Rhode Island: Providence, Pawtucket, Warwick, Newport, and statewide coverage
- Connecticut: Eastern and Central Connecticut markets
The firm also has capability to handle transactions with international buyers, as demonstrated by the Heraeus Noblelight acquisition and experience with Chinese, Japanese, and German acquirers. Their New England location allows for hands-on management of smaller transactions while maintaining access to broader buyer networks.