Oklahoma Corporate Acquisitions Research
Advisory Approach
Oklahoma Corporate Acquisitions (OCA) is a Tulsa-based M&A advisory firm and business brokerage that has been serving the lower middle market since 1986. The firm operates with a clear thesis: successful transactions require far more than simply introducing a buyer and seller. OCA emphasizes comprehensive deal management, pre-emptive problem identification, and hands-on coordination of all transaction stakeholders including attorneys, CPAs, lenders, SBA representatives, appraisers, and regulatory bodies.
The firm differentiates itself through what it calls "micro-management" of the deal process—anticipating challenges before they arise, preparing solutions in advance, and maintaining momentum through inevitable transaction hurdles. OCA's philosophy is that many in the "industry" but far fewer in the "profession," reflecting their commitment to elevated standards of business intermediation.
Sector Focus
OCA maintains broad industry expertise across Oklahoma's core economic sectors. The firm has particular depth in manufacturing (precision fabrication, post-frame buildings, metal components, aerospace components), energy and industrial services (gas diffusion equipment, sand and soil excavation, disaster restoration), and business services (distribution, automotive repair, B2B services).
Notable specialization areas include:
- Aerospace & Defense: DoD contractors with government CAGE code transfers and 100% customer concentration challenges
- Industrial Manufacturing: Fabrication companies producing heaters, pressure vessels, and custom metal products for refineries and industrial applications
- Construction Materials: Post-frame building manufacturers, wood trusses, metal roofing and siding production
- Energy Services: Gas diffusers, blenders, and evaporators for utility companies with international export operations
- Business Services: Disaster restoration, commercial enterprises, and distribution businesses
Deal Track Record
OCA has completed 100+ transactions across 35+ years of operation. The firm's deal history demonstrates versatility in transaction complexity:
Representative Transactions:
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Manufacturing Exit: Eastern Oklahoma post-frame building manufacturer (130,000 sq ft facility, multi-state distribution) sold to Chicago private equity group with mezzanine financing from Miami capital group. Transaction included rollover equity for seller, who received a second payout when the company was later acquired by a national strategic buyer.
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Aerospace Sale: DoD contractor aerospace manufacturer with 100% customer concentration risk. Transaction required DOD background checks, CAGE code transfers, and coordination of classified information restrictions. OCA interviewed 81 buyer candidates before identifying the right engineering entrepreneur buyer.
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Management Buyout: Three-company hose and fitting manufacturing group (two Tulsa locations, one Oklahoma City) structured as management buyouts financed through SBA programs with private capital participation.
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Energy Equipment: Gas diffusers and evaporators manufacturer exporting to nine countries. OCA implemented operational changes to drive value, then facilitated sale to out-of-state engineering group seeking international market access.
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Industrial Fabrication: Heater fabrication company on 38+ acres sold to GM via management buyout, overcoming significant information access challenges and securing complex debt/equity financing structure.
The firm typically closes transactions in 54-120 days from letter of intent execution, reflecting efficient deal management and proactive issue resolution.
Process & Fee Structure
OCA's transaction process emphasizes:
- Pre-transaction preparation: Value enhancement strategies, financial recasting, operational improvements
- Buyer qualification: Rigorous screening to identify "right buyer" fit (cultural, financial, operational)
- Comprehensive management: Coordination of lenders, attorneys, appraisers, regulators, employees, landlords
- Closing acceleration: 54-91 day typical closing timeline from executed LOI
Fee Structure: The firm operates on success fee models typical of business brokerages, likely in the 5-10% range for lower middle market transactions. OCA frequently assists buyers with SBA loan facilitation and lender coordination, suggesting engagement structures that include both seller representation and buyer-side advisory work.
Minimum Engagement Size: Based on case studies, OCA actively works on transactions below $10M TEV, distinguishing them from traditional investment banks that often have higher minimums. The firm appears comfortable with main street businesses as well as lower middle market companies.
Buyer Network
OCA maintains relationships with:
- Private Equity Groups: Regional and national PE firms (evidenced by Chicago PE group acquisition)
- Mezzanine Capital: Miami-based mezzanine lenders participating in transactions
- SBA Lenders: Multiple regional banks for SBA 7(a) and 504 financing
- Strategic Buyers: Out-of-state engineering groups, industry consolidators
- Family Offices: High-net-worth individual investors and family offices
- Management Teams: Internal management/employee buyers seeking MBO financing
The firm's buyer sourcing approach is intensive—case studies reference interviewing 50-81 qualified buyer candidates before identifying the right match, demonstrating exhaustive buyer outreach.
Competitive Positioning
OCA differentiates through:
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Longevity and Reputation: 35+ years in Oklahoma market with multiple generational client relationships
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Professional Leadership: Rob Firestone's credentials include Past-Chairman of IBBA (2,000 members), Past-Chairman of M&A Source (400 members focused on $2M-$150M companies), and Honorary Lifetime Membership recognition
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Transaction Complexity Expertise: demonstrated ability to handle challenging deals including 100% customer concentration, DOD regulatory approvals, multi-entity transactions, and cross-border considerations
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Value Enhancement: Pre-transaction consulting to improve business value before going to market, demonstrated by 2-year consulting engagement for manufacturing client
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Financing Expertise: Deep SBA program knowledge and lender relationships, enabling deals that require creative capital structures
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Micro-Management Approach: Hands-on coordination of all transaction stakeholders, not just deal introduction
Not a Fit If
OCA typically declines:
- Businesses where cultural fit with buyer cannot be achieved
- Transactions lacking viable financing paths
- Sellers unwilling to implement value-enhancement recommendations when appropriate
- Deals requiring national reach beyond Oklahoma/regional focus
OCA states: "If we do not get the sense we will enjoy the people involved or the process, we decline the assignment (regardless of earning fees)."
Team
Rob Firestone – Founding Principal and General Manager
- M&AMI (Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary), CBI (Certified Business Intermediary), FMAS, Expert Witness
- Past-Chairman, IBBA (International Business Brokers Association)
- Past-Chairman, M&A Source
- Served on SEC Advisory Committee task forces on private-placement broker-dealer regulation
- Since 1986, advised business owners, acquisition candidates, lenders, attorneys, CPAs on M&A transactions
- Founder of Oklahoma Business Brokers, Oklahoma Commercial Realty, and Bluestem Resources Affiliated Group
- Speaker and educator on 40+ M&A topics including valuation methods, financing, deal structuring, due diligence
Jennifer Firestone – Director of Operations
- 23 years of experience in marketing, advertising, communications, public relations, and administration
- Active in deal process and transactions for 15+ years
- Transaction experience includes manufacturing, service, wholesale/distribution, energy/utilities, and construction sectors
- Manages OCA Business Forum webinar series and strategic partner relationships
Geographic Coverage
Primary Market: Oklahoma, with focus on:
- Tulsa Metro Area
- Oklahoma City
- Northeastern Oklahoma
- Small communities across the state
Secondary Markets: Regional transactions extending to:
- Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth)
- Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas
The firm maintains physical presence at 1516 South Boston Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa, OK 74119, with phone (918) 438-8218.
Professional Affiliations
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Rob Firestone – Past Chairman, Past Presidents Counsel
- M&A Source: Rob Firestone – Past Chairman, Honorary Lifetime Member
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founding contributor, past Board Member
- Axial: Member since 2011, connecting with qualified M&A advisors nationally
- Tulsa Metro Chamber: Active participation
Transaction Statistics
- Total Transactions: 100+ completed transactions over 35+ year history
- Typical Deal Size: Lower middle market, ranging from main street businesses ($1M-$5M) to lower middle market companies ($5M-$50M+)
- Geographic Concentration: 80%+ Oklahoma-based businesses
- Sell-side vs Buy-side: Primarily sell-side representation with selective buy-side engagements
- Closing Timeline: 54-120 days from executed LOI (significantly faster than industry average)