Class VI Partners (“Class VI”, formerly known as “CapitalValue Advisors” or “CVA”) is pleased to announce the combination of CEAVCO Audio-Visual Company, Inc. (“CEAVCO”, or the “Company”) with AVFX, LLC, a portfolio company of Harbor Beach Capital (“AVFX”, and “Harbor Beach”). “It was a pleasure to represent CEAVCO throughout this process,” said Peter Bessone, Associate for Class VI. “Matt Emerson is the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit, and our team has learned a tremendous amount from him through his business ethics, leadership philosophies, and passion for customer service. We are excited for this next chapter of growth for Matt in his role as the CEO of AVFX and CEAVCO.”
Matt Emerson, current CEO of AVFX and CEAVCO, commented, “I cannot imagine what this transaction would have been like without the Class VI team by my side. From the beginning, they proved their worth and paid for themselves in negotiating on my behalf. Beyond that, they were with me for every conversation and decision. We encountered more hurdles than either side would have imagined. Again, they helped us clear every obstacle by providing sound advice and even pitching in to take work off my plate. They are consummate professionals. Without a doubt, choosing to team with Class VI was the best decision I made in the entire transaction.”
Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Denver, CO, CEAVCO (https://ceavco.com/) provides video, audio, lighting, staging, and creative services solutions for meetings and events nationwide. CEAVCO’s highly skilled team creates exceptional event experiences through creative and technical expertise, guidance, and extraordinary service.
AVFX (https://www.avfx.com/), founded in 1981 and based in Boston, MA, is an event technology company dedicated to supporting meeting planners, special event producers, and exhibit designers. AVFX specializes in audio, visual, and lighting production and staging services for corporate events, virtual events, trade shows, and exhibitions.
The transaction is a key milestone as it combines two powerful event technology companies into one cohesive business looking to expand its geographic footprint to better serve its clients. AVFX and CEAVCO have collaborated on several client projects over the years and both companies are members of AV Alliance and the Rental and Staging Network.
Commenting on the transaction Matt Emerson said, “The combined businesses are highly complementary and together our companies present an amazing opportunity to share best practices and bring great new offerings to our clients! We are looking forward to being part of AVFX.”
Former AVFX President & CEO, Steven Halling added, “This is a big step for both companies. By adding an office based in the western U.S., AVFX will be able to serve our national clients more efficiently. Culturally, I cannot think of a business that is a better fit for the whatever-it-takes culture that AVFX is known for!”
The transaction with CEAVCO represents AVFX’s first acquisition under its partnership with Harbor Beach Capital (http://www.harborbeachcapital.com/index.cfm), a middle-market private equity firm with a proven track record of driving organic and acquisition growth in middle-market businesses. The acquisition of CEAVCO is well aligned with Harbor Beach Capital’s and AVFX’s shared commitment to expanding the geographical footprint of the company through organic growth initiatives, combined with selective strategic combinations.
The transaction closed on November 15th, 2021. Minor & Brown PC. served as legal counsel to CEAVCO, and Greenberg Traurig LLP served as legal counsel to AVFX.
For more information about the transaction, please contact Peter Bessone at 303.243.5606 or pbessone@classvipartners.com, and Riley Bell at 303.243.5609 or rbell@classvipartners.com.
Class VI provides middle-market investment banking services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, corporate advisory, business valuation, and private capital raising services through its affiliate, Class VI Securities, LLC and Member FINRA. Class VI is also affiliated with and offers wealth management services through Class VI Family Office, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities & Exchange Commission.