CLA’s investment banking team recently advises Sko-Die, a manufacturer of close-tolerance precision metal components, on its sale to Associated Spring.
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), one of the leading professional service firms in the United States, announced Sko-Die, Inc., a Morton Grove, Ill.-based leading manufacturer of precision metal stampings and custom steel laminations, has been acquired by with Associated Spring Inc., a portfolio company of One Equity Partners. CLA served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sko-Die on the transaction.
Sko-Die was founded in 1947 and from its inception, the company has positioned itself as a premier manufacturer of precision metal stampings and components. Sko-Die established a strong presence in industrial, aerospace, and other markets, consistently delivering products meeting high standards of excellence. This commitment earned Sko-Die a distinguished reputation, making it a trusted name in the industry.
"Deciding to sell the company was a difficult choice, especially since it had been a part of our family for so many decades," said Patrick Steininger, Sko-Die President. “The goal was to find the right partner to transition ownership to, one that would help us continue our strong culture and growth. The new partnership with Associated Spring allows us to meet those goals, and the role CLA played in getting us here was invaluable.”
The Associated Spring family includes Associated Spring, Heinz Hänggi, AH Metal Solutions, and E. Winkemann, which together have 383 combined years of experience in high-precision component manufacturing and a rich history of commitment to engineering excellence and customer success. With advanced manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Singapore, and China, these companies bring deep experience in high-precision engineered springs, metal stampings, micro-stamping, fine blanking, and value-added assemblies to global markets.
The Associated Spring family serves a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and industrial, delivering innovative, high-quality products and comprehensive manufacturing experience — from concept through production — fostering strong, collaborative relationships with customers around the world.
One Equity Partners is a private equity firm specializing in investing in middle-market businesses across the industrial, health care, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm has a long history of assisting founders, owners, and multigenerational families transition leadership of their businesses.
Ian Sylvan, managing director on CLA’s investment banking team said, "We understood the Sko-Die shareholders were considering various factors in their decision to sell the business, and the priority was finding the right buyer who would provide a successful future for Sko-Die, its customers, and employees. We worked closely with the owners to achieve both their financial and non-financial goals.”
The transaction was a seamless effort completed through support from CLA’s investment banking, quality of earnings, tax, and accounting teams. The CLA investment banking team included Ian Sylvan, Eric Yeh, Dalton Bach, and Chase Kvaal. Quality of earnings and accounting advisory were led by Erik Skie and Tyler Schmocker. Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC (Marc Zaslavsky and Michael Cannell) served as Sko-Die’s trusted legal counsel for the transaction.
CLA investment banking professionals provide sophisticated corporate finance advisory and investment banking services to lower middle-market businesses and owners. The practice’s services include mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and other transaction-related advisory services.
For more information on CLA and its investment banking practice, visit CLAconnect.com/services/investment-banking.
Securities products, merger and acquisition services, and wealth advisory services are provided by CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors LLC, a federally registered investment advisor and member FINRA, SIPC. Sko-Die is a CLA client and was not compensated for this testimonial.
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CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.