January 8, 2019
Bellevue, WA: Berntson Porter Corporate Advisory Advises Corey Hoffman on the Sale of H.I.S. Innovations Group to LVL3
Berntson Porter Corporate Advisory, LLC (“BPCA”), an M&A advisor serving middle market clients in the Pacific Northwest, today announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Corey Hoffman in the sale of H.I.S. Innovations Group (“HIS”), based in Hillsboro, OR, to LVL3, (“LVL3”), based in Portland, OR.
HIS, founded in 1979, is a premier manufacturer and distributor of custom and off-the-shelf stainless-steel vacuum components and systems used primarily in the semiconductor, aerospace & defense, government research laboratories, and other industries. In addition to vacuum components and systems, HIS also provides outsourced stainless-steel fabrication services for gas delivery systems and other complementary products. The acquisition will focus on maintaining the company’s strong commitment to positive company culture, the employees, serving its customers and partners with the best products and services in the market, and driving new strategic initiatives into the company that will accelerate growth.
LVL3 is a private equity group that partners in a variety of capacities with its clients, including acquiring companies to be owned and operated directly by LVL3 and partnering with owners and entrepreneurs to implement operational efficiencies, execute on strategic growth initiatives, and enhance back end valuation.
Jason Frank, Partner at LVL3 and now CEO of HIS, commented: “Corey Hoffman has transformed HIS into a strong platform for growth and we are thrilled to continue the work that has already started. We are excited that Corey will continue as a board member and will work closely with LVL3 to ensure a smooth transition and provide strategic guidance critical for growth. We believe that the combined experience of existing management, augmented with LVL3’s resources and experience in relevant markets, provides a unique opportunity for scale. HIS will continue to prioritize existing sale channels, while exploring new channels where it can translate core competencies.”
Corey Hoffman commented: “I’ve known Jason from LVL3 for a number of years and couldn’t be more excited about the plan for growth. Through the sale process we talked to a number of firms and LVL3 showed the best strategic vision, expertise, and ability to align with our culture and people.”
Pitt Means, Managing Director at BPCA, commented, “We are very excited for Corey and the HIS team. In a relatively short period of time, he was able to transform HIS into a leader in vacuum components and subassemblies. And we think the partnership with LVL3 will help them to further accelerate their growth, not just in the semiconductors space but in other end markets as well.”
This is the sixth completed transaction that BPCA has advised on since the firm’s formation in 2017. Other completed M&A transactions included companies in the manufacturing, industrial services, professional services, wood products, and logistics industries.
For more information about this transaction, please contact the BPCA deal team:
Pitt Means
Managing Director
pmeans@bp-cas.com
Gregory Noone
Managing Director
gnoone@bp-cas.com
About Berntson Porter Corporate Advisory
Berntson Porter Corporate Advisory is an M&A advisor serving private companies in the Pacific Northwest. The firm offers strategic consulting and transaction execution related to business sales, acquisitions, and recapitalizations. Past transaction experience includes companies in manufacturing & distribution, building products, aerospace, food processing, professional and business services, and construction.
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