Mesirow Financial acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Kentec, on its sale to Carlson Systems Holdings and Southern Fastening Systems, a portfolio company of Tenex Capital Management, a New York-based private equity firm.

The Kentec acquisition further expands Carlson’s and Southern’s sales and service capabilities in the Southeast, enhancing the combined entity’s ability to serve the most recognized participants in the fastening and construction industries.

George Morgan, president of Kentec, stated, “I wanted to ensure a great future for my employees and customers. Adding the Kentec team to this organization was the perfect solution to meet the needs of my employees and customers now, and in the years to come. Mesirow Financial’s experience, guidance and thoughtful advice throughout the process resulted in a successful outcome for all parties involved.”

Rocky Pontikes, managing director of Mesirow Financial, said, “We were honored to represent the owners of Kentec in this process. We believe the Company’s strong customer base, broad product portfolio and long-standing participation in highly attractive end-markets create a solid addition to the Carlson and Southern platform.”

Carlson and Southern are super-regional distributors of power-driven fasteners, packaging supplies and specialty tools for the residential construction and general industrial manufacturing end-markets.

Snellville, GA-headquartered Kentec is a distributor of commercial and industrial quality tools, pneumatic nailing and stapling systems, foam insulation, adhesives and MRO products.