Happy 2025!
We hope you had a wonderful, healthy, and successful 2024— a year that brought us back to the fast-paced realities of the M&A world after the quieter pace of 2023.
At Quazar, we enjoyed a dynamic 2024, kicking off the year with successful buy-side transactions for two clients looking to expand their privately-held businesses through acquisition. The second quarter saw the successful sale of Versa-Lok, a six-decade-old family business, and the divestiture of Brainier, a subsidiary of BI Worldwide. A fun fact: Brainier was formerly known as TTN Learning, a business we helped BI Worldwide acquire 25 years ago! These long-term relationships are the heart of what we do, and it is truly humbling when clients return to us decades later.
M&A activity picked up significantly in 2024 compared to the previous year, thanks to easing inflationary pressures and a more stable interest rate environment— including a few rate cuts. This stability encouraged companies to pursue growth through acquisitions. Additionally, private equity firms were sitting on a record $2.89 trillion in uncommitted capital as of December 2024, providing a strong foundation for continued investment.
On a personal note, my husband and I are excited to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in 2025, our oldest daughter is thriving in her second semester at Colorado Mesa University, while our eighth-grade daughter keeps me on my toes as she navigates her teenage years. Meanwhile, Adam and his wife stay busy with their four little ones, who are involved in everything from dance and gymnastics to hockey, soccer, baseball and basketball. Adam even finds time to coach their teams— impressive, right?
Our team at Quazar had some exciting milestones in 2024 as well. Tom Hansen was promoted to Director (and got married!), Clay Bergevain advanced to Vice President, and we welcomed Bailey Blondell as our Executive Assistant (who also got engaged!). We are thrilled to see our team grow both professionally and personally.
As a quick reminder, Quazar is a Minneapolis-based investment bank founded in 1990. We specialize in working with lower middle-market, privately-held businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, business services, technology, and consumer sectors. We are always here to support you and your clients by answering the all-important question: "What's my business worth?" We provide confidential, personalized market analyses to help clients understand the factors that drive business valuations and how they can achieve a premium valuation.
In 2024, instead of our traditional Charity Contest, our team decided to contribute to two scholarship funds: the Printing Industry of the Midwest Education Foundation and the Midwest Manufacturing Association Foundation. We believe in investing in the next generation by supporting educational opportunities that align with their goals, whether through schools, traditional colleges, apprenticeships, or other learning pathways.
As we enter Quazar's 35th year serving the lower middle market, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support, kind words, and referrals— they truly are the lifeblood of our business.
Wishing you all the best in 2025!
Take care and stay safe,
Nicole Behm-Koep
Managing Partner
Quazar's 2024 Transactions:
