CHICAGO, September 7, 2017- Mesirow Financial acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Tighton Tools and Fasteners, Inc. (“Tighton” or the “Company”), on its sale to SouthernCarlson, Inc. (“SouthernCarlson”), a portfolio company of Kelso & Company.

Headquartered in Omaha, NE, Tighton is a leading distributor of the most recognized brands of construction and packaging machines, tools and supplies in the industry through both traditional distribution and via e-commerce solutions.

Rocky Pontikes, managing director of Mesirow Financial, commented, "This transaction showcases Mesirow’s industry knowledge and relationships within the distribution and building products sectors.  We were honored to represent Tighton and Dan Williams 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 SouthernCarlson platform.”

Dan Williams, CEO and owner of Tighton commented, “Mesirow’s deep understanding of our business and its senior level attention throughout the sale process were critical in achieving a successful outcome.  We are extremely excited to be joining the SouthernCarlson family of companies. Utilizing the two companies' 14 regional distribution centers will allow us to continue providing excellent service to our customers through our existing retail locations, and also enables us to support our e-commerce footprint and enhance SouthernCarlson’s online presence with a wider range of product offerings and faster delivery times. Both companies are focused on exceeding customer expectations which makes this a perfect partnership.”

SouthernCarlson president Jim Whitley said, "Tighton Tools and Fasteners has built a very strong organization focused on customer satisfaction and execution. I look forward to working closely with Dan, as well as the entire Tighton team. Tighton employees and customers have always shared our commitment to service excellence and high integrity. Together, we now look forward to an exciting future as we continue our growth in the Midwest market." 

The transaction represents another successful assignment within the industrial and distribution sectors completed by Mesirow Financial’s Investment Banking group. 

About Tighton Tools and Fasteners, Inc.
Tighton is a family-owned and operated business headquartered in Omaha, NE with additional locations in Columbus, NE and Lincoln, NE. Founded in 1996, Tighton is a leading distributor of fasteners, fastening equipment and other critical construction supplies featuring premier brands such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Paslode, Hitachi, DeWalt, Makita, Senco, Rolair and many others.  To learn more, please visit www.tighton.com.

About SouthernCarlson, Inc.
SouthernCarlson is a leading national distributor of the most recognized brands of construction and packaging fasteners, tools, machines and supplies. SouthernCarlson employs over 900 people and serves a broad array of customers across the country and internationally from over 140 locations.  To learn more, please visit www.southerncarlson.com.

About Kelso & Company
Kelso & Company is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm, based in New York, which has been investing in private equity for over 35 years. Kelso was founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest espoused by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (or ESOP). Kelso benefits from a successful investment track record, a long-tenured and stable investing team, and a reputation as a preferred partner to management teams and corporates. Since 1980, Kelso has raised a total of nine private equity funds, representing approximately $12 billion of capital, and has made over 120 investments. For further information about Kelso, see www.kelso.com.

About Mesirow Financial
Mesirow Financial is an independent, employee-owned firm founded in 1937. As specialists in investment, risk management and advisory services, we are committed to helping our institutional, corporate and individual clients achieve their objectives. Our professionals are inspired by an entrepreneurial desire to develop tailored solutions that deliver measurable results. To learn more please visit, www.mesirow.com.

Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow Financial investment vehicle(s). Mesirow Financial, Inc. is not affiliated with Tighton Tools and Fasteners, Inc., SouthernCarlson, Inc., Kelso & Company. or their affiliates. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC.