Blackford Capital Founder Announced as Private Equity Professional of the Year by the 15th Annual M&A Advisor Awards

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackford Capital, a national private equity firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., today announced that its founder and managing director, Martin Stein, has been named Private Equity Professional of the Year at the 15th Annual M&A Advisor Awards.

Additionally, the firm was named a finalist in nine other categories, including National Private Equity Firm of the Year, making Blackford one of the most highly recognized PE firms in the country.

"I am extremely honored to be presented with this award by The M&A Advisor. While it is great to be recognized as the Private Equity Professional of the Year, private equity is a team sport, and none of this would have been possible without my incredible team.  In addition to this award and impressive results at our portfolio companies, our team at Blackford was a finalist in nine other categories—due to our strong work ethic. According to Pitchbook data, Blackford was one of the top 10 most active firms in the country for the number of transactions within the Great Lakes Region.  We are proud to be creating significant value for our limited partners as well as building the legacies for the founders of the companies in which we invest. These honors encourage us to continue the success we've had as we look to spur economic growth and job creation in the communities and industries that we serve throughout Michigan and the U.S."

This national recognition adds to Blackford's long history of excellence. Earlier this year, Blackford was recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing privately-held businesses in America. Two of Blackford's portfolio companies also made the Inc. 5000 list.  A member of the Blackford's talented team, Joseph Presutti, was recognized as an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor. And just last year, Blackford was awarded with the 2015 Deal of the Year by The M&A Advisor for its acquisition of McClarin Plastics and their subsequent merger with Amtech Corporation.

The winners for the 2016 M&A Advisor awards were announced at a gala on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at the New York Athletic Club.

"Since 2002, we have been honoring the leading M&A transactions, companies and dealmakers. It gives us great pleasure to recognize Martin Stein and bestow upon him our highest honor for M&A firms and professionals," said David Fergusson, Co-CEO and President, The M&A Advisor. "Blackford Capital and Martin Stein represent the best of the M&A industry in 2016 and earned these honors by standing out in a group of very impressive candidates."

For more information, and for a detailed list of all of the winners for the 15th Annual M&A Advisor awards, please visit www.maadvisor.com.

About Blackford Capital
Winner of the 2015 M&A Advisor Deal of the Year award, Blackford Capital is a private equity firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., that acquires, manages and builds family-owned, lower middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies, with 11 portfolio companies across the country. Blackford reviewed roughly 4,500 transactions in 2015, and has closed over 40 transactions in the past ten years. The firm's investment criteria includes mature, profitable businesses with revenues between $20 million and $100 million, with management teams that are either willing to remain with the company or are seeking to retire. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About The M&A Advisor
The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions through the industry's leading publication. Today, the firm is recognized as the world's premier "think tank" and leadership organization for M&A, restructuring and financing professionals, providing a range of integrated services including: M&A Advisor Forums and Summits; M&A Advisor Market Intelligence; M&A.TV.; M&A Advisor Live; M&A Advisor Awards; and M&A Advisor Connects. For additional information about The M&A Advisor's leadership services visit www.maadvisor.com.

SOURCE Blackford Capital

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http://www.blackfordcapital.com