Newport Highlights Four Milestone Transactions Across Retail, Real Estate, Workforce Solutions and Building Products

Advisory expertise helps privately owned businesses unlock value, navigate ownership transitions, and pursue strategic growth.

SAN FRANCISCO, October 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newport, LLC is highlighting four M&A advisory transactions that demonstrate its work helping privately owned businesses realize enterprise value, pursue strategic opportunities, and navigate ownership transitions.

The transactions span specialty retail, real estate technology, workforce solutions and architectural building products, including the sale of Beauty4U to an investor group led by Promise Holdings, the acquisition of Keeping Current Matters (KCM) by HousingWire, a transformational acquisition and strategic investment in Aplin by TNC Capital Partners, and the acquisition of Mount Storm Forest Products by Hardwoods, a flagship brand of ADENTRA Inc.

Newport and GROW and SELL Advisors Advise on Beauty4U Sale
In February 2026, Newport and GROW and SELL Advisors (GSA), a division of Traversi & Company, LLC, served as exclusive joint advisors to the Seok family on the sale of Beauty4U to an investor group led by Promise Holdings.

Founded in 2000, Beauty4U is a multi-location wig and beauty supply retailer serving the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Fred Fink of Newport and David Traversi of GSA guided the owners through sale preparation, investor outreach, and transaction execution.

"After careful consideration, we believe this partnership with Promise Holdings is the right way to preserve what makes Beauty4U special while giving the business the resources, operational support, and growth platform it needs to reach its full potential," said Julius Seok and Gillian Seok on behalf of the family.

Newport Supports Keeping Current Matters in Acquisition by HousingWire
In May 2026, Newport LLC advised Keeping Current Matters (KCM) in its acquisition by HousingWire, bringing together complementary capabilities in real estate content, market intelligence, and professional solutions.

KCM provides real estate agents with presentations, scripts, and market storytelling to help them communicate market conditions and build client trust. Its integration into HousingWire Solutions alongside Altos and RealTrends expands the combined platform's ability to deliver hyperlocal, data-driven insights and actionable content within agents' everyday workflows.

Newport Partner Susan Kearney advised KCM's owner, Bill Harney, over several years as he scaled the business, prepped it for sale, and closed the transaction with HousingWire. Newport is proud to have supported a transaction that reflects the growing importance of connecting real-time market intelligence with practical tools for real estate professionals.

Newport Advises Aplin on Strategic Investment from TNC Capital Partners
In May 2026, TNC Capital Partners announced a significant strategic investment in David Aplin & Associates Inc. (Aplin), one of Canada's leading workforce solutions firms. The investment followed Newport's work in advising Aplin on its transformational acquisition of Vantix Systems Inc. (Vantix) and supports Aplin's acquisition strategy, multi-brand expansion and continued investment in people and technology.

Newport served as Alpin's exclusive advisor and supported the firm's growth journey, with Doug Tatum providing pre-transaction value acceleration and strategic guidance to become transaction ready over a period of a couple of years followed by John Terrando and Fred Fink who in parallel advised Aplin on its transformational acquisition of Vantix and the subsequent TNC investment.

"This partnership gives us the resources and the platform to move faster and with greater conviction — adding the right firms, expanding our candidate pool, and building the kind of depth our clients have been asking for," said Jeff Aplin, CEO of Aplin.

Newport Advises Mount Storm Forest Products on Acquisition by Hardwoods
In August 2026, Mount Storm Forest Products joined Hardwoods, a flagship brand of ADENTRA Inc., with Newport serving as Mount Storm's exclusive financial advisor.

Founded in 1980, Mount Storm supplies hardwood lumber, architectural panels, plywood, millwork, mouldings, and specialty woodworking products to leading customers across Northern California and beyond. Its Windsor, California, facility, and established customer relationships strengthen Hardwoods' regional presence. Mount Storm will retain its name and market identity, with existing customer and supplier relationships and day-to-day operations continuing under new ownership.

"Kevin Poole, Fred Fink, and John Terrando were tremendous partners in achieving a successful outcome for Mount Storm Forest Products," said Ed Mikowski, founder and president of Mount Storm, citing Newport's strategic counsel and guidance throughout the sale process.

About Newport LLC
Founded in 2011, Newport LLC provides privately owned businesses with strategic insight and hands-on advisory support. Its Partners bring seasoned C-suite experience across industries and disciplines, helping business owners accelerate value, realize enterprise potential, and navigate critical stages in their companies' lifecycles. Through its growing specialist M&A advisory practice, Newport's Partners also support clients through mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

SOURCE Newport LLC