LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kingswood Capital Management (“Kingswood”), an operationally focused middle market private equity investment firm, is pleased to announce that its controlled affiliate has acquired AVAD, LLC, including its wholly owned subsidiary, AVAD Canada Ltd. (together, “AVAD” or the “Company”).
AVAD is a leading distributor of high-end audio and video solutions focused on the commercial and residential custom installation markets in North America. With more than 10,000 customers across the United States and Canada, AVAD is one of the most recognized brands in the fast-growing system integration market and offers a comprehensive line of premium solutions for video, audio, networking, HVAC, lighting control, security, home automation, digital signage, system design and other products needed by professional installers. The partnership with Kingswood and its operating team provides AVAD with the executive leadership, operational resources and capital necessary to realize the Company’s long-term strategic goals.
AVAD offers premium AV solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses, commercial venues and mid-to-high end residential markets in the United States and Canada. Kingswood has recruited consumer electronics and distribution industry veterans, Tom Jacoby as Chief Executive Officer and Fred Farrar as President, among other key executives to be announced, to assist the team going forward. Following this transaction, AVAD is well positioned to continue providing its comprehensive, premium products and services to its broad base of existing customers while growing its distribution in numerous underserved markets.
Alex Wolf, Managing Partner at Kingswood, commented, “As the market leader in distribution of premium audio and video solutions, AVAD is poised to grow its product offering and distribution reach under new leadership. Kingswood is fortunate to partner with an industry leader like AVAD and proven industry executives like Mr. Jacoby and Mr. Farrar in this transaction.”
Tom Jacoby, AVAD’s new Chief Executive Officer added: “Fred Farrar and I have had the pleasure of working with AVAD as one of our customers over our many years in the consumer electronics industry. We hold AVAD in the highest regard and look forward to joining its strong, passionate team and extending AVAD’s market leading position. We have plans to invest in AVAD’s infrastructure and will particularly focus on using web enabled technology to deliver added value to all of our trading partners. We are delighted to be able to contribute our experience and commitment to this great organization.”
“I am excited to work with the AVAD team as we build on the most respected line card in the business and further strengthen AVAD’s renowned customer service, technical support and system design capabilities. I’m also very pleased that AVAD’s leadership team have chosen to partner with us, as we focus on enhancing the customer, vendor and employee experience,” said Fred Farrar, AVAD’s new President.
Advisors
Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal advisor to Kingswood. Wells Fargo provided financing for the transaction. No financial advisors were involved.
About Kingswood Capital Management
Kingswood is an operationally focused middle market private equity firm that invests in businesses in transition driven by operational, strategic, financial or market-driven change. In addition to access to capital, Kingswood brings a broad network of operational resources, relevant industry relationships and tailored solutions to strengthen businesses, realize strategic goals and enhance long term value creation.
