TobinLeff is pleased to report that it provided M&A advisory services to Dix & Eaton on its acquisition of Standing Partnership.
Dix & Eaton, which converted to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) beginning in 2014, is adding all current Standing Partnership associates into its ESOP Trust. The combined organization will have more than 70 associates in 10 states across the United States, with plans to maintain or expand staffing levels and keep headquarters locations in Cleveland and St. Louis. The combined entity will rank among the 30 largest agencies in the United States and is among the largest 100% employee-owned communications firms in the country.
Chas Withers, Dix & Eaton Chairman and CEO, commented on the acquisition: “This is really a transformational opportunity for two firms to come together and accomplish things that we could not do individually.” Withers added, “We’re already doubling down on areas of national distinction in ESG, sales enablement, and change management, while building on vertical depth in B2B manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and professional services. We’re excited about combining forces to create a Midwestern powerhouse.”
“We have known the team at TobinLeff for several years, so when it was time to explore growth through acquisitions, we turned to them for direction and perspective,” said Withers. “They provided superb counsel and guidance to create a deal structure that ensured value for all parties, and really helped us complete the transaction.”
About Dix & Eaton:
Dix & Eaton is a strategic corporate and marketing communications firm that consists of two operating groups: the Dix & Eaton operating group, based in Cleveland, and the Standing Partnership operating group, based in St. Louis. The firm offers a wide variety of corporate communications, sustainability/ESG (environmental, social, and governance) communications, marketing/sales enablement, and public relations services to clients across the U.S. The agency serves a number of vertical markets, with distinctive expertise in manufacturing, technology, aviation, specialty chemicals, agribusiness, health care, professional services, and more. Founded in 1952, Dix & Eaton is 100% employee-owned and one of the largest wholly employee-owned communications firms in the U.S. Learn more about the combined capabilities at www.dix-eaton.com and www.standingpartnership.com.
About TobinLeff:
TobinLeff is a leading M&A advisory and exit planning consulting firm, helping owners sell to strategic buyers and private equity groups. With 14 years of service, TobinLeff’s team of senior advisors brings a wealth of Mergers & Acquisitions experience as former business owners, accountants, attorneys, and bankers dedicated to the mission of helping their clients maximize and monetize their life’s work. TobinLeff is the go-to resource for business owners looking for true partners in their exit planning journey.
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