Tri-State Enterprises Secures New Private Equity Partner
Tri-State Enterprises has announced the recapitalization of the company in partnership with HCI Equity Partners (HCI) and management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Tri-State is based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and is a warehouse distributor of automotive aftermarket hard parts, consumables, accessories, and paint, and serves automotive service centers, independent parts and accessories stores, eCommerce retailers, business fleets, and a network of company-owned stores.
The company was founded in 1977 and acquired by long-time employee, Tristan Taylor, in 2015. Tri-State also acquired WM Automotive in 2021, the company said.
“Since the acquisition of WM Automotive and the opening of our 492,000 square foot Arlington Warehouse, the Tri-State team has had their eye on several new territories and further product line expansion to better serve its customer base,” said Taylor, CEO of Tri-State. “HCI is the perfect partner to help us accelerate that growth. We are confident that their expertise in supporting growing businesses will help us implement our vision for future growth. Our commitment to customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of our business strategy, and HCI shares that view.”
“HCI is excited to partner with the management team of Tri-State. We share a common vision for the future and will support the Tri-State team with our resources and expertise to help them continue their extraordinary growth and best-in-class customer service,” said Scot Gibaratz, partner at HCI. “Tri-State represents a unique opportunity to partner with a dynamic growth platform in the fragmented automotive aftermarket industry.”
“Our biggest goal in looking for a new financing partner was to find someone that shared our values. They needed to be a cultural fit for us. Throughout this entire process, I have been impressed with the HCI team and how they took the time to understand what makes us tick. We are extremely grateful for their trust and look forward to the future as we expand Tri-State Enterprises,” said Taylor.
