Advisor Finder Success: SunPro Achieves 9x EBITDA Exit to HunterDouglas

“At the end of the day, after the process ended, we [felt] totally, 100% comfortable that our organization and our family got the best potential outcome.”

Bob Falahee, Former Owner, SunPro Motorized Awnings & Screens

Deal Highlights

The Challenge: Finding the Right M&A Advisor

When Bob Falahee decided to exit SunPro Motorized Awnings & Screens, he needed an investment banker who understood his industry and could deliver maximum value. With his business approaching the critical $10M EBITDA milestone, Bob knew the stakes were high.

“As one of the most important decisions of our lives, we knew we needed the right partners to execute this for us.” — Ashlyn Falahee, VP of Sales & Marketing, Sun Protection of Florida

How Axial’s Advisor Finder Helped

100% Confidential Process

Throughout the advisor search, SunPro’s identity remained completely protected. No information was shared with potential advisors without explicit permission, giving Bob full control over when and how to reveal company details.

Curated Advisor Matches

Axial matched SunPro with six pre-vetted, industry-specific investment banks based on their proven experience with similar deals. Each potential advisor underwent thorough analysis of their deal track record by Axial to ensure they had the right expertise for SunPro’s specific situation.

Guided Selection Process

Bob didn’t have to navigate advisor selection alone. Axial provided a structured evaluation framework for comparing advisors, conducted post-meeting debriefs after each conversation, and offered expert guidance throughout the selection process—all at SunPro’s own pace.

Educational Value Beyond Selection

Through the series of advisor meetings, Bob gained valuable insights about the M&A process and buyer expectations. He learned how different types of buyers would value his business and what aspects of SunPro’s operations would be most attractive to the market. After each meeting, Bob debriefed with Axial’s team to process these insights, helping him better understand how to position his company for the best possible outcome—knowledge that proved invaluable during the actual sale process.

The Selected Advisor: Peakstone Group

SunPro ultimately selected Peakstone Group, a Chicago-based investment bank with 40+ professionals and relevant experience in the home products manufacturing sector.

The Process & Outcome

Peakstone ran a comprehensive marketing process for SunPro that generated:

• 290 signed NDAs
• 60 Indications of Interest ranging from $40M to $110M
• 12 management meetings (10 with PE firms, 2 with strategic buyers)

After evaluating all offers, SunPro chose to partner with HunterDouglas, a large player in the blind/awnings space that demonstrated deep understanding of the business during diligence.

Deal Structure & Family Considerations

• Acquisition: HunterDouglas ($4.6B revenue Dutch multinational) purchased 100% of SunPro and 70% of the retail business (Sun Protection of Florida)
• Multiple: 9x EBITDA
• Legacy Protection: The remaining 30% ownership of Sun Protection of Florida was rolled over to Bob’s daughters, ensuring family continuity in the business

Why This Process Delivered Superior Results

1. Comprehensive Market Coverage: The broad marketing process created maximum competitive tension
2. Expert Guidance: Professional investment banking support throughout negotiations
3. Tailored Structure: Deal terms that accommodated both financial and family considerations
4. Premium Valuation: Achievement of a 9x EBITDA multiple

Are you considering an exit for your business? Contact Axial’s exit consultants to learn how Advisor Finder can help you achieve similar results.