New Platform Investment in 4 State Trucks Continues KCM’s Strategy of Partnering with Owner-Led Businesses to Support Their Next Phase of Growth
Chicago-based private investment firm KCM Capital Partners LLC, an investor in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution, and specialty industrial companies, announced today that it has completed a majority investment in Four State International Trucks, LLC headquartered in Joplin, Missouri. Founding family members Bryan and Brice Martin will continue to lead the company and have retained a significant ownership stake in 4 State Trucks. The transaction was completed in partnership with Company management and PNC Mezzanine Capital based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1979, 4 State Trucks is a leading, specialty distributor of aftermarket parts for the heavy-duty truck market, specializing in chrome, performance accessories, and collision repair parts. The Company serves a national base of customers with a broad selection of high-quality parts and accessories for all makes and models of heavy duty trucks through its high-touch customer call center, industry leading e-commerce platform, and highly trafficked retail location in Joplin, Mo just off Interstate 44 on the “four state” border of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Company management, led by third generation owners Brice Martin and Bryan Martin, built the 4 State Truck business over the past 20 years before deciding to partner with KCM to position the Company for enhanced growth. Consistent with KCM’s investment philosophy – Keeping Continuity Matters – 4 State Trucks will remain under the guidance of current leadership, who remain actively invested in the business and will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.
Bryan Martin, owner and President of 4 State Trucks commented, “We are excited to partner with KCM and PNC. They share our values and vision for accelerating the growth of the business, while maintaining the strong relationships with our employees, customers and suppliers. KCM’s approach is rooted in these same principles, and I’m confident they can provide the financial and strategic resources to accomplish our aggressive growth objectives.”
Jon Gilbert, Partner at KCM said, “Brice and Bryan Martin have built an extremely strong and value-added business model at 4 State Trucks, with incredible product selection and availability, best-in-class customer service and deep trucking industry knowledge. The Company’s products provide comfort, convenience and style to their core truck driver base, while also supporting their commercial customers with the collision and repair parts they need, when they need it.” Emmett Mosley, Partner at KCM added, “We look forward to building on 4 State Trucks’ strong foundation by providing resources to the management team and employees to accelerate growth through product additions, market expansion and strategic acquisitions. We continue to appreciate the capital support provided by our partner PNC Mezzanine and look forward to executing this strategy together with them and Company management.”
LBC Credit Partners provided senior debt financing in support of the transaction, while Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal counsel to KCM.
About 4 State Trucks:
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Joplin, MO, 4 State Trucks is a leading, specialty distributor of aftermarket parts for the heavy-duty truck industry, specializing in chrome, performance accessories, and collision repair parts. The Company is a third generation, family-owned business selling directly to truck owner-operators, commercial fleets, dealerships, and repair shops. The Company also distributes some OEM brands and sells its own private label brands “BestFit”, “TPHD”, and “Chrome Shop Mafia”. 4 State Truck’s dedication to quality parts and its unparalleled customer service has resulted in loyal and long-term relationships for many of its top customers and vendors. For more information, please visit www.4statetrucks.com.
About KCM Capital Partners:
KCM Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on investing in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution and specialty industrial businesses throughout the U.S. Founded in 2017, KCM follows a simple philosophy – Keeping Continuity Matters – which is emblematic of our belief in the importance of a healthy culture and collaborative, trustworthy partnerships. With this strategy in mind, we look to support founders and management teams of niche market leaders with creative solutions and strategic guidance to effect transformational growth. For more information, please visit www.kcmcap.com.
