Cedar Ivy Group

buy. build. hold.

What we look to buy & own
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA skyline

Geography

We are dedicated to acquiring family-owned or founder-owned businesses in the Greater Cincinnati region, which align with our commitment to a balanced lifestyle and community engagement.

Industry

Our team has extensive experience across a wide spectrum of industries. We are not limited by a narrow focus; instead, we possesses the skills, confidence and knowledge to navigate various small business landscapes.

Systems

We look to develop effective systems and a process-driven approach in order to create long-term success and sustainability. Having the ability to establish these systems is critical to streamlining operations efficiently.

Personnel

We believe that successful businesses are built on the strength of the team and quality of the workplace culture. Experienced teams with a positive culture are critical to growth and development.

Ownership

We value working with owners who share a commitment to integrity, have a motivation to sell, and care about maintaining their legacy. Due to the time commitment, we find it easier to transact with like-minded people.

Revenue

We prioritize businesses with stable, diversified revenue streams, and minimal customer concentration. Our preference is whatever amount of revenue that is indicative of a mature business in their specific industry.

Sales chart

Earnings

Ideal acquisition targets have an EBITDA in the $500k - $2.0 million range. A history of consistent profitability indicates a stable foundation, which helps to determine the future success.

How we Differ from other buyers

Private Equity Fund
  • YOUR LEGACY PRESERVATION:
    - One of many portfolio companies; less time or attention
  • TIMELINE:
    - 3-7 years based on fund structure & mandates
  • PLAN & GOAL:
    - Cut expenses (often headcount); position company for re-sale
  • SELLER INVOLVEMENT:
    - Full time commitment
  • FUTURE OPERATIONS:
    - Strategy dictated for employees to maximize profit for large institutional investors
  • TRANSITION:
    - Full time commitment
  • YOUR LEGACY PRESERVATION:
    Our objective is to be good stewards, involved with the company management & focused on growing into the future.
  • TIMELINE:
    We seek to be long term owners with no intention to sell.
  • PLAN & GOAL:
    We invest resources to ensure the company is in the best position to handle growth.
  • SELLER INVOLVEMENT:
    With our experience, we can accommodate the role & timeframe that the seller desires.
  • FUTURE OPERATIONS:
    Our preference is to adapt or simply tweak if possible, instead of making major changes when developing a sustainable plan.
  • TRANSITION:
    We are flexible -- seeking a consensus on what the existing infrastructure can support to ensure a smooth process.
Sell to Competitor
  • YOUR LEGACY PRESERVATION:
    - Absorbed as one of many divisions or subsidiaries
  • TIMELINE:
    - Depends on the competitor
  • PLAN & GOAL:
    - Integrate company into the competitor
  • SELLER INVOLVEMENT:
    - None
  • FUTURE OPERATIONS:
    - Integrate with the competitor creating one balance sheet & the company goes away
  • TRANSITION:
    - Varies

Let's build a relationship.

Regardless of whether you envision an upcoming sale or remain several years away from a transaction, it’s never too early for a confidential discussion to see if Cedar Ivy is a good fit.