#United States #Hartford #Bertram Capital #NEFCO #Leonard Green

Bertram Capital Exits NEFCO with Sale to Leonard Green Partners

On January 14, 2026, Bertram Capital announced the successful sale of its portfolio company, NEFCO Holding Company LLC, to Leonard Green Partners, L.P. This marks a significant milestone as it constitutes Bertram's 23rd exit since its establishment in 2006 and the second from its Fund IV. Specific terms of the sale were not disclosed, but the strategic transition holds great promise for NEFCO moving forward.

NEFCO's Growth Journey

Founded as a family-operated value-added distributor based in Hartford, Connecticut, NEFCO has significantly broadened its market reach under Bertram's ownership. Initially a regional distributor, the company has evolved into a formidable national player, specializing in SHARP® products, tools, safety equipment, and other consumables aimed at professional contractors across the United States. The investment made by Bertram Capital back in August 2022 has borne fruit, as NEFCO consolidated its operations, expanded geographical presence, and enhanced its engineering and fabrication capabilities.

NEFCO’s transformation involved a disciplined buy-and-build strategy, which included a series of strategic acquisitions and geographical expansions. Their drive towards increased footprint in key markets such as data centers, health care facilities, and essential infrastructures is evident. This comprehensive strategic shift was underpinned by substantial investments in talent, technology, and logistics, ensuring that they effectively catered to their growing clientele while maintaining high service standards.

Positive Feedback on Partnership

Kevin Yamashita, a partner at Bertram Capital, emphasized the success of NEFCO's sale as part of their ongoing strategy to build and scale high-quality specialty distribution platforms. He noted that the partnership with NEFCO's management team and the execution of strategic mergers and organic growth tactics led to the establishment of a competitive franchise in the marketplace.

"Bertram was a true partner to NEFCO," stated Matt Gelles, NEFCO's President and CEO. He highlighted the role that Bertram played in helping them aggressively scale their operations while retaining a strong culture focused on customer satisfaction and excellence. Gelles credited Bertram’s expertise in industrial value-added distribution as pivotal to their growth journey.

Chris Brown, another partner at Bertram Capital, also shared his insights. He described NEFCO as a high-quality business characterized by robust customer relationships and strong management. The synergy between Bertram and NEFCO accelerated the latter’s growth, which was bolstered by strategic acquisitions and technology initiatives supported by the Bertram Labs platform.

The Road Ahead for NEFCO

As NEFCO transitions into this new phase under Leonard Green Partners, the expectations are high. The groundwork laid during Bertram's tenure appears to position NEFCO for continued growth and innovation. With a focus on optimizing operational efficiencies and enhancing customer service capabilities, NEFCO is set to navigate ahead in the competitive landscape it operates in.

In summary, Bertram Capital has successfully executed a strategy that not only yielded substantial returns but also equipped NEFCO with the necessary resources and strategies to thrive in its industry. As they move forward, both Bertram and NEFCO exemplify how strategic partnerships and market adaptability can lead to enduring success.

For more information on NEFCO and its offerings, visit www.GoNEFCO.com. Additionally, details on Bertram Capital can be found at www.bcap.com.