SOUTHFIELD, MI / ACCESSWIRE / April 13, 2021 / Riverside Advisors ('Riverside') is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to Certified Training Institute, Inc. ('CTI') in its sale to American Safety Council ('ASC'), a portfolio company of Ridgemont Equity Partners ('Ridgemont').

Based in Traverse City, Michigan, CTI is a leading provider of online initial and continuing education for licensure. Founded in 2003, CTI has developed the reputation as a go-to resource for tradesmen and professionals in the pesticide and agriculture, construction, plumbing, architecture, engineering, and real estate industries.

Based in Orlando, Florida, American Safety Council provides critical training and education to more than two million customers each year, with current training offerings focused on workplace safety, driver safety, and other vocational certifications.

Josh Francis, CEO of CTI, remarked, 'For nearly 20 years, we have worked to build a business based on exceptional training and innovative course offerings. We believe ASC and Ridgemont are the best partners to take CTI to the next level.'

John Comly, CEO at ASC, shared, 'We couldn't be more excited about teaming up with Josh and the incredible team at CTI. We've closely watched their success for years and are thrilled to be their partner. CTI represents a unique opportunity for American Safety Council to welcome a very talented and successful team while also broadening the scope of professional certifications we can bring to our customer base at a time when America is getting back to work.'

Riverside advised the shareholders of CTI through the entire transaction process. Josh Francis, CEO of CTI, noted, 'Riverside was a critical advisor in orchestrating a process to select a partner that fit culturally and has the experience and resources to grow CTI. Riverside clearly understood the underlying business and positioned the attributes that drive the value of the business. The Riverside team helped us navigate the process and realize a great outcome.'

The transaction closed in March 2021. Riverside served as CTI's exclusive financial advisor. Kuhn Rogers PLC served as the legal advisor to CTI.

About Riverside Advisors

Riverside Advisors is a middle-market investment bank focused on family and entrepreneur-owned businesses. Led by senior bankers with over 45 years of combined experience, Riverside is committed to meeting the unique needs of lower middle market companies and their owners in transactions typically valued under $30 million. Services include sale advisory, and readiness review and transaction planning. Riverside is an affiliate of P&M Corporate Finance (PMCF), an investment bank focused on transactions valued from $30 million to $350 million.

Media contact

Phil Gilbert, Managing Director
Riverside Advisors
248.223.3326
[email protected]

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SOURCE: Riverside Advisors