“Paul, Calder Capital, Century, and our team at Onward Capital collaborated well. Calder Capital was instrumental in helping all parties reach a successful closing.”
– Laura Lester, Partner, Onward Capital, Skokie, IL (Buyer)
Calder Capital is pleased to announce the successful sale of Everlast Saw of North America, LLC of South Hutchinson, Kansas, to Century Drill & Tool, headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Century Drill & Tool is a portfolio company of Onward Capital, a private equity firm based in Skokie, Illinois.
Since 1947, Everlast Saw of North America has been manufacturing premium carbide-tipped saw blades and industrial cutting tools. Owner Paul Hardenburger acquired the company in 2016 with a focus on maintaining Everlast’s commitment to craftsmanship and dealer-based distribution. In 2021, Paul expanded Everlast Saw by acquiring Ridge Carbide Tool. After nearly a decade at the helm, Hardenburger engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team to find the right buyer who could grow the business further.
Founded in 1940, Century Drill & Tool is a leading distributor of professional-quality power tool accessories and hand tools, serving customers across retail, automotive, and contractor markets. As a portfolio company of Onward Capital, Century has established a strong reputation for product breadth, customer support, and reliability. The acquisition of Everlast Saw complements Century’s product line by expanding its reach into the industrial end market and offering customers a broader suite of precision cutting solutions.
“Joining forces with Century Drill & Tool is an exciting step forward for both brands,” shared Hardenburger, President and Owner of Everlast Saw of North America and Ridge Carbide Tool. “Their resources, industry experience, and commitment to quality make them an ideal partner. I’m confident this acquisition will allow the Everlast and Ridge legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and customer dedication to continue thriving on an even greater scale.”
“The combined company has a strong reputation for excellence and quality. The acquisition provides Century with an entry point into the industrial space,” stated Laura Lester, Partner at Onward Capital.
Marc Blom of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Everlast Saw. Serving as Lead Analyst was Riley Hagen of Calder Capital.
Everlast Saw attracted strong market interest during the sale process, with 225 Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) distributed to qualified buyers and 17 offers received. The company closed within 10 months of engaging Calder; moreover, Everlast Saw closed within 4 months of signing the letter of intent.
“Paul, Calder Capital, Century, and our team at Onward Capital collaborated well. Calder Capital was instrumental in helping all parties reach a successful closing,” shared Lester.
“This acquisition is a natural fit, allowing Century to expand into the industrial market while creating opportunities to cross-sell Everlast’s products through its established retail and distribution channels,” noted Blom. “I was pleased to represent Everlast and its owners in this deal, and look forward to the company’s success in the future.”
“Congratulations to Paul Hardenburger, the owners of Everlast Saw, Century Drill & Tool, and Onward Capital on completing this strategic transaction,” added Garrett Monroe, Calder’s Sell-Side Managing Director. “We were honored to be Everlast Saw’s Sell-Side M&A Advisor of choice. Through the sale of Everlast Saw, we were able to provide our client with our extensive experience within the manufacturing and industrial sectors. We were pleased to provide the owners of Everlast Saw with an aggressive process that resulted in 17 offers. Ultimately, they were able to pick their preferred partner and obtain a premium value for their businesses, and, in this case, also find a buyer that shares their values and growth ambitions.”
Calder Capital served as the exclusive Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Everlast Saw of North America, LLC, and its owners.
About Everlast Saw of North America, LLC:
Founded in 1947, Everlast Saw of North America manufactures premium carbide-tipped saw blades for industrial applications. Known for its superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service, the company’s products have been trusted by professionals for over 70 years. To learn more, please visit https://EverlastSaw.com/.
About Century Drill & Tool:
Founded in 1940, Century Drill & Tool is a leading provider of professional-grade power tool accessories and hand tools serving the retail, commercial automotive, and contractor markets. The company is known for its broad product range, customer service, and commitment to quality. To learn more, please visit https://www.CenturyDrill.com/.
About Onward Capital:
Onward Capital is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in and growing lower middle-market industrial businesses. The Onward Partners have completed over 60 private equity transactions and invested in excess of $600 million dollars of capital in the sector. Onward targets manufacturing, value-added distribution, and industrial services companies, typically with revenues between $20 million and $125 million. For more information on Onward Capital, please visit www.OnwardCapLLC.com.
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.
