Pfingsten Partners has acquired American Cutting Edge (ACE), a manufacturer and distributor of consumable industrial knives, blades, and razors.
ACE’s product line includes precision-ground industrial knives used in plastic and food processing, flooring tools such as utility blades for installation and maintenance, and granulator blades for recycling applications. Company-owned brand names include American Cutting Edge, Better Tools, and Great Lakes Industrial Knife. ACE also provides several value-added services such as blade sharpening, custom etching, and inventory management.
Customers of ACE include OEMs, end-users, and distributors operating in the recycling, plastic production, converting, food, packaging, flooring installation, tree care, and archery sectors.
ACE was founded in 1965 by Charles Biehn (then CB Manufacturing and Sales Company) and today is led by President and CEO Gregory Billhardt. ACE operates two facilities in Ohio—its headquarters in Miamisburg and an additional location in Akron.
“Pfingsten’s global capabilities, operational resources and extensive history of successfully scaling industrial businesses made them the perfect fit for ACE,” said Mr. Billhardt. “We are confident that Pfingsten’s ample resources and thoughtful approach to building better businesses will enable us to better serve our customers and position our business for immediate rapid growth.”
“ACE’s critical, consumable product offering combined with their engineering capabilities, rapid fulfillment times and knowledgeable employees make them a true partner to their diverse customer base,” said Scott Finegan, senior managing director at Pfingsten. “We are thrilled to partner with ACE’s management team and look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth through enhanced sales and marketing initiatives, product introductions and new market penetration both organically and via add-on acquisitions.”
Pfingsten Partners, based in Chicago, invests in middle-market manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies that have transaction values ranging from $15 million to $100 million, revenues from $20 million to $150 million, and EBITDA between $3 million and $12 million. In October 2023, the firm held an above-target, oversubscribed, and hard cap close of its sixth investment fund, Pfingsten Fund VI LP, with $435 million in capital.
Livingstone Partners was the financial advisor to American Cutting Edge on this transaction.
© 2025 Private Equity Professional | May 15, 2025
Caymus Equity has acquired Valley Lighting, a provider of lighting and shading services for commercial construction and renovation projects.
“Kathy, Tommy, and the Valley team have built a company with a well-earned reputation for excellence and long-standing customer relationships,” said Chris Faux, a partner at Caymus Equity. “Valley is exactly the type of business we look to back — operationally strong, customer-first, and poised for growth. Having recently exited a very successful investment in commercial HVAC, TriplePoint MEP, we quickly recognized the value of Valley’s business model and its customer-centric approach to more complex opportunities. We’re excited to help the company expand its geographic footprint and build on its legacy as a best-in-class lighting and shading partner.”
IX Capital Partners has made an investment in Teague Electric, a provider of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. Co-investing in this acquisition alongside IX Capital was Align Collaborate.
“This business has been a cornerstone in its community for decades,” said Julian Buegers, a partner at IX Capital. “Its commitment to technical excellence and people-first culture closely aligns with our firm’s values. We’re honored to continue building on that legacy.”
“Teague’s stellar reputation and solid operating foundation make the company an ideal platform for growth, and we’re excited to be working alongside Teague’s talented team,” said Mr. Nestor.
Dallas and Cleveland-based 
Nexa Equity has held a hard cap and oversubscribed final close of Nexa Equity Fund II LP with $390 million in capital commitments. Nexa is an investor in founder-led software businesses that operate in niche and underserved markets.
“We are honored by the support of our investors and energized every day by the founders who trust us to help bring their visions to life,” said Vlad Besprozvany, the founder and managing partner of Nexa Equity. “We are excited to keep building enduring, industry-shaping businesses together with our founders, limited partners, and the broader community.”
