• Buyers for Families and Owner-Operators
  • Building on Owners' Accomplishments
  • Focused on Long-Term Success
  • Capital and Guidance for Veterans Buying Businesses
  • Providing Jobs for Veterans

We Buy and Grow Companies

Operators. Investors. Veterans.

Semper acquires companies that need new leadership and supports other veterans buying businesses from retiring owners.  We shoot straight and are a great match for owners who care about their business’s future, need a successor to lead it, and want to sell to an honest and experienced partner that will provide long-term ownership.

We are self-funded and sometimes raise capital from successful business people who help us grow companies.  We pursue long-term growth, continual improvement, jobs for veterans, and rewarding work for all of our employees.

When buying businesses directly, we insert CEOs with military and business leadership experience.  When backing veterans in business purchases, we provide capital and insight that was developed through small business ownership and dozens of M&A transactions.

Testimonials

  • Dave Miller
    "John is incredibly experienced at buying companies, seeking what is best to meet all parties' needs and ensure success.  He's trustworthy and really cared about our success and people.  After leading the purchase of our company, John helped us acquire two businesses that accelerated our growth.  Additionally, things that were discussed during the sale (employee retention, benefit equalization, etc.) occurred as we had discussed.  Often, this does not happen in acquisitions and is why I would be excited to work with him again."
    Dave Miller
    Co-Founder of JADAK
  • Alan Cox
    “John is a great guy to work with.  He not only has a strong background in M&A, but also a good understanding of technology.  He ensured that negotiations went smoothly by finding fair solutions to the inevitable differences of opinion that occurred.  He was always well organised, a ‘safe pair of hands’ and kept the process moving along smoothly.”
    Alan Cox
    Co-Founder, Laser Quantum
  • Rob Mastromattei
    "John was great to work with. His strong understanding of both technology and business really set him apart. Direct and to the point, John was always fair and at the same time tenacious. He never dropped the ball and always made you feel included and understood. He was an all-around good business partner and I recommend working with him."
    Rob Mastromattei
    Co-Founder of Applimotion
  • Lawrie Gloster
    “I worked closely with John when he was VP at the company to which we sold the business that I co-founded.  I found him focused, honest, clear-thinking and amiable.  Crucially, he is smart, fully understanding both our company and what mattered to us and the sale process. At the end of the acquisition, which was successful for all parties, we had formed not only a business partnership, but also a friendship.  This is why John succeeds.”
    Lawrie Gloster
    Co-Founder, Laser Quantum

Our Name

Semper comes from the Coast Guard’s motto, Semper Paratus, which is Latin for Always Ready.  It’s also part of the motto of the Marine Corps (Semper Fidelis), Navy (Semper Fortis), and Army and Air Force units.  The name Semper shows our veteran focus and commitment to long-term ownership.

Buyers that Build on Your Legacy

Semper invests in steady-performing businesses that fill durable customer needs.  We and the veterans that we back seek to buy businesses from retiring owner-operators and family-owners whose business needs a new leader.

Company Traits

  • Consistent annual cashflows of $750K – $5M
  • Loyal customers with modest concentration
  • Skilled and committed employees

Owner Characteristics

  • Concerned about business’s long-term future
  • Committed to a successful transition
  • Willing to provide some seller financing

Industry Focus

  • B2B or B2G:
    • Niche manufacturers
    • Facility/industrial/home services
    • Value-add distributors

Other

  • Continental US focus
  • Avoid start-ups and declining industries
  • Pay market-based fees to intermediaries
  • Consider VOSBs and SDVOSBs

Selling a business is a huge decision.  Buyer types differ, so owners must consider what they most value to find the right buyer.  Semper is not the right buyer for every owner, but we’re perfect for some.  The info below will help you decide.

Business Buyer Comparison

Typical Private Equity FirmTypical Corporate Acquirer
GoalsGrow long-term cashflows; employ veteransMaximize investor returns—and PE firm profitsGrow earnings at the mothership
ApproachGrow and improve Try growing, then sell companyIntegrate your company; often cut people/facilities
Ownership PeriodLong-term3-6 yearsLong-term
Retain Culture & Preserve Legacy?MostlyUnlikely. Two new owners in just a few yearsUnlikely. Often a new name, leader, and culture
Management planWe insert a new CEO with military and business leadership experienceMost firms want management to stayVaries. May not care if management stays
FocusDedicated CEO and advisory board. Limited holdingsOwn many businesses; buy & sell oftenCorporate results; often have quarterly focus
‘Skin in the Game’Semper's team invests a large stake Very low. Almost all funds from outside investorsVery low, unless family or operator-owned
Retain some Equity to Sell Later?Will consider if desired by owner Yes, this is commonUncommon

Common Seller Considerations

Many buyers erase owners’ legacies by consolidating facilities, cutting employees, and/or imposing their culture.  Semper preserves owners’ legacies by running the business well, keeping businesses’ names, and treating employees fairly.

Semper’s experience and straight-forward approach lead to efficiency and trust.  Many other buyers lack knowledge, change terms at the last minute, fake interest to view confidential info, or tie owners up with an offer then fail to close.

Many buyers plan to let people go and are more concerned with short-term results than employees.  Semper works with the existing team, grows capabilities, rewards appropriately, and holds each other accountable, if needed.

It often makes more financial sense for an owner not to sell.  When an owner is selling, Semper wants a win-win deal.  Occasionally, others pay more because they’re cutting costs (your employees or facility) or can otherwise grow earnings.

We’re Excited You’re Considering Semper