Building on Owners' Accomplishments
and Preserving Their Legacies
We Buy and Grow Companies
Operators. Investors. Veterans.
We are mid-career business leaders and military veterans who buy and operate businesses for the long-term. We admire business owners’ accomplishments, shoot straight, and work hard to secure an owner’s legacy after we buy their business. We’re 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.
We are self-funded and backed by successful business people who help us grow companies. We have strong records, so owners can feel confident about their business’s future with us. We pursue long-term growth, continual improvement, and rewarding work for employees.
Testimonials
Preserve Your Legacy
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 Firm | Typical Corporate Acquirer | |
---|---|---|---|
Goals | Grow long-term cashflows; create jobs for veterans | Maximize investor returns—and PE firm profits | Increase corporate earnings |
Approach | Grow and improve | Try growing, then sell company | Integrate your company; often cut employees/facility |
Ownership Period | Long-term | 3-5 years | Long-term |
Retain Culture & Preserve Legacy? | Mostly | Unlikely. Two new owners in just a few years | Unlikely. Often a new name, leader, and culture |
Management plan | We insert a new CEO with an excellent record | Most firms want management to stay | Varies. May not care if management stays |
Focus | Dedicated CEO and advisory board. Limited holdings | Own many businesses; buy/sell constantly | Corporate results; often have quarterly focus |
‘Skin in the Game’ | Semper's team invests a large stake | Very low. Almost all funds from outside investors | Very low, unless family or operator-owned |
Retain some Equity to Sell Later? | Will consider if desired by owner | Yes, this is common | Uncommon |
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 its name, 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.
Leadership Transitions
Semper partners with owners of steady-performing businesses that fill durable customer needs. We specialize in working with retiring owner-operators and family-owners whose business needs a new leader.
Company Traits
- Consistent annual cashflows of $1M-$6M
- 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
Building on Owners’ Successes
Semper's Story
Hi, I’m John Fox. After spending my formative years on my family’s farm and in the Coast Guard, I led dozens of acquisitions and learned that business owners are often unsatisfied with traditional business buyers. Unfortunately, most owners do not figure it out until it’s too late, so I formed Semper to create a better option for business sellers.
Semper transitions leadership from owner-operators to CEOs with deep business and military leadership experience. We deal knowledgeably and fairly, invest for the long-haul, understand the many roles owner/operators fill, and work incredibly hard to preserve owners’ legacies. America trusted us to lead its daughters and sons in challenging conditions; owners can trust us to lead their business through its next chapter.

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. Semper is our name given our veteran focus, the importance of the Coast Guard in my life, and our long-term ownership plans.
We’re Excited You’re Considering Semper