Frequently Asked Questions
What size companies do you acquire?
We typically look for companies with $4-15 million in annual revenue, though we're open to businesses slightly outside that range if there's a strong fit.
What industries do you focus on?
We focus exclusively on utility services such as vegetation management, subsurface engineering, substation maintenance, specialized testing and calibration, and related services. If you work with utilities, we’d love to have a conversation.
What does "indefinite hold period" actually mean?
It means we're not building to sell. We're building a holding company designed to last. We don't have investors demanding an exit in 5-7 years. Your business becomes part of Stack's permanent portfolio.
Do you require founders to stay on?
No. We're flexible about your ongoing role. Some founders want to retire completely. Others want to stay and keep building. Some want to transition out gradually over 1-2 years. We work with you to find the right arrangement.
Will you replace our team?
No. We retain employees and invest in their growth. The people who made your business successful are exactly who we want to keep. If there are open leadership roles, we look internally first.
How involved are you in day-to-day operations?
Not very. We believe in decentralized operations—you run your business. We provide support on growth initiatives, share insights from across our portfolio, and help with strategic decisions. But daily operations stay in your hands.
Do you offer all-cash deals?
Yes. We structure our deals as all cash. We don't ask you to take equity in Stack or defer payment through earnouts unless you specifically want that structure.
How long does the process take?
From initial conversation to close typically takes 60-90 days. We move quickly once we've aligned on valuation and structure.
What's your acquisition criteria?
We look for:
Revenue of $4-15M
Profitable with margins over 10%
Recurring revenue from long-term utility or municipal contracts
Capable of 10% annual growth
Domain knowledge that's not easily replicated
Founder-controlled ownership
How do you determine valuation?
Valuation depends on revenue, profitability, growth trajectory, customer concentration, and contract structure. The best way to discuss valuation is to hop on a call so we can learn about your specific business.
What happens to our company culture?
We don't come in and change culture. We look for companies where the culture is already working—that's part of what made you successful. Our job is to preserve and support what's working, not overhaul it.
