BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 6, 2017) – Founders Investment Banking, LLC is pleased to announce that its principals served as the exclusive financial advisor to Circle 8 Crane Services in its recapitalization by Trive Capital, the Dallas-based private investment firm.  Circle 8 is a leading provider of operated and maintained crane lifting services to the oil and gas, commercial, and industrial markets in the United States. The transaction was led by Duane P. Donner II and Joe H. Brady III of Founders.

Circle 8 was founded by brothers, Phillip and Allen Bryson in 2007, and now has locations throughout South Texas, West Texas, Houston, East Texas/Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The Company currently has very strong customer relationships and has focused on expanding its reach and adding capabilities to better serve its customers.

“On behalf of our employees, shareholders, and the Bryson family, we are excited to have a new partner in Trive Capital.  Founders’ knowledge and experience in our sector was crucial in helping us to source and select the right partner to support the growth of Circle 8. The team did an outstanding job negotiating the deal, leading us throughout the process and getting the transaction closed,” said Phillip Bryson.  “We found the right solution and partner and we are excited about the future for Circle 8 as this recapitalization provides the Company with additional capital to fuel future growth.”

“The Founders team really enjoyed working with Phillip, Allen and Bryan Ericson on this deal. This is a strong company with a great culture, and they have an amazing opportunity to continue their rapid growth.  We love to dig in on a business like this, get to know the team, and customize a solution that allows them to build for the future.  We are delighted to have been able to assist in this recapitalization and look forward to seeing the future success of Circle 8 in its partnership with Trive Capital.” said Joe Brady, Director at Founders Investment Banking.

About Founders Investment Banking, LLC

Founders Investment Banking (Founders) is a merger, acquisition & strategic advisory firm serving middle-market companies. Founders’ focus is on energy, industrials, software, internet, digital media and industrial technology companies throughout the United States. Founders’ skilled professionals, proven expertise and process-based solutions help companies access growth capital, make acquisitions, and/or prepare for and execute liquidity events to achieve specific financial goals. In order to provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders are licensed with M&A Securities Group, Inc. or Founder M&A Advisory, LLC, both members FINRA & SiPC. Founders M&A Advisory is a wholly owned subsidiary of Founders. M&A Securities Group and Founders are not affiliated entities. For more information, visit www.foundersib.com.

About Circle 8 Crane Services

Founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 2007, Circle 8 is an industry leading provider of operated and maintained crane lifting services to the oil and gas, commercial, and industrial markets in the United States. The Company owns and operates one of the largest fleets of mobile and all terrain cranes in the territories it serves, as well as a fleet of auxiliary vehicles & equipment including high pressure test pumps, rigging trucks, floats, stepdecks, gooseneck trailers, personnel & material baskets, and more. Further information about Circle 8 can be found at www.circle8services.com.

About Trive Capital

Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm investing in equity and debt securities with approximately $900 million in capital under management. Trive focuses on investing in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. Trive seeks to maximize total returns to its investors through a hands-on, collaborative partnership with management teams and equity partners. More information about Trive can be found at www.trivecapital.com.