Focus Strategies Investment Banking Secures Buyer for MSB School Services
has been acquired by
Austin, Texas – (February 23, 2023) – MSB School Services (“MSB” or the “Company”), a recognized educational consulting firm that advocates for school districts’ special education departments, has been acquired by Dallas-based private equity firm Craftsman Capital from Dirigo Capital Partners. Focus Strategies, LLC (“Focus Strategies”) served as the exclusive financial advisor to MSB throughout the transaction, which closed in January 2023.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Cedar Park, Texas, MSB assists school districts in accessing and maximizing federal funding for special education requirements through the Medicaid to Schools Program. MSB’s offerings are versatile and fully customizable to fit each individual district’s needs. The Company utilizes its proprietary software program to identify and record expenses, but more importantly, it helps educators clearly track a student’s progress toward goals, maintain continuity of care and ultimately help students achieve success in the classroom.
MSB School Services CEO, Tabbatha Callaway, stated, “We are excited to partner with Craftsman Capital on this next chapter. Our alignment around shared values and commitment to supporting and advocating for our clients makes them an ideal partner. We believe schools are truly the heart of the community, and the Craftsman team will be able to provide additional resources and capabilities that will help strengthen our market position. We are incredibly grateful for the Focus Strategies team and all their efforts along the way to get this transaction closed. We heavily relied on their expertise, strategic guidance, dedication, and support throughout the deal process.”
“It was a true pleasure working with the MSB management team and ownership group on this transaction. They are incredibly passionate about their mission to support schools and educators, which was evident since our very first meeting. With this new partnership, MSB will be able to capitalize on the significant opportunity to increase its software offerings and expand geographically, while maintaining high levels of support and commitment to its school districts. We look forward to their positive momentum and growth over the coming years,” said Terese Everson, Director at Focus Strategies.
The Focus Strategies team was led by Managing Director Steve Reesing, Director Terese Everson and Associate Zoë Dobson.
About Dirigo Capital Partners | Website
Dirigo Capital Partners is an Austin-based investment firm that started in the education technology services space and parlayed that experience to invest in a number of other industries, including hospitality, medical, and lifestyle businesses. The firm brings a wealth of experience and insight to help scale businesses while providing talent and additional resources to give companies a competitive edge.
About Craftsman Capital Partners | Website
Craftsman Capital Partners, LLC is an operationally-focused private equity firm investing in lower middle-market companies that exhibit strong potential for growth. The firm employs dedicated, long-term capital and is seeking control investments in operating companies based in Texas and surrounding states.
About Focus Strategies Investment Banking | Website
Focus Strategies Investment Banking is a premier middle-market investment bank based in Austin, Texas that serves the unique needs of privately-held businesses seeking capital or ownership transition. For the last 23 years, Focus Strategies has specialized in merger and acquisition advisory, capital-raising, and strategic advisory services for established founder-owned and closely-held companies. Since its formation in 1999, Focus Strategies has sought to build long-term relationships with its clients earned through outstanding service, integrity, and trust.