Raisbeck Engineering

An Acorn Growth Company

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Rick Nagel

Acorn Growth Companies Names Hal Chrisman President of Raisbeck Engineering, Inc.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., July 8, 2020 — Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm investing exclusively in aerospace, defense and intelligence, today announced the appointment of Hal Chrisman as president of its portfolio business, Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. headquartered in Seattle, Washington. 

 “I am very pleased that an individual of Hal’s caliber and talent will be leading Raisbeck through this unprecedented moment in history and into the company’s next phase of innovation and growth,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies. “His leadership, experience, fresh insights and extensive knowledge in aerospace and defense will prove to be a tremendous asset to Raisbeck in positioning the company to achieve its long-term strategic goals and expansion into new aircraft markets.” 

A seasoned aviation, aerospace and defense professional with over 34 years of experience in the industry, Chrisman has split his time between consulting and executive level industry positions which span all major market segments including business aviation, commercial air transport, defense, and rotary wing. Most recently, Chrisman was Chief Strategy Officer with Acorn Growth Companies. 

 “It’s a pleasure to join the Raisbeck team and I look forward to leading this great group of experienced professionals,” said Chrisman. “Raisbeck is known for delivering the highest quality of innovative performance enhancements for business and commercial aircraft that enrich our customers’ flight experience. Together we will continue to build on that legacy by delivering the very best in technology advancements.” 

Prior to joining Acorn, Chrisman served in several leadership roles within Aerospace and Defense Consulting and MRO companies, including ICF’s Aerospace & MRO practice, AeroStrategy and Pemco Aviation Group.  He started his career as a project engineer with Williams International, a leading gas turbine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), working the cruise missile engine program and leading the development of the Sub-system Power Unit for the Comanche Helicopter. 

Chrisman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Texas A&M University along with an MBA from the University of Michigan.

About Raisbeck Engineering, Inc.

Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. an Acorn Growth Aerospace and Defense company, is a leading provider of aircraft modifications for business and commercial aircraft. Dedicated to improving performance and efficiency for aircraft owners, Raisbeck’s aerodynamically designed enhancements deliver better performance results and improve passenger comfort.  For more information about Raisbeck Engineering’s list of products, please visit www.raisbeck.com.  Stay connected with Raisbeck online through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About Acorn Growth Companies

Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace & Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornGrowthCompanies.com

Acorn Growth Companies Names President of Raisbeck Engineering Inc.

SEATTLE – Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm investing exclusively in Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence, announced Lynn Thomas as the new president of its portfolio business, Raisbeck Engineering Inc. headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

“Since Lynn joined Raisbeck Engineering in the spring of last year as our VP of Sales and Marketing, he has transformed our sales organization achieving consistent growth,” said Rick Nagel, managing partner of Acorn Growth Companies. “I am delighted to promote Lynn to the role of president. As a pilot, his passion for the business and 35 years of business experience will have a continued, positive impact on the growth and profitability of Raisbeck Engineering.”

Thomas is an experienced executive with an extensive background in all disciplines of business management, including strategies for increased growth and profitability, market positioning and effective financial planning.

Most recently he served as the vice president of sales and marketing at Raisbeck. Throughout his career he has served in several leadership roles within general aviation companies, including Banyan Air Service, Quest Aircraft and Aviat Aircraft. Earlier in his career he served as an investment advisor with Everen Securities and Paine Weber.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Northern Colorado. He currently holds a commercial pilot and instrument rating for land and sea – soloing for the first time at age 16.

Founded in 1982 Raisbeck Engineering develops, markets and manufactures worldwide-certified performance improvement systems for some of the most prolific commercial and general aviation aircraft models in the market today.

“It is a true honor to lead the most talented team of men and women in the aviation industry,” Thomas said. “The opportunity to build on the legacy that James Raisbeck began and maintain our position as the innovative leader in aviation performance and comfort solutions for business and commercial aircraft is truly the highlight of my career.”

Raisbeck Engineering Inc., an Acorn Growth Company, is a leading provider of aircraft modifications for business and commercial aircraft. Dedicated to improving performance and efficiency for aircraft owners, Raisbeck Engineering’s aerodynamically designed enhancements deliver better performance results and improve passenger comfort. Raisbeck.com

Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace & Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornGrowthCompanies.com

Media Contact:
Kath Searle, Acorn
682.888.4466

Investor Contact:
Brandon Bradford, Acorn
917.224.8399

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Raisbeck Engineering to Acquire Butterfield Industries

Seattle, Wash. – Raisbeck Engineering Inc. (“REI”), a leading provider of performance enhancement systems for business and commercial aircraft, announced its decision to sign a definitive acquisition agreement with Butterfield Industries (“BI”) for all of its products and STCs. The deal is anticipated to close on or before October 31, 2017.

Butterfield Industries produces FAA approved replacement parts for numerous King Air models. Key products include: PMA Direct Replacement Floorboards, Fuel Point Pans, Oil Residue Collection Systems, Air/Oil Separator Systems and Flow-Through Anti-Ice Kits.

“BI’s products are a natural fit with Raisbeck’s King Air offerings,” stated James Raisbeck, Founder and Chairman of Raisbeck Engineering. “Wayne Butterfield, the founder of Butterfield Industries and principal inventor of its systems, has been a corporate partner and friend dating back to 1982. Many of the aircraft that carry Raisbeck modifications also carry Butterfield systems.”

“We have found the right partner in REI,” commented Wayne Butterfield, Founder and CEO of Butterfield Industries. “REI’s established dealer distribution network will enable our products to reach a larger customer base.”

“We are pleased at the synergies between the businesses, creating an environment for strategic growth as BI products are integrated into REI product and system offerings,” remarked Rick Nagel, Managing Partner of Acorn Growth Companies, the owner and managing partner of Raisbeck.

Terms of the transaction are not announced.

Butterfield Industries, headquartered in Meridian, ID, has proudly produced quality airplane parts for installation on King Air Models for over 30 years. Butterfieldindustries.com

Raisbeck Engineering, Inc., an AGC Aerospace and Defense company, is a leading provider of aircraft modifications for business and commercial aircraft. Dedicated to improving performance and efficiency for aircraft owners, REI’s aerodynamically designed enhancements deliver better performance results and improve passenger comfort. Raisbeck.com

Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on A&D. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and national security. Acorn has a strong reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the A&D markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornGrowthCompanies.com

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