Capital raise · Auto Aftermarket

Independent Sponsor Economics for Auto Aftermarket Independent Sponsors

When the deal is auto aftermarket and the question is Independent Sponsor Economics, the structure decisions in the first 30 days outlast the next five years. This is where Jason Powell works.

EV range $8M to $90M EV EBITDA $2M to $16M Audience Independent Sponsor
The deal context

Every auto aftermarket acquisition has its own gravity. Independent Sponsor Economics is the workstream where independent sponsor counsel earns the seat.

The typical auto aftermarket platform sits at $8M to $90M EV with EBITDA in the $2M to $16M range. The thesis runs on service-center or specialty-shop regional roll-ups. Technician shortage is the single biggest valuation risk. Underwrite the bench, not the bays.

The moves

How Independent Sponsor Economics actually gets structured.

  1. Anchor on 20 to 25 percent carry above an 8 percent preferred return, with a 50/50 catch-up.

  2. Set the management fee at 2 percent of invested capital, capped at three years.

  3. Charge a transaction fee of 2 to 3 percent at close, with a clear LP-approval ceiling.

  4. Document the waterfall in the LPA, not in a side letter.

  5. In auto aftermarket, layer in technician retention pool defined and funded as part of the Independent Sponsor Economics workstream.

The common mistake

Negotiating economics with the LP only after the LOI is signed. By then, the leverage is gone.

Jason's take
"If you are an independent sponsor, your economics are your firm. Defend them in the LPA, not in conversation."
Jason Powell · Independent Sponsor Economics
Capital after close

The deal is one thing. The capital that opens up after close is another.

After close, the call list for refinancing, recapitalization, and growth equity gets short and known. Jason carries that list.

MONTH 18
Senior refi
MONTH 24
Dividend recap
MONTH 36
Growth equity
YEAR 4–5
Strategic exit
ENGAGE THE PRACTICE

Independent Sponsor Economics for Auto Aftermarket, on independent sponsor terms.

Independent sponsor counsel that already speaks fluent deal-by-deal economics, structures clean LPAs, and travels with capital markets relationships for what comes after close.