Post-close · Precision Manufacturing

Precision Manufacturing Deals: Dividend Recapitalization Done Right

When the deal is precision manufacturing and the question is Dividend Recapitalization, the structure decisions in the first 30 days outlast the next five years. This is where Jason Powell works.

EV range $10M to $150M EV EBITDA $2.5M to $25M Audience Independent Sponsor
The deal context

The economics on a precision manufacturing platform deal usually hinge on a handful of structural decisions. Dividend Recapitalization is one of them.

The typical precision manufacturing platform sits at $10M to $150M EV with EBITDA in the $2.5M to $25M range. The thesis runs on platform plus tuck-in machine shops or aerospace-qualified shops. Most precision manufacturing sellers will not sign an LOI without a known capital partner already named.

The moves

How Dividend Recapitalization actually gets structured.

  1. Time the recap when leverage has come down and EBITDA has grown.

  2. Structure the new senior debt with room for ongoing operations and add-ons.

  3. Confirm that the LP waterfall recognizes the distribution as recap, not exit.

  4. Coordinate tax treatment of the distribution with the LPs in advance.

  5. In precision manufacturing, layer in AS9100 succession plan as a closing condition as part of the Dividend Recapitalization workstream.

The common mistake

Recapping too early. Lenders price it; LPs feel it; the next deal cost goes up.

Jason's take
"Recaps are a tool, not a habit. Use them when the operating story supports them."
Jason Powell · Dividend Recapitalization
Capital after close

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

Most independent sponsors solve the closing capital and then run into the post-close capital problem alone. The capital markets relationships that matter at month 18 are part of this practice.

MONTH 18
Senior refi
MONTH 24
Dividend recap
MONTH 36
Growth equity
YEAR 4–5
Strategic exit
WORK WITH JASON

Bring the precision manufacturing deal. Get Dividend Recapitalization done right.

Direct counsel from a securities and M&A attorney with billions in structured transactions, the independent-sponsor-native playbook, and the capital markets network that opens up post-close.