Stout Advises Sparks Belting on Sale to Belt Power

Stout has advised Sparks Belting, an operating company of JSJ Corporation (JSJ) on its sale to Belt Power, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity. Stout served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Sparks and JSJ in connection with the transaction, which closed on January 8, 2025.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sparks Belting is a leading value-added distributor and fabricator of custom belting and other conveyance-related components serving diverse automation-focused end markets, including logistics and distribution, food production, consumer product manufacturing, and paper and packaging, among other industries. The company’s extensive fabrication capabilities enable it to create customized belts that meet the specific requirements of large, blue-chip customers across North America.

Don Heitmeier, CEO of Belt Power, commented, “We are excited to join forces with the Sparks team that has a legacy of innovation in the belting industry for over 79 years. The combination of our strong cultures and investments in our business creates an excellent opportunity for us to further develop leading edge solutions to address our customers’ ever evolving requirements."

Kerry Hubers, President of Sparks, added, “We are thrilled about the next chapter of Sparks’ rich legacy and look forward to the new opportunities created through partnering with Belt Power. This acquisition combines two highly skilled teams, aligned in the pursuit of best-in-class service, enhancing our relationships with existing customers while creating additional opportunities for growth and expansion.”

David Richardson, CEO of JSJ, said, “Sparks is a tremendous business led by an impressive team. Throughout JSJ’s ownership of the business, Sparks has grown into a leading nationwide platform recognized for its differentiated solution set and commitment to continuous improvement and product innovation for its customers. We thank Stout for its excellent work executing the transaction and identifying the right strategic partner for Sparks’ next phase of growth.”

Mark Abbott, Stout Managing Director and Head of the Business Services Investment Banking Group, and Stout Managing Director Elliot Grove led the transaction.

Mark Abbott said, “We are thrilled with the outcome for all parties involved in this successful transaction. Stout has developed longstanding relationships with Sparks, JSJ, and Belt Power over the years, and we look forward to the continued growth and future success of Sparks in its new partnership with Belt Power.”

Stout’s Mike Knoblock, Natalie Walgren, Irune Andres, Kate Hardiman, and Vibhu Gandikota assisted Mark Abbott and Elliot Grove in the execution of the transaction.

Honigman served as legal counsel to Sparks and JSJ, and Bartlit Beck served as legal counsel to Belt Power and Platte River.