Stout served as exclusive financial advisor to Empire Equipment Company (Empire), a leading Southeast-based distributor of foodservice equipment and associated repair and maintenance products, in connection with its sale to Kian Capital Partners, LLC (Kian), Crescendo Capital Partners, LLC, and Stewart Capital Management, LLC.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Empire distributes a comprehensive portfolio of foodservice equipment products which include icemakers, gas ranges, refrigerators and freezers, water treatment systems, ovens, and microwaves. Empire serves foodservice equipment dealers, buying groups, chain accounts, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment wholesalers, service companies, and broadliners throughout the Southeast United States. In addition to its Goldsboro distribution center, Empire operates distribution centers in Atlanta, Georgia, and Lakeland, Florida.

Empire, with its strong management team, reputation in the Southeast market, and entrenched relationships with key vendors and customers, now combined with their new ownership's industry expertise, financial and strategic support, is well-positioned for continued growth.