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Ascend empowers entrepreneurial CPAs to reach their goals with an innovative growth model that brings their firms into the new age. Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a modern platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a large CPA firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition, best-of-breed technology, a catalytic leadership system, shared back-office services, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount todays industry challenges and reach their full potential. Founded in January 2023, the company attained revenues sufficient to qualify it as a Top 100 U.S. accounting firm within six months of operation.
The Big O Tires story begins back in 1962, just as Americas new love affair with the automobile was hitting high gear. The market for replacement tires was exploding, and independent tire dealers found themselves struggling to compete in the face of low prices offered by major tire manufacturers own company stores. Big Os founding fathers were a handful of progressive independent tire dealers who decided to band together to form a tire-buying cooperative so that they could secure volume pricing and keep their customers happy. Their concept worked. In the years that followed, The Big O Tires co-op evolved into a full-fledged franchise as it continued to find innovative ways to harness the power of the collective to benefit independent dealerships and their customers. Almost a half-decade later, Big O Tires has become North Americas largest retail tire franchisor, with over 400 independently-owned and operated locations in 20 states, providing customers with a broad range of automotive services in addition to quality tires, wheels and accessories. Big O has become an industry role model admired for its innovative approach to franchising and unmatched customer loyalty ratings. In 1996, Big O Tires joined forces with one of the largest and most respected tire marketers in the nation when it became part of the TBC Retail Group, an automotive retail network comprised of some 1,200 Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchants and NTB locations spanning 40 U.S. states. Big Os reach was broadened again in 2005, when TBC Corporation was acquired by Sumitomo Corporation of America, the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo, one of the worlds leading traders of goods and services. As Big O Tires continues to thrive and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, it remains rooted in its humble beginnings as a proud collective of independent dealers committed to putting its customers first.
Purem by Eberspächer is a global leader in exhaust technology and acoustic solutions, dedicated to advancing clean and quiet mobility for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. As part of the Eberspächer Group, the company operates around 35 manufacturing sites and 40 development facilities across four continents, employing approximately 7,500 people, with a strong focus on exhaust technology. The company specializes in emission control products, including catalytic converters, particulate filters, and complete exhaust systems designed to reduce pollutants and meet global emissions standards. Additionally, Purem offers lightweight acoustic solutions to comply with noise regulations. With three R&D centers located in Germany, the USA, and China, the company is committed to innovation, holding around 2,000 patents and utilizing advanced development processes. Purem prioritizes sustainability through the use of lightweight materials and energy-efficient manufacturing practices, aligning with its vision of driving the mobility of tomorrow.
MotoRad Ltd. is a global manufacturer of automotive components, specializing in thermal management systems. Established in 1958 and originally known as Fishman Engineering Ltd., the company is now owned by Fortissimo Investment Funds and employs 156 people. In 2025, MotoRad reported an annual revenue of $28.7 million, with Matt Buchholz serving as CEO. The company develops and manufactures a range of thermal management solutions, including thermostats, caps, and sensors. These products are designed for internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles. MotoRad serves automotive OEMs, aftermarket distributors, and industrial applications, ensuring a high level of product availability and a 97.81% global fill rate to meet customer needs. The company emphasizes innovation and collaborative work environments, focusing on employee development and technological advancement.
DuBois Chemicals, Inc. is a prominent specialty chemical supplier with a history that dates back to 1920. Based in Hamilton, Ohio, the company is dedicated to providing innovative and economical solutions across various industries. DuBois focuses on delivering custom chemical solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in industrial processes, emphasizing customer satisfaction and sustainability. The company offers a diverse product portfolio that includes cleaning and process solutions for general manufacturing, specialized chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, transportation cleaning solutions, and water treatment chemicals. With a significant facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, DuBois employs over 150 staff members, including scientists and customer service representatives, and has a strong sales team of over 400 representatives serving customers throughout North America. DuBois Chemicals demonstrates financial strength with revenues ranging from $100 million to $1 billion, allowing for continued investment in research and development.