Douglas Stewart

Transaction Description

Douglas Stewart Company (DSC) announced the retirement of Cheryl Rosen Weston as its President and CEO, succeeded by Chuck Hulan, the current Chief Operating Officer. In addition to the management succession, Mr. Hulan and other senior managers have formed an ownership group that has completed a recapitalization of the company, acquiring the equity of the Rosen Weston family.

Cherry Tree’s Role

Cherry Tree was retained by DSC to advise the owners on their strategic alternatives, as Ms. Rosen Weston was planning her retirement while seeking options that protected the culture, customers, and people of DSC. Cherry Tree advised the company through a process that included introductions and discussions with numerous potential acquirers and financial partners, soliciting proposals, negotiating terms, supporting the due diligence process, and facilitating the closing of the transaction.

About The Douglas Stewart Company

The Douglas Stewart Company, a leading education distributor specializing in technology, education software, and supplies, links more than 270 manufacturers with over 4,500 academic resellers in the United States and Canada. With a solid focus on the demand for Mobile Learning solutions, the company represents a strong ecosystem of products and vendors to assist in the evolution of the digital classroom. The Douglas Stewart Company’s exceptional knowledge of the education marketplace and holistic array of solutions and services add value to its business by focusing on innovation and the support of its customers. Its subsidiary, Douglas Stewart EDU, provides similar services to 36 countries in Europe. The Identit-e service division exemplifies Stewart’s value-added initiative with its global student verification services. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, and founded in 1950, The Douglas Stewart Company is a privately held business. Additional information about The Douglas Stewart Company can be found at http://www.dstewart.com.

About Cherry Tree & Associates

Cherry Tree & Associates, LLC is a private investment banking firm headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in serving entrepreneurially-managed companies. Founded in 1980, the firm provides financial advisory engagements for buyers, sellers, and companies seeking growth capital, and provides fairness opinions and other valuation services.