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Merit Harbor Group, LLC and JD Ford & Company Announce Strategic Business Combination

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Companies will now operate as Merit Investment Bank & Co.

Seattle, WA / Denver, CO March 4, 2019—

Merit Harbor Group, LLC and JD Ford & Company have announced a strategic business combination, transitioning their companies and staff to form Merit Investment Bank & Co, effective February 25, 2019. The two companies operating as Merit Investment Bank deliver over 23 years of investment banking experience specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions and capital sourcing in multiple industries including technology, consumer products & retail, manufacturing, industrials, food & agriculture, and healthcare.

Established in 1996, JD Ford has consistently delivered market leading and precedent-setting outcomes for clients in the form of Mid-Market mergers & acquisitions and valuations. JD Ford assists entrepreneurs and family business owners with their exit strategy, selling their business or managing the complex process of M&A and business valuation. 

Merit Harbor brings their scalable platform as a broad auction Mergers & Acquisitions and capital raise-focused investment bank. Together the two companies will bring mutual expertise to clients, offering big bank tools and capabilities with a team of experienced professional investment bankers.

“We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Merit Harbor to provide more capabilities and broader market access for clients,” Says JD Ford & Company CEO, Joseph M. Durnford, “this combination expands our platform to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients. With global reach, enhanced research, innovative deal tools, and experienced dealmakers to collaborate with, I’m confident Merit Investment Bank will be the go-to boutique investment bank for CEOs seeking to buy, sell, merge, recapitalize or finance their middle market enterprise.”

Craig Dickens of Merit Harbor adds, “we can more effectively serve our clients both domestically and internationally as well as provide deeper resources to our seasoned and highly skilled investment bankers or other bankers seeking a larger, more robust platform. Merit Investment Bank will maintain a culture of boutique service to our clients as well as continue to be a great place to get deals done, in a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment for investment bankers.”  

Merit Investment Bank & Co. will specialize in middle-market, entrepreneurial-owned businesses seeking expert M&A, divestiture and buy-side execution. Securities will be offered under the companies FINRA Registered broker dealer Merit Investment Bank Securities, LLC. The combination between the two companies was finalized on February 25, 2019. Merit Investment Bank & Co. is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and maintains offices in Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Scottsdale. The companies’ respective websites will be relocating to https://meritinvestmentbank.com 

About Merit Harbor Group, LLC
Merit Harbor Group is a leading Boutique Investment Bank focused on serving middle market companies. They are a client-focused team of experienced entrepreneurs and operating executives and investment bankers with expertise in a broad range of industries.  Merit Harbor Capital, (a subsidiary of Merit Harbor Group, LLC) member FINRA / SIPC, is a full-service Broker Dealer licensed in 50 states executing sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate finance, real estate development and project finance. Their partnership with CDI Global expands their reach to offices in 25 countries around the world, providing advisory services for International Conglomerates seeking to acquire businesses across the United States.

About JD Ford & Company
JD Ford & Company is a specialized Investment Bank that helps business owners increase business value, obtain growth capital, gain personal liquidity, and create lasting family legacy. JD Ford focuses on a variety of industries including consumer products, specialty retail, information technology, building products, and specialized services. JD Ford & Company leverages its vast network of connections and unique insight to guide business owners through a variety of transitional events. 

Merit Investment Bank, a leading middle market investment bank, with a specialization in building products, is honored to have served as exclusive advisor to VaproShield (“VaproShield”) in its sale to (Muncaster Capital.)

by: Merit Investment Bank

SEATTLE – October 31, 2025 – PR.com – Merit Investment Bank (“Merit”), a leading middle-market investment bank with deep expertise in the building products and construction materials sector, is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to VaproShield, a premier manufacturer of high-performance air and water barrier systems, in its sale to Muncaster Capital, a privately held investment company based in Texas.

This strategic transaction represents a significant milestone for VaproShield, a recognized innovator in the building-envelope industry. For more than two decades, the company has pioneered the design and manufacture of high-performance, vapor-permeable air barrier (AB) and water-resistive barrier (WRB) membranes and accessories. Through its commitment to research, sustainability, and customer-focused innovation, VaproShield has become a trusted partner to architects, builders, and developers seeking to enhance energy efficiency, moisture control, and long-term building performance.

“The sale of VaproShield shows what’s possible when visionary founders create real value and plan strategically for an exceptional exit,” said Craig Dickens, Chairman of Merit Investment Bank. “We were honored to help align the company with the right partner, culture, and capital for its next stage of growth. This milestone reflects years of innovation, discipline, and thoughtful preparation leading to an outstanding outcome.”

The acquisition by Muncaster Capital, am ESOP, will provide VaproShield with additional resources and strategic backing to expand operations, accelerate innovation, and strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets. Muncaster’s long-term investment philosophy aligns closely with Vaproshield’s mission to deliver environmentally responsible, high-performance solutions to the construction industry.

“VaproShield has built an exceptional brand through innovation, sustainability, and performance,” added Chris Barnes, Managing Director at Merit Investment Bank. “It was a privilege to advise such a forward-thinking team whose commitment to excellence andcustomer trust has made them industry leaders. This transaction delivers a strong outcome for shareholders and positions VaproShield for its next phase of growth.”

Legal counsel for the company was provided by Holland & Knight LLP. Merit extends its appreciation to Stephen McKay and the firm’s M&A team for their seasoned legal guidance and support throughout the transaction, ensuring a smooth and efficient closing process.

The company was also advised by Baker Tilly US, LLP. Merit acknowledges Preston Smith, Director – Transaction Advisory, and Michael Hurst, Partner – Tax, for their expert guidance and transactional support. Their technical insight and professionalism were instrumental in achieving a successful closing.

About the Buyer

Muncaster Capital of Texas, Inc. is a privately held holding company based in Ennis, Texas, primarily associated with the building materials and protective coatings industry. Established in 1986, it serves as the parent company for Polyguard Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance barrier systems, air and moisture membranes, and protective coatings used in construction and infrastructure projects.

Muncaster Capital oversees operations focused on innovation, sustainability, and long-term business growth within the building-envelope sector. As a mid-sized, family-owned enterprise, it plays a strategic role in managing assets, guiding corporate development, and supporting Polyguard’s mission to deliver durable, energy-efficient solutions to the construction industry.

About Merit Investment Bank

Merit Investment Bank is a leading boutique investment bank focused on serving founder/family-owned middle-market, technology-forward companies. The firm principally executes sell-side M&A, as well transactions with specific emphasis on the building products technology, infrstructure, consumer, and manufacturing/distribution/industry 4.0 sectors.

In addition, Merit offers services including buy-side M&A debt and equity capital raises, restructuring advisory, business valuations, and project financing.

Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Merit Investment Bank and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities

Contact:

Craig Dickens, Chairman

Merit Investment Bank

Craig.Dickens@MeritInvestmentBank.com

253-370-8893

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