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Merit Investment Bank Announces the Addition of Two Senior Investment Banking Professionals in Los Angeles Office – Tracy Albert and David M.V. Barnes

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Merit Investment Bank and Company, a leading Boutique Investment Bank focused on serving middle-market technology-forward companies, is pleased to announce that Tracy Albert and David M.V. Barnes have joined the Company as Vice Chairman and Managing Director, respectively in the company’s Los Angeles office.  

Mr. Albert and Mr. Barnes worked together previously at Houlihan Lokey, where Mr. Albert founded Business Forums International (BFI), and Mr. Barnes was the original architect of the Financial Sponsor Coverage Group.  

Mr. Albert is responsible for the senior planning and strategic direction of the company, directing the expansion into several key industry verticals including Intelligent Infrastructure (Robotics, Automation, AI), Renewable Energy, Tech-Enabled Services and Manufacturing, SaaS, and eCommerce/CPG.  

Mr. Barnes will continue to cultivate and execute M&A and financing opportunities via his vast network of relationships with private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors, and founder-owned businesses.  

“We are thrilled to bring back together these two senior investment banking executives with such great track records of success working together. As industry veterans, both Tracy and David bring a wealth of experience and deep knowledge to Merit Investment Bank with careers spanning more than three decades. Mr. Albert has built a vast network of business contacts and close personal relationships across a broad spectrum of industries, while Mr. Barnes has a proven ability to build and monetize relationships in the private equity and family office universe. David and I first worked together from 1993-96 at Coopers Lybrand Securities (now PWC) and then again at JD Ford & Company from 2014-2016. I am excited to be collaborating with him again,” said Joseph Durnford, Chairman of Merit Investment Bank. 

“I am incredibly excited to join the team here at Merit Investment Bank to leverage my contact base and build upon the great work they have done as an award-winning boutique investment bank,” said Tracy Albert.  

“It is an honor and a pleasure to partner again with Tracy Albert to replicate the success we had at our prior firm and build the west coast presence of Merit Investment Bank into a powerhouse,” said David Barnes. 

Prior to joining Merit Investment Bank, Mr. Albert was the Head of the Western Region for Deloitte Corporate Finance. Mr. Barnes most recently executed an unprecedented Buy & Build strategy in the PV solar industry, creating Lumio, the fourth largest PV solar company in the country.  

Mr. Albert has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California. Mr. Barnes has an MBA from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. 

About Merit Investment Bank:

Merit Investment Bank is a leading Boutique Investment Bank focused on serving middle-market technology-forward companies. Merit Investment Bank executes sell-side M&A, buy-side M&A, and capital advisory services with specific emphasis on the technology, software, consumer, telecom/ wireless, and manufacturing / Industry 4.0 sectors. In addition, Merit Investment Bank offers other Investment banking services such as debt and equity capital raises, restructuring advisory services, business valuations, and project financing through its subsidiary, Merit Investment Bank Securities, member FINRA / SIPC, a full-service Broker-Dealerlicensed in 50 states

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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