Capstone Partners advised Bertram Capital Management, LLC—a private equity firm specializing in transformative growth strategies for lower-middle-market businesses—on its investment in Left Lane Auto, LLC.
Bertram Capital is a private equity firm headquartered in Foster City, California, managing over $4 billion in capital commitments since 2006. The firm focuses on lower-middle-market investments, deploying operational rigor via its proprietary “High 5” framework and in-house tech team, Bertram Labs, to accelerate portfolio company growth across business services, industrial, consumer, and technology sectors
Founded and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Left Lane operates a family of leading tire and automotive-service brands and has completed more than 20 acquisitions since 2021. The company is focused on building a national platform by partnering with high-quality regional operators and delivering differentiated service to its customers.
“The partnership with Bertram Capital comes at a pivotal time for Left Lane,” commented Parham Parastaran, CEO and Founder of Left Lane. “Our strategy is rooted in preserving each acquired brand’s identity, heritage, and people, while providing the capital, technology, and operational support intended to help drive growth. Bertram shares our vision, and the combination of their commitment to scaling our business and the capabilities of Bertram Labs make them the ideal partner to help us scale.”
Capstone Partners’ Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking Team, led by Yogesh Punjabi, provided strategic buy-side guidance to Bertram. Punjabi commented, “We are thrilled to have supported Bertram on their successful investment. We believe Left Lane has found the perfect partner with Bertram, resulting in a powerful combination with access to greater resources and capabilities, setting the stage for accelerated expansion.”
Left Lane has established a compelling foundation in the tire and automotive-service market. The company embodies the characteristics we seek in a Bertram investment—a large and attractive market opportunity, strong customer loyalty, an experienced management team, and a culture centered on operational excellence. We are excited to partner with Parham Parastaran, Jeff Beasley, Derek Dimke, Bob Schimmel, and the broader Left Lane team and seek to accelerate growth, invest in technology, and continue building a differentiated national platform. We also see significant opportunities for Bertram Labs to enhance customer acquisition, digital engagement, and marketing effectiveness.
This marks Capstone’s fourth M&A transaction in the automotive service and tire retail sector, following successful sales of Conrad’s Tire, Dobbs Tire, and Sun Devil Automotive.
Capstone’s Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking Team works with leading middle market companies and financial acquirers to deliver strategic guidance to help maximize financial outcomes at every stage of the business lifecycle. Our firm offers a comprehensive suite of corporate finance solutions—including M&A advisory, buy-side advisory, debt advisory, financial advisory, and equity capital financing—designed to address a wide range of needs, from growth initiatives and operational improvements to transformative acquisitions and ultimate exit transactions. To learn more about this transaction, or about the benefits of starting a relationship with our Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking Teams, contact us today.
