Washington, DC, (May 9, 2025) – FOCUS Investment Banking (“FOCUS”), a national middle market investment banking firm specializing in merger, acquisition, divestiture, and corporate finance services, is pleased to announce the sale of Footing First LLC (“FootingFirst”) to Morton Buildings, Inc. (“Morton Buildings”). FOCUS served as the exclusive financial advisor to FootingFirst in this transaction.
FootingFirst is a recognized leader in equestrian sports surface solutions, combining deep expertise in materials and arena engineering with decades of equestrian experience. The company’s portfolio spans premier training arenas for Olympians, leading competition venues, and private family farms across the U.S. and Canada. With products manufactured at four facilities, FootingFirst is committed to delivering optimal footing systems that prioritize the comfort and soundness of the surface for horses.
Morton Buildings is a leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction serving the equestrian, agricultural, residential, and commercial sectors. Morton Buildings itself has a long-standing reputation for high-quality construction, including stall barns, riding arenas, and equestrian facilities.
FootingFirst marks the ninth business acquisition by Morton Buildings in the past eight years, expanding their Morton Post-Frame Supply (MPFS) business unit. This strategic acquisition aligns with their commitment to growing companies that serve the post-frame and steel building industry. “FootingFirst is a proven business built on relationships, which complements all the companies at Morton Buildings,” stated Sean Cain, President & CEO of Morton Buildings. “We are thrilled to have Karen Leeming join as President of FootingFirst and look forward to the continued relationships with all the founders and key employees at FootingFirst as part of our Morton Post-Frame Supply business.”
“On behalf of our company’s founders and stakeholders, we are delighted to become part of the Morton Post-Frame Supply business,” commented Karen Leeming, President of FootingFirst. “We are confident this will not only strengthen our business growth opportunities, but also expand our collective offerings for our industry clients and business partners.”
With Morton’s previous acquisition of Classic Equine Equipment combined with Morton’s equestrian structures, FootingFirst further strengthens their offering for the equestrian market. “We are energized by the opportunities to accelerate FootingFirst’s organic growth via the support and leverage available from our existing equine businesses,” added Greg Silvestri, Group President of Morton Post-Frame Supply.
“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for FootingFirst,” said Mike McCraw, Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking. “Karen Leeming and Debbie Adams have built a fantastic business from the ground up and earned a stellar reputation in the equestrian industry. We are proud to have advised them in this important transaction and look forward to their continued success as part of Morton Post-Frame Supply.”
*These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients; testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
