Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of Story First, Inc. dba The Costumer to Teamshares. The acquisition closed January 17, 2025.

Headquartered in Schenectady, New York, The Costumer has been a major force in the costume rental business since 1917, specializing in providing costumes for school productions, theaters, and performance groups nationwide. The company supports theatrical productions of any scale, from Broadway to community theater. In addition to rentals and sales, The Costumer offers props and set decorations. Known for its exceptional service and attention to detail, The Costumer is a trusted partner for high-quality, affordable costume solutions.

Teamshares, a company that helps small businesses become employee-owned, is a national company that has helped more than 95 businesses across 30+ states and 40 industries become employee-owned. By acquiring businesses from retiring owners, Teamshares empowers employees to become shareholders while providing ongoing financial education and support. The company’s goal is to create sustainable, employee-owned businesses that benefit both the former owners and the new workforce, fostering long-term success and wealth generation. Through its innovative model, Teamshares is helping to reshape the future of small business ownership in America.

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Eastern Region – David Fergusson, and his team led by Generational Affiliate, Ray Palombi, with the support of Managing Director, M&A, Corey Painter successfully closed the deal. Senior M&A Advisor, J.A. Schram established the initial relationship with Story First, Inc. dba The Costumer.

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, added, “We’re pleased to have played a role in achieving a successful result for all parties involved.”

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, is a leading, award winning, full-service M&A advisory firm. With more than 300 professionals located throughout 15 offices in North America, the company helps business owners release their business’ wealth by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. The Generational suite of advisory services includes strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A services, digital services, and wealth management.

Generational Group was honored as the 2024 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and named "Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in both 2024 and 2022. The firm also received recognition as Valuation Firm of the Year and Consulting Firm of the Year in 2022 and 2023, further cementing its reputation as a leader in M&A advisory services."

For more information visit https://generational.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423541468/en/