Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of Stout’s ACE Hardware to ACE Mt. Washington LLC, operated by Mafaz Ansar, a local entrepreneur and the managing member of Ansar Properties, LLC. The acquisition closed May 22, 2025.

Based in Mount Washington, Kentucky, Stout’s ACE Hardware (Stout’s Feed Store), founded around 1929, has been a staple of Mt. Washington life for nearly a century. In the 1980s, Stout’s joined the ACE Hardware family, evolving into a dependable, locally operated hardware destination for the fast-growing region. Its reputation for customer service and community support has helped it thrive through decades of economic change and regional growth.

The buyer, Mafaz Ansar, is no stranger to the ACE brand. He currently owns and operates ACE Hardware Radcliff, a successful location known for blending local values with national-brand standards. With the acquisition of the Mt. Washington store, Ansar brings his proven leadership and customer-first model to a second ACE location in Kentucky.

“Our mission is simple—serve our community with excellence and ensure that ACE Mt. Washington continues to be a place where neighbors help neighbors,” said Ansar. “We're excited to build on the store’s deep history and continue its service for decades to come.”

“Our family would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to our loyal customers, friends and community through the years. Our father and his two brothers started the business 96 years ago to raise and support their families, and help build a community as Mt. Washington is today,” said Kenny Stout, Owner of Stout’s ACE Hardware.

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Central Region – Michael Goss, and his team led by Generational Group Senior Managing Director, M&A, Jerry Yocum with the support of Managing Director, M&A, Ryan Johnson successfully closed the deal. Senior M&A Advisor and Conference Group Leader, Peter Stone established the initial relationship with Stout’s ACE Hardware.

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, stated, “As the exclusive investment banker, this deal underscores our commitment to delivering value for all parties. We’re honored to have helped unite two companies with bright futures ahead.”

About ACE Hardware

Founded in 1924, ACE Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, with more than 5,600 stores in over 60 countries. Known for local ownership and personalized service, ACE stores are consistently ranked among the top in customer satisfaction and brand trust.

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, is a leading, award winning, full-service M&A advisory firm. With over 300 professionals across 16 offices in North America, the company helps business owners unlock the full value of their businesses through a comprehensive suite of advisory services. These services include strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A advisory, digital solutions, 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.

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