Axial, the online network that connects professionals who operate, advise, finance, and acquire private companies, announced today an increase in deal-making in the business services, industrials, consumer, and manufacturing sectors by members of its network. These are the largest and most active industries on the Axial network.

As of Sept. 13, 2013, 1,490 private companies in the business services sector connected with advisors and investors during 2013, a 27 percent increase from the year-prior period. 1,484 companies in the industrials space and 1,402 manufacturing companies connected year-to-date, which represents year-over-year increases of 21 percent and 14 percent, respectively. In addition, Axial network members engaged with 2,107 consumer companies year-to-date, 38 percent more than the year-prior period. Companies in these industries use Axial to build new relationships with investment banks, advisors, and investors as they explore strategic options and access to the capital markets. As a consequence, over 1,000 connections occur each week between private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and investment bankers using Axial's buy- and sell-side business development tools to connect with these companies and accelerate their deal making activity.

"Our driving focus is to be the global network where lower-middle-market companies can put themselves on the path to long-term growth by forging relationships with advisors, lenders and capital providers," said Peter Lehrman, Chief Executive Officer, Axial. "The dramatic rise in the sharing of investment opportunities on our network this year is evidence that more small business owners understand the benefits of network membership."

All of these sectors generated more than 100 percent year-over-year growth in deal pursuits as of Sept. 13, 2013. Industrials companies received the greatest interest, with a total of 17,022 pursuits in 2013. Across other industries, manufacturing companies received 16,464 pursuits, business services companies received 13,057 pursuits, and consumer companies received 11,060 pursuits.

"Axial enables me to immediately understand my available options and then rapidly connect with the most qualified intermediaries and firms to do business with - confidentially. I will continue to use Axial going forward anytime my business is in need of capital, partnerships, or advice,"  said Michael Tolmach, CEO of Eonsmoke, LLC., a $12M revenue New York-based company currently exploring strategic options.