2019 DEALS: A YEAR IN REVIEW Last year remained active for M&A transactions. Here’s a look back at all the deals MiBiz covered in 2019.

JANUARY Co. Turnspire invested along with company man- n Through an affiliate, Greenwich Hospitality agement in the deal, the terms of which were not Corp. has acquired West Bay Beach Holiday Inn disclosed. Resort, a 179-room full-service waterfront resort in n Finland-based Harvia Ltd. acquired Holland- Traverse City, for $23.2 million, according to a state- based Almost Heaven Saunas LLC, a manufac- ment. Greenwich Hospitality owns and manages turer of outdoor and indoor saunas, in a transac- hotels in Connecticut, Texas and Vermont. The pur- tion valued at 4 million euros, or about $4.5 million, chasing entity, Delamar Traverse City LLC, plans to according to a statement. Harvia assumed certain invest $10 million to elevate the hotel to a four-star liabilities of Almost Heaven Saunas and will pay property and rebrand it as Delamar Traverse City. for the remainder of the deal using cash reserves. Novi- and Traverse City-based Cunningham-Limp Founded in 1978, Almost Heaven generated more Development Co., Grand Rapids-based Ghafari than $10 million in sales in 2018. The company Concept Design and Kyle Evans Design LLC of employs 40 people in Holland and at its manufac- Northport will provide construction and design ser- turing operations in Renick, W.V. The deal enables vices for the project. Harvia, a maker of sauna heaters and components, n Neogen Corp. (Nasdaq: NEOG), a Lansing- to expand its offerings in North America. based developer, manufacturer and provider of prod- n To focus on its core data center, managed ser- ucts focused on food and animal safety, acquired vices, and network integration services, Kalamazoo- the Edmonton, Alberta-based Delta Genomics based Secant Technologies is selling off its build- Centre, according to ing services division and spinning off its design a statement. The com- and consulting group, according to a statement. pany now operates Brighton-based SVT — a data cabling, audio visual, five animal genomics and physical security services firm that operates as laboratories globally, including locations in the U.S., an alias of CCO Technologies Inc. — acquired the Scotland, Brazil and Australia. The Edmonton opera- building services division. Secant’s design and con- AUXO INVESTMENT PARTNERS ACQUIRES tions will be renamed Neogen Canada. Terms of the sulting divisions spun off into a separate company, MAJORITY STAKE IN MUSKEGON MARINE transaction were not disclosed. AE Tech Design, “in early 2019.” Both will continue n Grand Rapids-based Lake Michigan Credit to operate from Kalamazoo. TRANSPORTER Union announced plans to acquire an office in n Grand Rapids-based firm Stone Rochester Hills from CCF Bank, a subsidiary of Eau Fox Ventures LLC acquired Cleveland, Ohio- rand Rapids-based private equity firm Auxo Investment Partners moved deeper into Claire, Wis.-based Citizens Community Bancorp based Even Cut Abrasive Co., the marine transportation business with an investment in Muskegon-based Andrie Inc. The transaction closed in the second quarter. a producer of specialty abra- G Inc. Under the deal, LMCU assumed about $35 million in sive products, and plans to Auxo acquired a majority stake in Andrie, a 31-year-old, family-owned company that deposits and $300,000 in fixed assets and agreed to move part of the business to operates a fleet of 19 tugs and barges throughout the Great Lakes, from Chicago to the pay a 7 percent deposit premium, or about $2.45 mil- Wyoming, Mich. Terms of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The company transports bulk goods such as liquid asphalt, cement, lion. All loans tied to the branch will remain with CCF deal were not disclosed. Stone light oil petroleum products and calcium chloride. Bank. Michael Bell of Howard & Howard Attorneys Fox is investing $3.7 million into As Auxo looks to build a platform of marine transport companies, “Andrie is a great PLLC served as LMCU’s legal adviser. a plant on Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Boulevard, fit for us,” said Managing Partner Jeff Helminski. Andrie meets Auxo’s acquisition criteria n Owner Mitch Brown sold the Petoskey-based where it expects to create 52 jobs. The Michigan for investing in mature industrial companies that hold a “best-in-class position” within Which Wich specialty sandwich shop franchise Economic Development Corp. provided the com- their sector, he said. to an individual investor, according to a statement. pany a $400,000 Business Development Program “The guys really do set the gold standard on the Great Lakes,” Helminski said. Brown worked with Grand Rapids-based Small performance-based grant. The deal complements Auxo’s December 2017 acquisition of New Orleans-based barge Business Deal Advisors to market and sell the n Sparta-based Riveridge Produce Marketing company M/G Transport Services, which operates a fleet of 250 barges in a market that business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Inc., the largest supplier of Michigan apples, runs from Houston, Texas, to Mobile, Ala., and from the mouth of the Mississippi River up n The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce has acquired the sales operation of Jack Brown to Baton Rouge, La. and the Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Produce Inc., also of Sparta. Riveridge Produce Alliance, both based in Niles, completed a merger acquired all Jack Brown Produce brands, pack- Terms of the deal were undisclosed. effective Jan. 1, 2019. The newly combined organiza- aging materials and assets associated with sales tion will be known as the Greater Niles Chamber and marketing, according to the company. Grower of Commerce, which will contract with the South shareholders will continue to own the Jack Brown will continue to operate from its current location on Tenn.-based PressureGuard LLC, which manu- Bend Regional Chamber for administrative and Produce storage and packaging facility, which will West H Avenue in Kalamazoo, according to a state- factures automatic tire pressure management support services. The Greater Niles Chamber also begin packing under Riveridge brands. With the ment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. systems. The deal, which closed Jan. 9, also gives plans to consolidate its offices to SMEGA’s space in deal, Riveridge Produce will represent 50 percent n Van Buren County United Way merged into SAF-Holland an option to acquire the remaining out- Niles City Hall. Jeff Rea, president of the South Bend of Michigan’s fresh apple crop, an increase from United Way of Southwest Michigan on July 1, standing shares in the company from former owner Regional Chamber, also will serve as president and around 35 percent of the market, President Don 2019, according to a statement. The two organiza- Servitech Industries Inc. SAF-Holland, which main- CEO of the Greater Niles Chamber. Armock told MiBiz. Terms of the transaction were tions started sharing back office operations when tains its North American headquarters in Muskegon, n Spring Lake-based Hines Corp., a family- not disclosed. the deal was announced in January. The move is said the purchase price was “in the low single-digit owned industrial holding company, has sold its n First Agency Inc., a Kalamazoo-based expected to increase efficiencies for the combined million euro range,” but did not disclose specifics. Hines Specialty Vehicle Group portfolio to New York brokerage, has sold to Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based organization. n Holland-based Clarion Technologies Inc. City-based private equity firm Turnspire Capital Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., according to a state- acquired certain assets and a book of business from Partners LLC, according to a statement. The deal ment. First Agency offers blanket student and ath- CNI Plastics LLC of Charlotte. With the deal, Clarion included truck chassis maker Crane Carrier Co. and letic accident coverage, such as sports camps or FEBRUARY Technologies broadened its customer base and Kimble Mixer Co., both based in New Philadelphia, special risk insurance, to colleges and K-12 schools. n Heavy truck industry supplier SAF-Holland added manufacturing capacity, which it redeployed Ohio. Both companies will operate as Crane Carrier With the deal, First Agency staff remains and the firm Inc. has acquired a 51-percent stake in Nashville, See 2019 DEALS on page 16

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Becker Electric. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 2019 DEALS n Caledonia-based Acrisure LLC acquired Continued from page 15 Milwaukee, Wis.-based HNI Risk Services in a deal that closed Dec. 31, according to a report by BizTimes to facilities in Greenville, Mich., Anderson, S.C., and Milwaukee. Acrisure plans to retain local staff, lead- Garland, Texas. The deal “will reinforce our multi- ership and the HNI brand name. HNI has offices in regional growth strategy and allow future expansion Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis. The transaction in the multiple markets we serve,” Clarion President does not include HNI’s Grand Rapids office, which and CEO John Brownlow said. remains independent. n Grand Rapids-based engineering firm Prein & n An affiliate of Grand Rapids-based Universal Newhof Inc. has acquired QoE Consulting PLC, Forest Products Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) has acquired a Lansing-based firm focused the operating assets of Wolverine Wood Products on airport engineering services. Inc., a wood panel components manufacturer QoE’s founders, Gordon Bogner located at 825 Buchanan Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. and Michael Borta, plan to stay Wolverine Wood Products is expected to generate on with Prein & Newhof and annual sales of $5 million, according to a statement. sought out a deal as part of a Mike and Bernadette Peters founded the company in transition plan, according to a 2008. The deal will help expand Wolverine’s capacity statement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. to serve customers in the Midwest. Mike Petersen, Prein & Newhof has offices in Grand Rapids, Holland who serves as president, will stay on with the com- and Traverse City. ASA Group CEO Michael Coyne, left, purchased a majority stake in Grand Rapids-based pany as general manager. Terms of the deal were n Muskegon-based Betten Baker Auto Group Bazzani Building from founder Guy Bazzani, right. COURTESY PHOTO not disclosed. acquired South Haven Chevrolet Buick GMC, expanding the company’s reach to Southwest Michigan. The deal for the South Haven store, which BAZZANI BUILDING ACQUIRED BY INDIANA MARCH took effect Jan. 29, will add a 21st location to the n Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp. has completed growing dealership group, according to a statement. INVESTMENT FIRM the acquisition of Arrinex Inc., a Menlo Park, Calif.- Betten Baker plans to retain all the employees at based medical device company that developed a the dealership, bringing the company’s overall head- he new owner of Bazzani Building Co. in Grand Rapids plans to maintain the com- treatment for chronic rhinitis. The acquisition adds count to about 900 people. pany’s niche focus of sustainable design and construction. capabilities to Stryker’s ear, nose and throat product n Grand Rapids-based Oliver Healthcare T Investment firm ASA Group LLC, based in Granger, Ind., near South Bend, closed portfolio, according to a statement. Arrinex began Packaging acquired Anaheim, Calif.-based in late April on the acquisition of a majority stake in Bazzani Building, a design and con- commercializing its ClariFix device in 2017 to treat CleanCut Technologies LLC, a medical packaging struction management company that has established a niche and reputation for its sus- rhinitis, which affects more than 24 million people in provider, according to a statement. The deal included tainable business practices. the U.S. annually and may cause runny nose, con- CleanCut’s packaging product portfolio, design and Founder Guy Bazzani retained a minority stake Bazzani Building. Minority partners in gestion, sneezing and nasal itching. Terms of the prototyping, 3-D printing and contract packaging, as Bazzani Building as well retained their holdings and remain with the company. deal were undisclosed. well as a 70,000-square-foot cleanroom manufactur- Bazzani Building, with a pioneering focus on the so-called Triple Bottom Line phi- n Grand Rapids-based Medbio LLC, a private ing facility in California. Terms of the deal, which was losophy that blends economic, social, and environmental sustainability, holds the kind of equity-backed manufacturer of injection moldings, finalized Jan. 24, were not disclosed. “unique competitive advantages” that ASA Group seeks when scouting for investments, assemblies and packaging for medical device and n BHS Insurance Services, a Grandville-based said CEO Michael Coyne. biotech industry, has acquired Clinton Township- independent insurance agency, grew its employee Coyne does not plan any changes to the business, although ASA Group may in the based AIM Plastics Inc., according to a statement. benefits department with the acquisition on Jan. 1 future look to extend Bazzani Building into other markets. He sees “a lot of opportunities AIM Plastics specializes in the niche of prototype- of Preferred Benefits Inc. Preferred has operated ahead of us” in sustainable or “green” design and construction. to-production molds and complex injection mold- in greater Grand Rapids for more than 30 years. The Bazzani Building, a certified B corporation that meets third-party social sustainability ing. The deal combines “two industry-leading busi- merger is the second in two years for BHS Insurance, and environmental performance standards, was advised on the deal by Grand Rapids- nesses into a larger, more diversified medical device which has four offices in West Michigan and pre- based Small Business Deal Advisors LLC. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. outsourced manufacturer with additional capa- viously merged with Strategic Employee Benefit bilities,” said Joe Heinmiller, managing partner at Services of Michigan Inc. in 2017. Terms of the Philadelphia, Pa.-based Graham Partners, which deal were undisclosed. acquired a majority stake in Medbio last year. Terms n Zeeland-based Foresight Management FreedomNet serves rural areas mostly south of Grand manufacturing product lines, according to a state- of the deal for AIM Plastics were not disclosed. acquired Grand Rapids-based Building Rapids, near Fowlerville and in Southwest Michigan. ment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. n Endurance Composites LLC, a subsidiary of Performance Team Inc., expanding the company’s Surf Air Wireless’ acquisition coincided with a $40 n Lansing-based LightSpeed Fiber Communica- Kentwood-based Andronaco Industries Inc., in-house services in energy modeling and building million investment from Stamford, Conn.-based Post tions has been acquired by Evansville, Ind.-based acquired the composite tank, pipe and fittings commissioning. The asset purchase came about after Road Group, a private equity and investment firm MetroNet Fiber Inc., a provider of fiber-optic inter- operations from Houston, Texas-based Enduro the two firms worked together on projects in the past, specializing in real estate, telecommunication infra- net, TV and phone service. LightSpeed is a provider Composites Inc. Endurance will continue the oper- Foresight Management President Brian Pageau told structure, media, technology, business services and of fiber-optic internet in Michigan for Lansing, Grand ations at an 80,000-square-foot facility in Pearland, MiBiz. Pageau said he’s known Building Performance health care services. Rapids, Southfield, Huntington Woods and Ypsilanti. Texas, near Houston, according to a statement. Terms Team President James Dirkes for the past six years. n Wayland-based CasterDepot Inc. has acquired The deal allows MetroNet, which serves cities in Indi- of the deal, which closed Jan. 10 and included the Building Performance Team, an energy engineering the assets of the caster and wheel operations at ana, Illinois and Kentucky, to expand its footprint into Vesca Plastics brand, were not disclosed. firm, offered Foresight “deep expertise in a few very Indianapolis, Ind.-based Bastian Solutions LLC. Michigan. The company also plans to invest “up to n Dowagiac-based Mno-Bmadsen, the non- niche areas,” Pageau said in an email. Terms of the The acquisition, which closed Jan. 11, included an $100 million” in expanding its Michigan footprint. gaming arm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi deal were not disclosed. office in Indianapolis. CasterDepot plans to leverage Terms of the deal were not disclosed. LightSpeed Indians, has acquired a majority stake in Enmark n Holland-based Westshore Design LLC plans the new office to supply caster and wheel products to CEO Jason Schreiber will lead the Michigan market Tool & Gage Co., a to add customers in new markets with the acqui- customers in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, according and take on the role of Chief Technology Officer for Fraser, Mich.-based sition of Petra Electronic Manufacturing Inc., a to a statement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. MetroNet. precision machining Moline, Mich.-based electronics manufacturer. The n Novi-based I.T. firm Red Level Group LLC n Belmont-based Filter and Coating Technology company. Enmark deal expands Westshore Design into entertainment acquired West Michigan business and technology Inc. (FACT), a supplier of filter and coating solu- Tool is a third-gen- devices, pneumatic valve controls and aftermarket consultant Conway, Dierking & Hillman Inc. The tions for the automotive and industrial markets, eration family- automotive controls, according to a statement. Petra deal for Conway, Dierking & Hillman, which does has been acquired by Ohio Transmission Corp., a owned company that employs 37 people and sup- will now operate under the Westshore Design name business as C/D/H, gives Red Level a combined Columbus, Ohio-based industrial equipment service plies primarily the aerospace, automotive, defense and will maintain its operations at 1210 144th Ave. in workforce of more than 50 employees with offices provider and distributor, according to a statement. and machine tooling industries. Terms of the deal, Moline, about 15 miles south of Grand Rapids, just in the Detroit area and Grand Rapids and projected FACT employs 21 people and supplies manufacturers which closed Feb.1, were not disclosed. The com- east of U.S. 131. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. annual growth of 25 percent. The sale closed Feb. with paint, finishing, adhesives and coating opera- pany will operate as part of the Mno-DREK manu- n Private equity-backed Beacon Specialized 1. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Mark Becker, tions, primarily in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. It will facturing portfolio, which includes Mishawaka, Ind.- Living Services Inc., a provider of specialized res- vice president at C/D/H, joined Red Level as senior become a division of OTP Industrial Solutions and based Michiana Global Mold and Portage-based idential health care services based in Kalamazoo, vice president of business development and leads maintain its name and local management. Terms of Accu-Mold LLC. The tribe’s Red Tail Properties expanded out of state with the acquisition of Saint the Grand Rapids office. the deal were undisclosed. acquired the Enmark Tool property, which includes Paul, Minn.-based Owakihi Inc., according to a n Boyne City, Mich.-based Industrial Magnetics n Portage-based Kendall Electric Inc. acquired a 44,000-square-foot factory. statement. Owakihi provides home and community- Inc. acquired the family-owned Clamp Dayton, Ohio-based The Becker Electric Co., a n Traverse City-based Grand Traverse Economic based support services to people with intellectual Manufacturing Co. of South third-generation family-owned distributor of electri- Development, the non-gaming economic devel- and developmental disabilities and mental health El Monte, Calif., according to cal equipment. The deal closed in January, according opment holding company of the Grand Traverse needs. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The a statement. Founded in 1973, to a statement on Kendall’s website. Becker serves Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, in deal is an add-on acquisition for Beacon, a portfo- Clamp Manufacturing serves a as a full-line wholesale electrical equipment distrib- January acquired Bay Shore Steel Works LLC, a lio company of Dallas- and Nashville-based Pharos range of industries with prod- utor offering switchgear, lighting, automation and Charlevoix-based steel fabricator. Bay Shore Steel, Capital Group LLC. ucts for metalworking, weld- electrical supplies for contractors and industrial and which employs 40 people, makes armored plating n Rural wireless provider FreedomNet Wireless ing, assembly, and general commercial customers. It operates from eight loca- for various defense contractors. According to a tribal of Byron Center was acquired by Surf Air Wireless manufacturing applications. The acquisition allows tions in Ohio, Indiana and Georgia. Cincinnati-based council agenda, the tribe funded $5.4 million of the LLC, a La Porte, Ind.-based internet provider. Industrial Magnetics to expand its workholding and ArkMalibu LLC served as the financial adviser for purchase.

16 JANUARY 6, 2020 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com n Lansing-based Center for Financial Health has tribe’s economic diversification efforts through the which intends to invest in growing the West Michigan n Japanese conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. announced been acquired by Balance, a Concord, Calif.-based addition of revenue-generating properties, accord- business, according to a statement. The two firms plans to acquire Holland-based JR Automation nonprofit focused on financial coaching. The deal ing to a statement. had a business relationship for “almost 20 years.” Technologies LLC in a $1.42 billion deal. Hitachi and allows Balance to expand its suite of financial educa- MultiState specializes in Medicare supplement and -based private equity owner Crestview tion services into Michigan, according to a statement. final expense insurance. Integrity offers life and health Partners, which acquired the company in 2015 from n Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp. (NYSE: SYK) APRIL insurance products designed with insurance carrier Grand Rapids-based Huizenga Automation Group has acquired Israel-based OrthoSpace Ltd. for an n Grand Haven-based Klever Innovations, which partners. The company employs more than 450 peo- LLC, closed the deal on Dec. 27. Based in Tokyo, initial payment of $110 million and future consider- designs, produces and sells a line of concealed ple. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Japan, Hitachi has more than 307,000 employees ations of up to $110 million, according to a statement. bladed safety cutters, was n Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Co. part- worldwide. In the most recent fiscal year, Hitachi OrthoSpace has developed its InSpace technology to acquired by Irvine, Calif- nered with Spain-based brewer Mahou-San Miguel reported revenues of $88.4 billion. treat irreparable rotator cuff tears. The technology is based Pacific Handy Group to acquire a majority stake in Boulder, Colo.- n Elevator Up LLC, a Grand Rapids-based dig- currently going through clinical studies and has been Cutter Inc., according to based Avery Brewing Co. The deal marks the first ital design agency, sold to SPARK Business used in 30 countries, but is not presently approved a statement. The deal com- acquisition for Founders, Michigan’s largest brewery. Works, a part of Kalamazoo-based CMS Group for use in the U.S. Stryker expects the deal to have an plements Pacific Handy Cutters’ line of safety cutting Mahou-San Miguel Group owned a 30-percent stake of Companies. The deal gives SPARK Business immaterial effect on this year’s net earnings. tools for the grocery, industrial and retail markets. in Avery prior to the deal. Founders’ exact owner- Works, a developer of mobile apps, dashboards n Caledonia-based Opus Packaging Group Inc. n Allendale-based Jimdi Plastics Inc., a plastic ship stake in Avery remains unknown. Late last year, and workflow tools for clients, greater capabilities is expanding its packaging portfolio with the acqui- injection molder, sold to individual investor Reed Founders announced it would produce its All Day IPA and solidifies the company’s Grand Rapids office, sition of a fourth company, Wabash Container Lawrie in a deal that closed Dec. 31, according to a brand at Avery for distribution on the West Coast. President and CEO Bob Armbrister said. The deal Corp. of Mount Carmel, Ill., a 25-year-old corru- report in Plastics News. Grand Rapids-based Praxis n Battle Creek-based Kellogg Co. (NYSE: K) said closed April 9. Terms of the transaction were undis- gated sheet conversion operation. Owner Steve Business Brokers LLC represented the sellers. The it reached a definitive agreement to sell certain por- closed. Elevator Up founder Aaron Schaap took an Burton will become an employee of Opus and con- company serves customers in the office furniture tions of its snack business to Italy-based confectioner advisory role with SPARK Business Works. tinue directing day-to-day operations at Wabash supply chain. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ferrero Group in a transaction valued at $1.3 billion, n Grand Rapids-based Blackford Capital LLC Container. In addition to Wabash Container, Opus Lawrie said in the report that he plans to move from according to a statement. The deal includes the Keebler, has sold the first holding in its Michigan Prosperity operates Ohio-based Safeway Packaging Inc. and Troy to Grand Rapids to be closer to the company. Mother’s, Famous Amos, Murray’s and Murray’s Sugar Fund, Walker-based Custom Profile Inc. In the Action Packaging LLC plants in Grand Rapids and n Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps Co. (Nasdaq: Free brands. The business to be divested recorded $75 deal, the company’s management and employees Jackson, Mich. SSP) plans to acquire eight television stations, million in operating profit on revenues of $900 million in partnered with Mosaic Capital Partners LLC to n Douglas-based Saugatuck Brewing Co. including Grand Rapids-based Fox 17 WXMI, in the 2018. Kellogg expects the deal to be less than 5 percent purchase all the equity in the company, Blackford acquired Kalamazoo-based Gonzo’s BiggDogg most recent arrangement to come from the mega- dilutive to the company’s adjusted earnings per share Capital Managing Director Martin Stein said. Custom Brewing Co. LLC. Gonzo’s was renamed Saugatuck merger of Texas-based Nexstar Media Group Inc. in the current 2019 fiscal year, assuming the proceeds Profile, which also has operations in Wisconsin, will Brewing Company — Kalamazoo, but will maintain (Nasdaq: NXST) and Chicago-based Tribune Media from the transaction are used to reduce outstanding be 100-percent employee-owned via an employee several of the former brands. The new owners also Co. (NYSE: TRCO), which owns the local station. debt. The deal closed on July 29. stock ownership plan. Terms of the deal, which plan to expand the brewery’s hours and produce Under the deal that closed in September, Scripps n Grand Rapids-based Iron Well LLC acquired Local closed April 22, were not disclosed. Saugatuck Brewing brands on site in Kalamazoo. paid $580 million to acquire WXMI in an eight-sta- 741, a bar and music venue located at 741 Leonard n Holland-based Ensign Equipment Inc., a maker n The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa tion deal spanning seven markets. St. NW in Grand Rapids, from 3C Restaurants LLC, of material handling equipment for the plastics and Indians-owned DeMawating Development, n Grand Haven-based MultiState Insurance an affiliate of Third Coast Development LLC, in a recycling industries, was acquired by Excalibur a property management firm, acquired Shunk Center Inc., a second-generation family-owned deal valued at more than $650,000 for the business Group, which owns Production Fabricators Inc. Rental Properties for $1.9 million. Through the agency, sold to Dallas-based Integrity Marketing and real estate, according to documents submitted and Bauer Sheet Metal and Fabricating Inc., both deal, DeMawating added 87 rental properties in Group LLC, an independent life insurance and health to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Iron Well based in Muskegon, according to a statement. Terms Kincheloe, Mich., located in the eastern U.P. about 18 insurance firm. Under the deal, MultiState owner and is owned by James Matthews (30 percent) and Maria of the deal were not disclosed. miles south of Sault Ste. Marie. The deal furthers the CEO Karen Fredericks became an owner in Integrity, Benit (70 percent), per MLCC records. See 2019 DEALS on page 18

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n Grand Rapids-based trucking firm Sweet space and business to start a Zoom Express laun- based in Chicago, and KZCO Inc., a family-owned 2019 DEALS Express LLC has acquired Larsen Trucking Inc. of dry franchise. James Wiley, the founder of Laundry engineering and manufacturing business located near Continued from page 17 Greenville, according to a statement. With the addi- Tyme and J.I. Wiley Enterprises LLC, decided to sell Omaha, Neb. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. tion of the Larsen Trucking assets, Sweet Express the Douglas Laundry Tyme location to pursue other n New Era-based Michigan Ag Information now operates 350 trucks and more than 700 trail- interests, according to a statement. Grand Rapids- Network LLC was acquired by Zionsville, Ind.-based ers. Sweet Express General Manager Venad Sales based Small Business Deal Advisors LLC advised JULY Hoosier Ag Today LLC, according to a statement. told the Greenville Daily News the company’s growth J.I. Wiley Enterprises. Terms of the transaction were n Nashville, Tenn.-based SteelSummit Holdings The two companies operate farm radio networks in drove the need to expand. Sales reportedly said the not disclosed. Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Corp., their respective states. On May 6, Hoosier Ag Today company planned to retain all of Larsen Trucking’s n Critical Care Diagnostics Inc., a new medi- expanded its footprint into the eastern United States assumed program production and distribution. 51 drivers. cal device company in Kalamazoo, plans to begin with the strategic acquisition of Grand Rapids-based Programming in Michigan will continue under the n Dedham, Mass.-based Atlantic Power Corp. building a business around a product acquired in Magic Steel Sales LLC. With approximately $200 mil- Michigan Ag Information Network brand. Owner Pat announced plans to pay $20 million to acquire the January from Stryker Corp. to treat a painful and lion in annual sales, Magic Steel Sales is a supplier of Driscoll will remain as a contributor and consultant. equity interests held by AltaGas Power Holdings potentially life-threatening condition. Production of cold-rolled, hot-rolled, and coated-slit steel products U.S. Inc. in the Grayling Generating Station and the STIC Pressure Monitor should begin later this to customers in the eastern U.S. CEO Joe Maggini another biomass plant in North Carolina, accord- year at contract manufacturer Keystone Solutions founded Magic Steel Sales in 1974 and the company MAY ing to a statement. An affiliate of Jackson-based Group in Kalamazoo. The device can diagnose and operates service centers in Grand Rapids and Decatur, n Perrigo Co. plc (NYSE: PRGO) used the proceeds CMS Energy Corp., the parent company of utility treat acute and chronic compartment syndrome, a Ala. Terms of the all-cash deal were not disclosed. from the sale of its animal health business to buy Ranir Consumers Energy, holds a 50-percent interest in condition that typically results from severe injury n Bridgman, Mich.-based Great Lakes Metal Global Holdings LLC, a Grand Rapids-based maker both plants. The deal closed Aug. 13. The Grayling where pressure in the muscles constricts blood Stamping Inc. divested its business in Cusseta, of oral care products, for $750 million. The announce- facility is a 37 MW biomass plant that burns wood flow. CEO Kevin McLeod started the company with Ala. to Walker-based Challenge Manufacturing ment came a day after Perrigo said it planned to sell waste from local mills, forestry residues, mill waste Plymouth Growth Partners, an Ann Arbor-based Co., according to a statement. The deal allows its animal health business for $185 million in cash to and bark. Atlantic Power is acquiring a 30-percent investment firm that invests in growth-stage com- the employee-owned Challenge to expand in the PetIQ LLC, an Eagle, Idaho-based pet health and well- stake in the facility, which has a power purchase panies in Great Lakes states. southeastern U.S. with a 90,000-square-foot facil- ness company. Ranir’s lineup of more than 300 prod- agreement with Consumers through 2027. White n Nichols Paper & Supply Co. expanded its pres- ity, 65 employees and eight press lines. The com- ucts includes manual toothbrushes, power toothbrush Plains, N.Y.-based Fortistar LLC owns the remain- ence in northeastern Ohio with the acquisition of pany employs 3,500 people at 10 locations in North heads and handles, whitening strips, dental floss, den- ing 20-percent stake in Grayling Generation Station. Cleveland-based DawnChem Inc., a supplier of jan- America and Asia. Divesting the business allows tures and travel kits sold in more than 50 countries. n Marquette-based Great Lakes Radio Inc. has itorial and commercial cleaning supplies. The deal Great Lakes to focus on its core operations as a Ranir, which employs about 650 people, generated sold three radio stations and four radio translators was the latest for the Norton Shores-based Nichols, supplier of precision metal-formed products for $218 million in sales for 2018. The Ranir acquisition to an affiliate of Indianapolis-based MediaBrew a distributor of paper, packaging and sanitary sup- the appliance, automotive and consumer prod- closed July 2; the deal with PetIQ closed July 8. Communications LLC for $2 million, according to plies. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. ucts industries. Grand Rapids-based BlueWater n Rose Street Advisors LLC of Kalamazoo has a statement. Great Lakes Radio will retain six of its n Charlotte-based Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq: Partners LLC served as financial adviser to Great acquired Kalamazoo-based HRM Innovations LLC, properties after the deal. SPAR) is expanding its manufacturing operations Lakes, which was advised on the deal by the law firm a human resources consulting and training firm. The n Grand Rapids-based iEducation Group, formerly into the West Coast with the asset purchase of of Dickinson Wright PLLC. acquisition adds to Rose Street Advisors’ services, known as Fusion Education Group, an opera- Montebello, Calif.-based General Truck Body Inc., n Holland-based Louis Padnos Iron and Metal which include investments and retirement planning, tor of private middle schools and high schools that a maker of truck bodies, refrigerated trucks, stake Co. has acquired Howell-based Regal Recycling group employee benefits and life/disability insur- offer personalized education, has acquired Futures body trucks and other vehicles, according to a state- Inc. The deal will add two Southeast Michigan loca- ance. HRM Innovations founder and Chief People Academy of California. The transaction and forma- ment. The company joined Spartan Motors’ Fleet tions to Padnos’ portfolio. Padnos will operate Regal Officer Kevin Brozovich joins Rose Street Advisors’ tion of Grand Rapids-based iEducation Group as a Vehicles and Services business unit and operates Recycling’s Howell operations, while partner firm GLR staff as a people adviser, working with Erin Markel parent company creates a single large operator of under the Utilimaster brand. Terms of the deal were Advanced Recycling, of which Padnos acquired a to grow the new HR consulting division. Terms of the three individual school groups that includes Futures, not disclosed. Spartan Motors expects the deal to “significant” stake in August 2018, will run the com- deal were undisclosed. Fusion and Barnstable Academy in New Jersey. Terms be accretive to earnings on an annual basis in 2020. pany’s Whitmore Lake site, according to a statement. n South Bend, Ind.-based Teachers Credit Union of the deal were not disclosed. iEducation Group is n Grand Rapids-based Tech Defenders has Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Padnos now plans to acquire New Buffalo-based New Bancorp backed financially by Leeds Equity Partners LLC, acquired Bowling Green, Ohio-based Device Renew operates 19 locations in Michigan and Indiana. Inc. (OTC: NWBB), the parent company of New a New York City-based private equity firm. LLC, according to a statement. Device Renew, an n Wyoming-based Robert Allen Home and Buffalo Savings Bank, in a cash deal valued at n Allworth Financial acquired Grandville-based I.T. asset disposi- Garden, an alias of Robert Allen JHK Inc., will relo- $21.3 million. Under the deal, Teachers Credit Union investment firm Blueprint Financial LLC. The deal tion company, had cate to Syracuse, Neb. following a sale to Headwind will acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of for Blueprint Financial, which manages approximately been a customer Consumer Products. Robert Allen Home and New Buffalo Savings Bank for $28.42 per share. The $80 million of client assets, expands the Sacramento, of Tech Defenders. Garden, which had operated from 4240 Roger B. deal was approved by New Bancorp shareholders on Calif.-based Allworth Financial’s Midwest reach and The deal will provide resources to the Ohio company Chaffee Blvd. SE, is a maker of designed pottery Oct. 22 and is expected to close in the first quarter to more than $4 billion. to meet its growth strategy, according to a state- planters and products made from recycled vehicle of 2020, pending regulatory approval. New Buffalo The acquisition also was Allworth Financial’s fourth ment. Device Renew CEO Michael Oberdick will parts. The deal with Headwind, a division of Glenn Savings Bank has three offices in Berrien County. deal in a little more than a year. now serve as senior director of business develop- Family Inc., will double the company’s business and n Buchanan, Mich.-based G. P. Manufacturing ment for Tech Defenders, an asset disposition and expand its product offerings. Headwind makes rain Inc. has been acquired by Harbor Springs, Mich.- electronics repair company. Terms of the deal were gauges, decorative solar lighting and other outdoor based Central Industrial Manufacturing Inc., a JUNE not disclosed. products. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. certified woman-owned precision CNC machine n Mt. Pleasant-based Milan Supply Co., a sup- n Fuel distributor Crystal Flash has expanded n Traverse City-based High Street Insurance shop, according to a statement. Grand Rapids- plier of water well and wastewater equipment, was along the lakeshore with the acquisition of Kohley’s Partners, a provider of specialty commercial prop- based M&A firm Calder Capital LLC advised GP acquired by Ft. Wayne, Ind.-based Franklin Electric Superior Propane Inc. in Muskegon. The deal erty and casualty insurance, employee benefits Manufacturing on the deal, the terms of which were Co. (Nasdaq: FELE) for $5.9 million, according to a closed June 7 and is the 12th acquisition the Grand services, and personal insurance lines, acquired not disclosed. statement. Milan Supply generated around $22 mil- Rapids-based Crystal Flash has closed since 2011. the assets of independent Tompkins Insurance n KAM Marine Northport LLC, a division of lion in consolidated annual sales. The company will The deal adds more than 1,700 home heating custom- Agency Inc., also of Traverse City. Tompkins pro- Bloomfield Hills-based KAM Yacht Sales LLC, has join Franklin Electric’s Headwater Companies LLC, ers in the lakeshore market. Terms of the transaction vides specialized business and personal insurance acquired Northport Bay Boat Yard in a deal that a portfolio of groundwater distribution businesses. were undisclosed. Crystal Flash now has more than solutions throughout Michigan. Terms of the acqui- closed April 10, according to a report in Marine Dock Milan Supply operates six locations in Michigan, 280 employees with 15 locations across the state. sition were undisclosed. Age. The 35-acre Northport including Sparta, Traverse City and Grayling. n The acquisition of a Detroit-area third-party ben- n Grand Rapids-based Small Business Deal facility includes 135,000 square n Detroit-based business law firm Kotz Sangster efits administrator will give Priority Health a greater Advisors LLC brokered the sale of an A&W All feet of storage buildings with Wysocki PC acquired Rockford-based Van Eck ability to pursue business with employers that self- American Food Restaurant in Stansbury Park, Utah to wet service slips and employs Law PC, according to a statement. The deal adds fund their health benefits. Priority Health closed on an individual investor. Associate Broker Doug Yntema 12 people. Coral Gables, Fla.- a seventh office in Michigan for Kotz Sangster the deal for Southfield-based CAM Administrative led the deal for Small Business Deal Advisors through based Simply Marinas advised Wysocki. Attorneys Todd Van Eck and Haley Clough, Services Inc. July 1. The company, also known as the development of marketing materials, marketing of on the deal. plus office administrator Brittney Houseman, joined CAMADS, will continue to operate under its current the acquisition opportunity, and consulting through n Closet Concepts Inc., a Grand Rapids-based Kotz Sangster Wysocki as a result of the transac- name and business model. the negotiation, due diligence, and closing periods. designer, builder and installer of high-end stor- tion. They will continue to serve clients from the n Redford, Mich.-based Alpine Power Systems n Grandville-based West Michigan Dermatology age solutions, was purchased by a West Michigan- Rockford location and Kotz Sangster’s downtown Inc., a business-to-business supplier of backup has acquired The Dermatology Center of Grand based financial buyer. Michael Greengard of Praxis Grand Rapids offices. power, telecom, cable and motive power systems, Rapids PC, according to a statement. The acquisi- Business Brokers LLC and Grand Haven attorney n Paducah, Ky.-based Paxton Media acquired the purchased the assets of Grandville-based Battcom tion gives West Michigan Dermatology, with offices Mark Powers represented the seller. Grand Haven Tribune, the Tribune reported. Paxton Inc., a provider of industrial and commercial batteries in Grandville and Holland, a larger market presence. n Lansing-based Farm Bureau Insurance Media publishes more than 50 daily and weekly and chargers, in a deal that closed June 5, according The Dermatology Center of Grand Rapids operates of Michigan signed an agreement to acquire newspapers in the Midwest and South. They include to a statement. Battcom co-founder and President from an office at 750 E. Beltline Ave. Terms of the Cincinnati Equitable Companies, the parent The Herald-Palladium in St. Joseph. Paxton Media Larry Grimm will stay on with Alpine Power and deal were undisclosed. company of Cincinnati Equitable Life Insurance bought the Tribune’s website and digital operations, serve as senior sales manager for the West Michigan n Jackson, Mich.-based Dawn Food Products Co. and Cincinnati Equitable Insurance Co. the West Michigan News Review, and the newspa- region. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Inc., a bakery ingredient manufacturer, acquired a Cincinnati Equitable Insurance, founded in 1826 and per’s downtown office building. n Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE: mix facility in Burlington, Ontario and the Canadian headquartered in Cincinnati, sells property casualty n Laundry Tyme, a laundry service company based WHR) finalized the sale of its Vessi Fermentor brand sweet goods business of Ardent Mills LLC, a flour- insurance in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and in Douglas, sold recently to investor Brian Gowen. to 80West Labs, a Chicago-based milling and ingredient company. The deal expands Pennsylvania. Cincinnati Equitable Life provides life The company provides self-serve and full laundry firm. Vessi, a homebrew beer fermentation system, was Dawn’s business to the Canadian market. Terms of insurance in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, services in its retail spaces in addition to bulk linen launched by Whirlpool’s W Labs “innovation incubator” the deal, which closed June 21, were not disclosed. Ohio and Tennessee. Terms of the transaction were service for vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts and in May 2016. 80West Labs is a partnership between n Standish-based Forward Energy, a division of undisclosed. hotels in the area. Gowen plans to use the existing Prota Ventures LLC, an operator-investor group Forward Corp., acquired the propane division of

18 JANUARY 6, 2020 / MiBiz Visit www.mibiz.com Hirschman Oil Supply Inc. of Reese, Mich., east of materials, including composite lap siding, soffit, pan- n Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Co. is and entertainment guide that’s available at more Saginaw, according to a statement. The deal expands els and trim, to the western U.S. The company has selling a majority stake in the business to an affili- than 500 locations across the region, including in Forward Energy’s services to the Thumb region of manufacturing facilities in Bonner and White City, ate of Madrid-based Mahou-San Miguel Group. Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and along Michigan. Hirschman will retain its fuel oil business and anticipated annual sales of about $14 million. Under the deal, Founders Brewing, the 14th largest the lakeshore. The publication joins Serendipity’s and do business as Hirschman Oil. Terms of the deal Terms of the deal were undisclosed. brewery in the U.S. as of 2018, will be 90-percent other titles, which include West Michigan Woman, were not disclosed. n Sparta-based publisher Great American Media owned by Spain’s Best Beer Inc. The Mahou affili- After School Today, Groups Today, Teach & Travel, n Kalamazoo-based SalesPage Technologies Services has acquired three sports industry titles ate currently owns a 30-percent stake in the com- Travel Advisor and Broadway Spotlight. As part of the LLC acquired Advisor Atlas Inc., a data provider to from Ithaca, N.Y.-based MomentumMedia, accord- pany. Founders Brewing co-founders Mike Stevens sale, Revue Holding will change its name to MiBiz asset management and financial services firms. The ing to a statement. Coaching Management, Athletic and Dave Engbers each will retain a 5-percent stake Inc. acquisition gives Kalamazoo-based Advisor Atlas Management and Training & Conditioning will join in the brewery, according to state filings. The deal is n Pi Optima Manufacturing Inc., a Zeeland- greater access to asset managers that operate more the sports group at publisher Great American Media expected to close in January 2020. based machine shop that supplies the aerospace today in teams to serve clients. Advisor Atlas now Services. The company plans to combine Coaching n Stryker Corp. said it signed a definitive and automotive industries, is under new owner- operates as a division of SalesPage Technologies. Management and Athletic Management into a new agreement to acquire Mobius Imaging LLC, a ship. Kyle Snyder, general manager of the company Terms of the deal were undisclosed. title, Coach and Athletic Director. Terms of the deal Massachusetts-based advanced imaging technol- since 2017, bought Pi Optima from previous inves- n Standish-based Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. was were not disclosed. ogy company, for about $370 million in cash. The tor Jason Beecham, according to a statement from acquired by Easton, Pa.-based Victaulic Co. in a deal all-cash deal for Mobius Imaging includes sister Calder Capital LLC, a Grand Rapids-based M&A that closed July 8, according to a statement. The fam- company GYS Tech LLC that’s developing surgical firm. Huntington Bancshares Inc. provided financ- ily-owned Globe has manufactured fire sprinklers and SEPTEMBER robotic systems, according to a statement. Under ing for the transaction. Terms of the deal were not valves for 105 years. Globe President Steven Worthington n Grand Rapids-based Multi-Automatic Tool & the terms of the deal, Stryker (NYSE: SYK) could pay disclosed. remains in his role after the sale to Victaolic, which will Supply Co., a minority-owned wholesale distribu- another $130 million in contingent payments tied to n Wyoming, Mich.-based Midstate Security Co. bring “additional financial resources” to the company. tor of machine replacement parts, functional attach- development and commercial milestones. The deal LLC, an electronic security and monitoring systems Terms of the deal were not disclosed. ments, custom work holding products and cutting closed Oct. 21. firm, has been acquired by Santa Ana, Calif.-based tools, acquired Belding-based Belding Tool & n Charlotte-based Spartan Motors Inc. (Nasdaq: Allied Universal Corp., a security and facilities Machine, a CNC manufacturer of custom-made SPAR) continues to build its presence on the West services firm serving clients across North America, AUGUST parts, precision fixtures and details. Multi-Automatic Coast with the acquisition of Carson, Calif.-based according to a statement. Midstate Security gener- n Grand Rapids-based engineering firm Fishbeck, owner James Byl cited synergies created by the deal Royal Truck Body, a designer, manufacturer and ated more than $20 million in revenues last year and Thompson, Carr & Huber Inc. has acquired as “resulting in a more widely expanded and com- installer of service truck bodies, according to a state- employs 89 people. Terms of the deal were not dis- Northwest Consultants Inc., a civil engineer- petitive product offering.” The deal closed on July ment. Spartan Motors pursued the deal as part of closed. Midstate Security was advised on the deal ing firm in Toledo, Ohio. The deal gives Fishbeck 10. Multi-Automatic worked with New York-based its strategic plan to drive EBITDA margin, increased by Vertex Capital Corp. and Grand Rapids-based a broader presence in Ohio and a greater ability to Redtail Capital Markets as lead arranger. Detroit- revenue and geographic expansion. Terms of the law firm Rhoades McKee PC. serve clients in the Midwest. Northwest Consultants based Chemical Bank served as underwriter on the deal were undisclosed, but Spartan Motors said it n The assets of Grand Rapids Hydroponics Inc. has offices in Canton, Mich., Toledo and Dayton, deal, the terms of which were undisclosed. expected the acquisition will be accretive to earn- were acquired by Denver-based GrowGeneration Ohio, and Indianapolis, Ind. The company reached n Nashville, Mich.-based Kent Oil & Propane Inc., ings on an annual basis in 2020. Spartan Motors was Corp., a chain of specialty hydroponics and organic out to Fishbeck as it was going through its succes- a third-generation family-owned supplier of pro- advised on the deal by Grosse Pointe, Mich.-based garden centers. The company aims “to own and oper- sion planning process, which kicked off discussions pane and petroleum light oils, has been acquired Donnelly Penman & Partners Inc. and the Grand ate GrowGen branded stores in all the major legalized about the acquisition. Terms of the deal were not by Chicago-based Energy Distribution Partners, Rapids-based law firm of Varnum LLP. cannabis states in the U.S. and Canada,” according to disclosed. Grand Rapids-based law firm Rhoades according to a statement. Kent Oil serves more than n Jenison-based Ottawa Kent Insurance Agency a statement. The deal for Grand Rapids Hydroponics McKee PC advised Fishbeck on the transaction. 3,500 customers in central Michigan. The deal allows Inc. was acquired by Traverse City-based High marks GrowGen’s seventh acquisition in 2019, add- n Orlando-based Kustom US Inc. has acquired owner Jeff Hynes to retire. Terms of the deal were not Street Insurance Partners Inc., an insurance ing $8 million in revenue to the company, according Patriot Restorations LLC, a property restora- disclosed. The acquisition was Energy Distribution agency platform formed last year by Huron Capital to a statement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. tion services provider based in Michigan City, near Partners’ 25th transaction as the company scales Partners LLC, a Detroit-based private equity firm. n Grand Rapids-based TG Manufacturing LLC, Jackson, and with an office in Kalamazoo, where the up across a 10-state footprint. The acquisition was the sixth since June 2018 for a fully-integrated metals manufacturing company, company has operated since 2008. Patriot’s leader- n Allegan General Hospital became part of High Street Insurance. The 40-year-old Ottawa Kent acquired Turnkey Fabrication LLC, an integrated ship team, including Matt Snowden, George Newport Ascension Michigan on Sunday following the Insurance serves more than 10,000 clients through fabrication shop in Grand Rapids with laser, CNC and Cory Winslow, as well as the company’s produc- signing of a final definitive agreement. Ascension offices in Jenison, Sparta, Holland and Byron Center. brake press, machining, assembly and welding process tion and office staff will stay on under the new own- Michigan’s deal for the 25-bed Allegan General’s Principals in the agency remain active in the business capability. Turnkey Fabrication operates from and is ership, according to a statement. The deal will help parent health system, Allegan Healthcare Group and retained their positions, according to a state- headquartered in a 55,000-square-foot facility in Grand accelerate Patriot’s growth and provide the company Inc., includes the primary care medical group ment. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Rapids and supplies a diverse group of customers in with additional resources. Terms of the deal were Allegan Professional Health Services and the n Grand Rapids-based restaurant operator the gaming, industrial laboratory and defense indus- not disclosed. Allegan General Hospital Foundation. The acqui- Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. has added to its tries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. n Restaurant operator Meritage Hospitality sition extends Ascension Michigan, parent system to growing portfolio of Wendy’s restaurants with the n Winn, Mich.-based Morbark LLC, a maker of for- Group Inc. acquired the assets of 10 Wendy’s Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, further across acquisition of five Texas locations. The deal for the estry, tree maintenance, biomass, land management restaurants in Georgia and Texas. The company the West Michigan health care market. Terms of the stores in the cities of Odessa and Midland in Texas and recycling equipment, has signed an agreement expects the stores to add $17.9 million in annual deal were undisclosed. fit with the company’s five-year growth strategy to sell all of its outstanding capital shares to Seguin, sales. Meritage generated $435.3 million in sales n Ride the Tide Car Wash, an alias of Grand and expands its portfolio to 400 Wendy’s locations, Texas-based equipment manufacturer Alamo Group for all of 2018. Rapids-based Schlesinger Holdings Inc., was according to a statement. Meritage (OTCQX: MHGU) Inc. (NYSE: ALG) for $352 million. Morbark, which n Markel Corp., a Richmond, Va.-based holding acquired by Tucson, Ariz.-based Mister Car Wash, expects the acquired restaurants will add about $9.1 employs 720 people in Michigan, Ohio and Quebec, company for various insurance, reinsurance and according to a statement. Ride the Tide operated million in annual sales and for the deal to be accre- generated $225.5 million in sales for 2018. The deal investment operations, acquired a minority stake an express car wash location at 2775 10 Mile Rd. tive to earnings. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. closed Oct. 24. Morbark President Dave Herr will stay in The Hagerty Group LLC, a Traverse City-based NE in Rockford, north of Grand Rapids. With the n Workplace interiors dealer Custer Inc. of on with the company after the transaction. Private insurer of classic cars and high-end automobiles. deal, Mister Car Wash, a trade name of Car Wash Grand Rapids has acquired Fort Wayne, Ind.-based equity firm Stellex Capital Management LP has Markel disclosed the $212.5 million deal in a recent Partners Inc., now has 26 locations in the Michigan Productive Business Interiors. PBI, which was owned Morbark since 2016, completing two bolt-on regulatory filing and conference call to discuss its market. The consolidator of car washes nationally founded in 1982, will now operate under the Custer acquisitions. Stellex and Morbark were advised on second-quarter results. operates 308 locations in 21 states. name in the Indiana market with expanded services the deal by Baird and the law firm of DLA Piper. n Motus Integrated Technologies LLC, a n French Paper Co., a family-owned Niles-based and products. Custer, a family-owned Steelcase n A subsidiary of RDV Corp., the for Holland-based Tier 1 and Tier 2 auto supplier, has manufacturer of premium colored paper and enve- Inc. dealer partner, has the DeVos family, has acquired a stake in Sweden- signed a definitive agreement to buy Southfield- lopes for graphic design, specialty prints and gifts, served the greater Grand based private equity firm Nordic Capital. Terms based Janesville Fiber Solutions, a division of was recently acquired by Glens Falls, N.Y.-based Rapids area for more of the investment by Ottawa Avenue Private Milwaukee, Wisc.-based Jason Industries Inc. Finch Paper LLC, according to a statement. The than 38 years. The com- Capital LLC were undisclosed. In an announce- Janesville Fiber produces high-performance engi- company will continue to operate separately from pany also maintains a presence in Kalamazoo and ment, Nordic Capital described the investment as neered acoustical and thermal fiber solutions for a Finch Paper, a platform company of private equity Holland. The transaction for PBI closed on Sept. 1. Ottawa Avenue Private Capital acquiring “a passive variety of automotive uses. The deal closed Aug. 30. firm Atlas Holdings LLC. Terms of the deal were Terms of the deal were not disclosed. minority equity interest” that will strengthen its bal- Terms were not disclosed. not disclosed. n Mobile video technology manufacturer Pro- ance sheet, enabling the firm to “further invest in its n A subsidiary of Kalamazoo-based Stryker n Traverse City-based Schmuckal Oil Co., a family- Vision Video Systems Inc. of Byron Center has businesses.” A spokesman for RDV Corp. declined Corp. (NYSE: SYK) signed a definitive agreement owned operator of 25 gas station convenience stores been acquired by JMC Capital Partners, a Boston- comment, other than tell MiBiz via email that “as a to acquire the shares of TSO3 Inc. (TSX: TOS), a in the northern and western Lower Peninsula, has based private equity fund. Founded in 2003, Pro- matter of company policy, we do not provide insights Quebec-based developer of sterilizing equipment for sold its assets to Brecksville, Ohio-based True North Vision designs, produces and installs rear vision and regarding our investing strategy.” medical devices, according to a statement. Stryker’s Energy LLC, according to a statement. True North video recording systems, body cameras and video n An affiliate of Grand Rapids-based Universal 9402-4874 Québec Inc. subsidiary will pay 43 cents a Energy is a joint venture formed in 1999 between management software for commercial, law enforce- Forest Products Inc. (NASDAQ: UFPI) acquired share for the outstanding shares of TSO3. The deal, the Lynden family and the Shell Oil Co. Schmuckal ment and transit customers. Terms of the deal were Hartford, Wis.-based Pallet USA LLC, expanding valued at $57.1 million, closed Oct. 1. Oil worked with Matrix Capital Markets Group not disclosed. JMC Capital Partners focuses its Universal’s industrial product capacity and services n An affiliate of Grand Rapids-based Universal Inc., an independent investment bank based in investment strategy on companies with $5 million in the Midwest. Pallet USA operates one facility Forest Products Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) acquired Richmond, Va., on the structured sale of the family to $35 million in revenues in the lower middle market that manufactures pallets and crates. The company the operating assets of Northwest Painting business, which also included a small wholesale fuel industrial product and technology sectors. also distributes industrial lumber and sheet stock Inc. of Missoula, Mont. The deal includes affili- and transportation business. Minneapolis, Minn.- n Grand Rapids-based Revue Holding Co., the and provides services such as heat treating, pal- ates of Northwest Painting that do business as based Winthrop & Weinstine PA served as legal parent company of MiBiz, has sold its Revue West let removal and recycling, custom product design, Northwest Factory Finishes in Bonner, Mont., and as counsel for Schmuckal Oil. True North plans to con- Michigan title to Serendipity Media LLC, a Grand delivery and managed inventory programs. Terms of PacificNorthwest Factory Finishes in White City, Ore. vert all the stores to Shell Oil and rebrand them as Rapids-based custom publisher and marketing firm. the deal were not disclosed. Northwest Painting supplies pre-painted building Truenorth. Revue West Michigan produces a free monthly arts See 2019 DEALS on page 20

Visit www.mibiz.com MiBiz / JANUARY 6, 2020 19 in traditional workholding systems. Terms were not dis- 2019 DEALS closed. Forkardt is part of Elmira, N.Y.-based Hardinge Continued from page 19 TRENDWAY CORP. ACQUIRED BY ILLINOIS Inc., a multinational machine tool builder. n Grand Rapids-based Star Truck Rentals Inc., n Cadillac-based Wedin International Inc. has MANUFACTURER a truck leasing and maintenance provider, acquired acquired PGM Products Inc., a Warren, Mich.- the South Bend, Ind.-based operations of Schilli based ball screw manufacturer, according to a ffice furniture maker Trendway Corp., a fixture in the Holland business community for Nationalease, according to a report in Crain’s Detroit report in Industrial Machinery Digest. The asset five decades, has been sold to Fellowes Brands, an Itasca, Ill.-based manufacturer of Business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. purchase also included all of PGM’s machinery, O office and technology accessories. n Jackson-based private equity firm Fresh Water which Wedin is relocating to Cadillac. Wedin, a Trendway will continue to operate from Holland, led by current Ventures closed on the acquisition of Marshall- machine tool drive component manufacturer, also President Bill Bundy. based Kidder Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. acquired the former assets of Modern American Chairman Don Heeringa, whose family bought the 51-year-old com- Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Formed early Ball Screw Manufacturing and PGM Ball Screw pany in 1973, plans to retire. this year, Fresh Water Ventures targets investments USA Manufacturing in the deal, according to the “We credit our lasting success of over 50 years to our incredibly tal- in small businesses in small towns and other rural report. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. ented and passionate employees and their unwavering commitment to markets across the state with the intent of maintain- n The Hagerty Group, a Traverse City-based our customers. We are pleased we have found a partner like Fellowes, a ing operations in their hometowns. insurer of classic cars and high-end automobiles, has four-generation family company, with common values and entrepreneur- n Holland-based Performance Plus Quick Lubes acquired the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, a ial spirit,” Heeringa said. “As I approached retirement, my desire was to has acquired Farmington-based Colonial Oil 25-year-old family-run car show in Greenwich, Conn. find a way to ensure the future growth and success of Trendway. I take Heeringa Exchange Inc., according to a statement. Performance Terms of the deal were not disclosed. great comfort in knowing that Trendway along with Fellowes ownership, Plus was advised on the deal by Small Business Deal will ensure the positive future of the company.” Advisers, an affiliate of Grand Rapids-based Calder OCTOBER Trendway, founded in 1968, produces office furniture systems, seating and movable walls. Capital LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. n Zeeland-based office furniture manufacturer Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Herman Miller Inc. plans to increase its ownership For the 102-year-old Fellowes Brands, which first expanded into office furniture through a DECEMBER stake in Denmark-based Hay A/S by an additional 2017 acquisition, the deal “advances Fellowes Brands’ strategic expansion toward broad business n Grand Rapids-based Service Express LLC has 34 percent. The $78 million deal closed in December, solutions that help professionals be at their best and feel their best,” according to a statement. been sold to Harvest Partners LP, a New York City- subject to closing conditions, according to a state- based private equity firm. Service Express, a data cen- ment. Herman Miller expects the acquisition to be ter equipment maintenance service provider, had accretive to earnings in the second half of its 2020 lead the company’s non-alcoholic product portfolio. Wendy’s stores in the Atlanta market. been a portfolio company of Charlotte, N.C.-based fiscal year. Herman Miller controls a 67-percent stake The acquisition follows the opening of a Traverse City n Office furniture maker Herman Miller Inc. has Pamlico Capital since July 2015. Service Express in the company. Founders Rolf Hay and Mette Hay Whiskey tasting room in Ferndale. acquired the remaining shares of U.K.-based furniture CEO Ron Alvesteffer and the management team will will retain a 33-percent stake. Hay generated approx- n New York-based private equity firm Seaport designer and manufacturer Naughtone for $46.1 mil- continue to lead the company and remain “significant imately $160 million in revenue in its most recent Capital announced it made a strategic investment lion. The deal, which closed Oct. 25, is expected to be owners of the business,” according to a statement. fiscal year, which ended in July. in Holland-based Rutherford & Associates Inc., a accretive to earnings by 1 cent to 3 cents per share in Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Rothschild & n Greatland Corp., a provider of W-2, 1099 and software provider for bottlers and beverage distribu- the company’s current 2020 fiscal year, according to Co. and William Blair & Co. LLC served as financial 1095 solutions, has acquired JAT Software Inc. of tors. The investment through the firm’s $230 million a statement. Zeeland-based Herman Miller (Nasdaq: advisers to Pamlico and Service Express, who were Bridgewater Township, N.J. The deal gives Grand Seaport Capital Partners V fund will go to support MLHR) previously acquired a 50-percent stake in represented by Alston & Bird LLP. Harvest Partners Rapids-based Greatland increased market share and further growth in Rutherford & Associates “to take Naughtone in 2016 for $12.4 million. was advised by Moelis & Co. and Harris Williams, expands its wage and information reporting product our business to the next level,” said founder Mike n Muskegon-based Conn Geneva & Robinson and was represented by legal adviser Kirkland & portfolio. JAT Software provides year-end reporting Rutherford. Along with Seaport’s investment, veteran CPA and Consultants PC merged with Grand Ellis LLP. Harvest Partners provided equity capital software, web applications and print services. All 15 technology executive Jim Clishem was named CEO of Rapids-based accounting firm Hungerford and arranged the debt financing for the transaction, current JAT employees will join Greatland and work Rutherford & Associates. Management at Rutherford Nichols CPAs + Advisors LLC. Partners Pete as well as arranged equity co-investment capital. from the current New Jersey office. & Associates remains in place, with Rutherford mov- Geneva and Rich Robinson and their firm’s staff n Grand Haven-based JSJ Corp. sold portfolio n Ownership of Lansing-based Marketing Resource ing into the role of chief technology officer. joined Hungerford Nichols, which also added Kim company Dake Corp., a metalworking equipment Group Inc., commonly known as MRG, recently tran- n TG Manufacturing LLC created a new division Taylor Tax and Accounting in the deal. Clients will and machine tool maker also based in Grand Haven, sitioned from founder Tom Shields to Jenell Leonard. to acquire Grand Rapids-based A2Z Coatings LLC, continue to work with the same staff. The transac- to Laguna Tools Inc. of Irvine, Calif. Terms of the The 40-year-old public relations firm that serves cor- a supplier to the automotive, material handling and tion raised Hungerford Nichols’ workforce to 102 deal, which closed Nov. 20, were not disclosed. Dake porate, political, nonprofit and private clients also gaming industries. The buyer will relocate the opera- professionals. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. had been a part of JSJ Corp. for nearly 80 years. JSJ moved its office to the Atrium Building located at 215 tions and employees to a powder coat line at a TGM Hungerford Nichols has offices in Grand Rapids, Corp. was advised on the deal by Grand Rapids- S. Washington Square, Suite F, in Lansing. Coatings LLC facility in Dorr. The company plans to Greenville, St. Joseph and Muskegon. based Charter Capital Partners and the law firm of n New York City-based Blackstone Group Inc. enhance the operations with the addition of automa- n Health information networks Great Lakes Health Miller, Johnson, Snell & Cummiskey PLC. Laguna is purchasing a 65-percent stake in Chicago-based tion systems to increase throughput and quality on Connect and Michigan Health Information Tools is a portfolio company of Rye Brook, N.Y.-based waterpark operator Great Wolf Resorts Inc. from the existing powder coat line in a “new phase” for Network Shared Services combined operations Hudson Ferry Capital, a private equity firm that Centerbridge Partners, according to a report in the group, according to TGM CEO Rich Achtenberg. at the end of 2019. Great Lakes Health Connect, invests in lower middle market companies. Crain’s Detroit Business. Blackstone and Centerbridge Terms of the deal for A2Z were not disclosed. formed in Grand Rapids in 2010 by a coalition of n Grand Rapids-based organic food delivery service plan to launch a $2.9 billion joint venture to operate West Michigan hospitals, will operate for a year as Doorganics LLC has been acquired by venture capital- Great Wolf, which owns a family resort in Traverse City. NOVEMBER a wholly-owned subsidiary of East Lansing-based backed GrubMarket Inc. of San Francisco, Calif. The n Carroll Capital LLC, a Greenwich, Conn.-based n Automotive supplier Yanfeng US Automotive Michigan Health Information Network Shared deal will allow Doorganics to use GrubMarket’s e-com- family office, has acquired Grand Rapids-based Interior Systems has entered into an agreement to Services, also known as MiHIN, as the two work merce network and supply chain as it works to expand Elevator Service LLC from owner Nate McFadden. sell the company’s Grand Rapids-area operations to out a final structure for their merger. Both nonprofit its service offerings across the Midwest, according to Carroll Capital partnered with the management team Green Light Growth Partners LLC, a new auto- organizations will maintain their present offices and a statement. Founder Mike Hughes and the leadership on the acquisition. Elevator Service maintains and motive-focused private equity firm in Bloomfield staffs in Grand Rapids and East Lansing. team will remain with Doorganics, which will keep its repairs elevators for clients in a market that cov- Hills. The business will be renamed and operate as n Sault Ste. Marie-based Sovereign Communica- Grand Rapids headquarters. For GrubMarket, the acqui- ers Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo Kendrick Plastics Inc. following the close of the tions LLC sold eight radio stations in Marquette and sition of Doorganics provides “another key step” in the and Battle Creek. The company looks to continue to transaction. The sale will include all assets and oper- Iron Mountain to Fond du Lac, Wis.-based Armada company’s national expansion plans, according to CEO expand its market share across Michigan and to add ations associated with the facility at 5050 Kendrick St. Media Corp., according to a statement. Armada Mike Xu, who called Doorganics “one of the premier on other independent businesses in attractive mar- SE in Cascade Charter Township. The plant employs owns the Bay Cities Group of stations in Marinette farm-to-table grocery delivery services in the Midwest.” kets. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Ice Miller 400 people and manufactures interior trim compo- and Menominee and the 10-station Radio Results Net- Terms of the deal were not disclosed. LLP and Baker Tilly advised Carroll Capital on the nents for the automotive industry and has injection work group in Marquette, Escanaba and Manistique. n Traverse City-based accounting firm Dennis, deal. Maven Group, Varnum LLP and Hungerford molding, paint and assembly capabilities. Honigman Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sovereign Com- Gartland & Niergarth PC acquired Hill, Nichols advised McFadden on the sale. LLP advised Green Light on the deal, the terms of munications continues to operate stations in Sault Ste. Schroderus & Co. LLP, an accounting firm based n Iroquois Hoods Inc., a Muskegon maker of labo- which were not disclosed. It’s unknown if the deal, Marie, Newberry and across the eastern U.P. in Petoskey, according to a statement. All staff mem- ratory furniture with a focus on custom fume hoods, which had been expected to close in December, had n Kalamazoo-based Edwards Garment Co. has bers at Hill, Schroderus & Co. transitioned to work was acquired by entrepreneurs Rick Claypool and Nate yet been completed as this report went to press. acquired Vancouver, British Columbia-based Bishop for the new firm, which is maintaining the Petoskey Thornton. Michael Gross, who acquired the company n Kalamazoo-based Stryker Corp. (NYSE: Custom Clothing, according to a report in Promo office. With more than 60 staff members, Dennis, in 2001, decided to sell so he could retire, according to SYK) plans to buy Wright Medical Group NV, a Marketing Magazine. Edwards Garment, a provider Gartland & Niergarth is now one of the largest CPA a statement. Gross plans to remain with the business Netherlands-based maker of orthopedic products of career apparel for the hospitality, restaurant, firms in Northern Michigan. to transition leadership. He connected with Claypool for the ankle, wrist, foot and shoulder, for $4 billion in casino, hotel, transit and security industries, will n Grand Rapids-based investor relations and pub- and Thorton through Grand Rapids M&A firm Calder cash. Directors at both corporations have approved keep Bishop’s operations in Canada as part of the lic relations firm Lambert & Co. has expanded into Capital LLC, which represented Iroquois Hoods in the deal. The corporations expect the deal to close in acquisition. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. the Southwest U.S. with the hiring and acquisition the transaction. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. the second half of 2020, pending regulatory approv- n Traverse City-based Forkardt Inc. has acquired the of a team of professionals based in Phoenix, Ariz. n Traverse City-based Traverse City Whiskey Co. als and the approval of Wright Medical shareholders. assets of the Soft Touch technology from Saginaw- The deal gives Lambert & Co. its second office out- acquired New York-based Cocktail Crate LLC, a n Grand Rapids-based restaurant operator Meritage based General Manufacturing Systems Inc., side of Michigan. The firm opened an office in New producer of non-GMO cocktail mixers, according to Hospitality Group Inc. (OTCQX: MHGU) expanded according to a statement. The deal, which closed in York City in 2018 and also has offices in Detroit and a statement. The deal will help Traverse City Whiskey its holdings in the Atlanta, Ga. market with the acquisi- October, will strengthen Forkardt’s workholding capa- Lansing. In Phoenix, 30-year public relations veteran boost the distribution of its non-alcoholic portfolio of tion of five Wendy’s stores. Meritage expects the stores bilities and portfolio of intellectual property to serve Michelle Olson brings to the firm a roster of clients products, which includes cocktail cherries. Terms of to add about $8.8 million in annual sales to the com- clients in the automotive and aerospace industries. in the automotive, mobility and real estate industries. the deal were not disclosed. Cocktail Crate founder pany and be accretive to earnings going forward. The The technology is used in aluminum die casting and for The Phoenix office will function as a platform for Alex Abbott Boyd has joined Traverse City Whiskey to deal complements Meritage’s existing portfolio of 39 thin-walled components that are at risk of deformation Lambert & Co. to serve markets on the West Coast.

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