“We were glad that we picked Calder Capital to represent us. Sam and Parker were proactive, transparent, and incredibly resourceful in identifying and facilitating this off-market opportunity.”
– Gian Carlo Alonso, CEO, AmeriKooler, Hialeah, FL (Buyer)
“The approach and organization displayed by Calder Capital truly impressed us. They kept communication flowing and respected our timelines. It’s clear they understand what it takes to bring deals across the finish line.”
– Iain Whyte, CEO, Innovative Foodservice Group, Tampa, FL (Seller)
Calder Capital is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Tarpon Stainless, located in Tarpon Springs, FL, by AmeriKooler, a subsidiary of Ark MFG, both based in Hialeah, FL.
AmeriKooler, led by CEO Gian Carlo Alonso, is a premier manufacturer of commercial walk-in coolers and freezers, serving a wide array of clients across the foodservice, hospitality, and industrial sectors. Seeking to expand its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings to better support its growing national customer base, Gian Carlo engaged Calder Capital’s Buy-Side team.
Tarpon Stainless, a subsidiary of Innovative Foodservice Group, specializes in the production of custom stainless steel kitchen equipment, primarily serving clients in the food service industry. Tarpon employs 14 individuals. Innovative Foodservice Group elected to divest the company to focus on its other portfolio holdings.
“This acquisition is a strategic step in scaling our operations with a partner that understands our market and complements our mission,” said Alonso. “We are thrilled to bring Tarpon Stainless under the AmeriKooler umbrella. Its specialized product line and existing customer base align well with our strategic goals. We look forward to enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and further strengthening our collective, strategic relationships in the food service space.”
Innovative Foodservice Group, represented by CEO Iain Whyte, divested Tarpon Stainless to streamline operations. “We are confident that AmeriKooler is the right partner to take Tarpon Stainless to the next level,” said Whyte. “This transaction enables us to sharpen our focus on our core businesses while ensuring Tarpon is set up for continued success.”
Leading the transaction on behalf of Calder Capital was Sam Scharich, Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor. Supporting the deal were Buy-Side Director Hannah Nabhan and Buy-Side Associate Parker Schaap from Calder Capital, who played a critical role working with both parties to ensure a smooth and timely closing.
This off-market acquisition was executed roughly six months after Ark MFG’s AmeriKooler began their engagement with Calder Capital.
“We were glad that we picked Calder Capital to represent us,” shared Alonso. “Sam and Parker were proactive, transparent, and incredibly resourceful in identifying and facilitating this off-market opportunity.”
Whyte, echoed Alonso’s sentiment: “The approach and organization displayed by Calder Capital truly impressed us. They kept communication flowing and respected our timelines. It’s clear they understand what it takes to bring deals across the finish line.”
“Tarpon was an excellent fit for AmeriKooler, helping them expand their manufacturing capabilities in their current end market,” said Scharich. “There are many synergies with the customer base. With this acquisition, AmeriKooler can now offer a broader range of products and custom manufacturing services to existing clients. Both buyer and seller moved with impressive efficiency, closing the deal in just 60 days from LOI. We’re especially grateful to my colleague, Parker Schaap, for his pivotal efforts throughout the process.”
“This is exactly the kind of strategic match we aim to deliver for our clients,” said Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital. “Tarpon Stainless adds considerable value to AmeriKooler, and this transaction highlights the strength of our buy-side process, and our ability to source off-market opportunities en masse and get deals to the finish line in short order.”
Calder Capital served as the exclusive Buy-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to AmeriKooler. Legal counsel for the buyer was provided by Rikki Lober Bagatell, Partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP, and financial due diligence support was conducted by Ryan McCaslin of EHTC.
About Tarpon Stainless:
Tarpon Stainless, a division of Innovative Foodservice Group, designs and manufactures custom stainless steel kitchen equipment that serves the food service sector. The company is known for quality craftsmanship and reliability. To learn more, please visit https://www.the-ifg.com.
About AmeriKooler:
AmeriKooler, headquartered in Hialeah, FL, is a leading manufacturer of walk-in coolers and freezers with a commitment to precision engineering and customer satisfaction. The company delivers tailored refrigeration solutions for commercial and industrial clients across the U.S. To learn more, please visit https://www.amerikooler.com.
About Ark MFG:
Ark MFG, headquartered in Hialeah, FL, is a private holding company with a focus on acquiring and enhancing domestic manufacturing businesses in the lower and middle markets. Ark MFG takes a long-term, stewardship-oriented approach while investing in building stronger companies with thriving workplace cultures, happier employees, and deeper community engagement. To learn more, please visit https://www.arkmfg.com.
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations. To learn more, please visit http://caldergr.com.
