“The Calder Team excelled at identifying qualified buyers and worked diligently to overcome obstacles, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.”
– Mike Coyne, Former Owner, Cella Building Company, Grand Rapids, MI (Seller)“It was a great experience working with Rick and the Calder Capital team. Rick was a true partner throughout the process and deeply invested in achieving a successful outcome for everyone involved.”
– Steve Achram, Owner, Cella Building Company, Grand Rapids, MI (Buyer)
Calder Capital, a nationwide Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory firm, is thrilled to announce the successful sale of Cella Building Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Individual Entrepreneur Steve Achram of East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Founded in 1996, Cella Building Company has built a strong reputation for high-performance design and construction within diverse, urban environments. Cella’s team specializes in pre-construction planning, development and design, construction management, and consulting, serving clients across both commercial and residential sectors. Owners Mike Coyne and Peter Skornia engaged Calder Capital’s sell-side team to identify an acquirer aligned with the Company’s commitment to sustainability, employee well-being, client satisfaction, and to offer Mike the ability to retire, while giving Peter the ability to remain a leader at the company.
Steve Achram, a licensed engineer with over 23 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams across public and private sectors, brings deep operational and project management expertise to his new role. His career spans traditional and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects, including commercial, industrial, and renewable energy initiatives, with a consistent record of delivering results across budget, schedule, and quality metrics.
Coyne commented, “I’m incredibly proud of the Cella team and the meaningful work we’ve accomplished together, especially our efforts to expand housing stock in Grand Rapids, support emerging developers, and address housing needs in underserved markets. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the community through purpose-driven construction. I will remain a managing member of 730 Leonard Street Partners LLC and W&S Development Partners LLC, and I look forward to continuing those important projects.”
“I’ve always respected Cella’s approach to sustainable design,” stated Achram. “I’ve been looking for an opportunity to invest in the right companies, and when I got connected with them and performed due diligence, I just got really excited. I was really impressed from day one with their talented team.”
Rick Purcey of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Cella Building Company. Serving as Lead Analyst was Nick Browning of Calder Capital.
The engagement lasted 11 months from start to finish. Over 109 CIMs were distributed to qualified buyers upon going to market. Within weeks of going to market, the sellers recognized that Achram stood out as the preferred successor of Cella.
Coyne commented, “The Calder Team excelled at identifying qualified buyers and worked diligently to overcome obstacles, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.”
Achram shared, “It was a great experience working with Rick and the Calder Capital team. Rick was a true partner throughout the process and deeply invested in achieving a successful outcome for everyone involved.”
“Early on in the process, Steve really stood out to Mike, Peter, and me,” stated Purcey. “In the course of doing deals, sometimes the unpredictable can happen. I am extremely grateful to have worked with two tremendous parties who stayed the course and were flexible with terms, timing, and structure.”
“Our team has earned a consistent track record of successfully closing construction M&A transactions across the Midwest,” shared Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital. “We were proud to help Mike, Peter, and Steve position Cella for continued growth, as Mike retires, Peter offers continuity, and Steve brings new leadership.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Cella Building Company. The seller’s attorney was Lindsey Pianowski of Sanders Pianowski LLP, and the buyer’s attorney was Adam Sheridan of Sheridan Law PLC.
About Cella Building Company:
Cella Building Company is a premier full-service construction company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a focus on sustainable, high-performance projects. Guided by its Triple Bottom Line philosophy, the company integrates economic, social, and environmental values across every build. Cella specializes in pre-construction planning, development, design, and construction management services. To learn more, please visit www.CellaGR.com/.
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.
