“The Calder team, and Shane specifically, were attentive, transparent, and truly cared about our legacy. We couldn’t have asked for better guidance through this important process and time in our lives.”
– Erik Ender, Co-Owner, Freedom Finishing, Benton Harbor, MI (Client)
“Calder’s team brought clarity to every stage. Shane’s industry insight and understanding of the Michigan and Illinois business environments ensured that the deal kept moving forward constructively.”
– G.R. Kearney, President, Acme Finishing, Elk Grove Village, IL (Investor)
Calder Capital is pleased to announce a successful investment into Freedom Finishing, Inc. of Benton Harbor, Michigan, by Acme Finishing Company, LLC of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
Founded in 1988, Freedom Finishing specializes in powder and electrocoating of ferrous and nonferrous metals. The company provides high-quality powder coating services for a wide range of products, including metal furniture, computer cabinets, bicycle and automobile parts, and more. Freedom Finishing serves clients across multiple industries, including automotive, military, appliance, recreation, furniture, and medical. Gloria and Erik Ender engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team as they began to think about their life after managing Freedom Finishing.
Acme Finishing, established in 1932, is one of the Midwest’s premier coating partners for major brands across automotive, appliance, and industrial markets. Headquartered just outside Chicago, Acme provides powder coating, liquid coating, screening, assembly, and kitting services for parts used by some of the world’s most trusted brands, including Ford, Toyota, Weber Grill, Hewlett-Packard, Eaton, and many others.
“After nearly four decades of growth and commitment to our customers and employees, we knew it was time for the next chapter in our lives and in the growth of Freedom Finishing. We’re proud to formally partner Freedom with Acme, whose track record and integrity ensure our people and customers remain in great hands,” stated Gloria Ender, Owner of Freedom Finishing.
“Freedom Finishing’s reputation for quality and speed in the automotive market in Michigan is unmatched,” shared G.R. Kearney, President of Acme Finishing. “We’re thrilled to partner with Erik and Gloria. From the moment we met them, we felt a shared sense of values and commitment to both customers and employees. We’re thrilled to be able to continue to build on Erik and Gloria’s legacy.”
Shane Kissack of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Freedom Finishing. Serving as Lead Analyst was Riley Hagen of Calder Capital.
“The Calder team, and Shane specifically, were attentive, transparent, and truly cared about our legacy,” Erik Ender reflected. “We couldn’t have asked for better guidance through this important process and time in our lives.”
“Calder’s team brought clarity to every stage,” added Kearney. “Shane’s industry insight and understanding of the Michigan and Illinois business environments ensured that the deal kept moving forward constructively.”
“The partnership is a great strategic fit that allows Erik and Gloria to begin retirement plans while intertwining the legacy of the company with a well-known Chicago-based powder coater,” stated Kissack. “It was a privilege to help Erik and Gloria retire confidently while positioning Freedom for continued success with Acme.”
Garrett Monroe, Sell-Side Managing Director at Calder Capital, commented, “Calder was thrilled to help the Enders achieve a transition that preserved the company’s legacy while enabling continued growth under Acme. The industrial finishing space continues to see high strategic demand from regional strategics, and this deal underscores Calder’s strength in facilitating those matches.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Freedom Finishing, Inc.
About Freedom Finishing:
Founded in 1988, Freedom Finishing provides industrial powder coating and electrocoating services to customers in the automotive, appliance, military, medical, and furniture industries. The company operates a 60,000-square-foot production facility in Benton Harbor, Michigan, focused on quality assurance, continuous improvement, and rapid turnaround times. To learn more, please visit https://www.FreedomFinishing.com.
About Acme Finishing:
Established in 1932, Acme Finishing is a Chicago-area industrial coating company specializing in powder coating, liquid coating, screening, assembly, and kitting services. Operating from two facilities totaling 125,000 square feet, Acme partners with leading global brands across diverse industries. To learn more, please visit https://www.AcmeFinishing.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.
