“We appreciated the opportunity to work with the Calder team and value their efforts in sourcing opportunities that aligned closely with our investment criteria. Throughout the process, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the types of businesses we seek to partner with. Empire quickly stood out as a compelling opportunity that fit within our strategy, and we’re excited about the potential to support the company’s continued growth.”
– Connor Heying, Director of Investments, Kompass Kapital, Overland Park, Kansas (Buyer)
Transaction Summary
Calder Capital, a nationwide mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Empire Heating & Air Conditioning of Decatur, Georgia, by Founders Home Service Group of Overland Park, Kansas. Founders Home Service Group is a portfolio company of Kompass Kapital, a single-family office based in Overland Park, Kansas.
The Acquisition Story
Founders Home Service Group, backed by Kompass Kapital, is focused on partnering with high-quality home service businesses through long-term, founder-friendly succession strategies. The Company seeks platform and add-on acquisitions that align with its people-first philosophy and long-term growth vision. Founders Home Service Group engaged Calder’s Buy-Side team to identify and execute on a strategic acquisition opportunity in the Southeast that aligned with its expansion strategy. Founders Home Service Group’s mandate was for a business specializing in plumbing, HVAC, or electrical services.
Connor Heying of Kompass Kapital shared, “We’re excited to partner with such a well-respected company and to expand Founders’ presence in the Southeast. Martin and Gila have built an outstanding business, and we look forward to building on that foundation while continuing to deliver top-tier service in the Atlanta market.”
Founded in 1985 by Martin and Gila Hoover, Empire Heating & Air Conditioning has earned a strong reputation across the Decatur and Metro Atlanta markets for dependable residential and light commercial HVAC services. Empire checked all acquisition criteria outlined by Founders Home Service Group: alignment in geography, perfectly in the middle of desired revenue and EBITDA ranges, and was within their desired industry, vertical, and end market.
Calder Capital’s Transaction Team and Sale Process
Matthew Baas of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Founders Home Service Group. Serving as Lead Director was Hannah Nabhan, and serving as Buy-Side Associate was Logan Granger.
Calder’s Buy-Side team generated 13 off-market seller introductions, leading to five client pursuits, two offers on unique businesses, and resulting in the successful acquisition of Empire.
Heying remarked, “We appreciated the opportunity to work with the Calder team and value their efforts in sourcing opportunities that aligned closely with our investment criteria. Throughout the process, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the types of businesses we seek to partner with. Empire quickly stood out as a compelling opportunity that fit within our strategy, and we’re excited about the potential to support the company’s continued growth.”
Baas shared, “Congratulations to the teams at Founders Home Service Group and Empire Heating & Air Conditioning. It was a pleasure to work with everyone, and I’m excited to see Empire’s continued success.”
Sam Scharich, Calder’s Buy-Side Managing Director, added, “Home services continues to be one of the most active and resilient sectors in the lower middle market, driven by largely non-discretionary demand, specialized labor, and strong buyer interest. While performance varies by subsector and operator quality, well-run businesses with recurring revenue and operational depth tend to perform through thick and thin. We’ve spent years advising buyers and sellers across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, so we understand what actually drives value in this sector.” Scharich continued, “Founders Home Service Group stayed focused on fundamentals and long-term fit, and Calder’s buy-side process supported that discipline from day one.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Buy-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Founders Home Service Group.
About Founders Home Service Group:
Founders Home Service Group partners with high-quality home service businesses to create long-term succession plans that protect owner legacies while supporting continued growth. Backed by Kompass Kapital, Founders Home Service Group takes a collaborative, people-first approach to partnerships. To learn more, please visit www.FoundersHSG.com.
About Kompass Kapital:
Kompass Kapital is a single-family office with a privately held investment portfolio of passive and active investments, focused on long-term value creation and strategic partnerships. To learn more, please visit KompassKapital.com
About Empire Heating & Air Conditioning:
Empire Heating & Air Conditioning was founded in 1985 and provides residential and light commercial HVAC services throughout Decatur and the Metro Atlanta area. The company is known for its commitment to customer service, high-quality installation, and around-the-clock availability. To learn more, please visit EmpireHVAC.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.
