“Calder Capital was a trusted partner throughout the process. From the beginning, they took the time to understand not just the business, but what mattered most to me — finding the right next leader and owner based on our values at BEST. Before going to market, I appreciated working with Jared Friar on the Calder Capital 50 Value Factors and his assistance in creating a buyer score card. I am grateful to Brian Eick for his strategic advice, patience, creativity and professionalism throughout the process. Brian guided us every step of the way, ultimately helping us find a buyer who aligned with our values and vision for the future.”
– Tillie Hidalgo Lima, Former Owner, Best Upon Request Corporate, Mason, OH (Seller)
“The Calder Capital team was organized, responsive and great to work with. They provided clear guidance throughout the process and helped ensure a smooth transaction.”
– Cory McCruden, Owner, Best Upon Request Corporate, Mason, OH (Buyer)
Transaction Summary
Calder Capital, a nationwide mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, is proud to announce the successful acquisition of Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. of Mason, Ohio, by individual entrepreneur Cory McCruden.
The Acquisition Story
Founded in 1989, Best Upon Request is a national concierge provider that helps organizations take better care of their staff by offering convenience and errand-running services for busy employees, healthcare workers, hospital guests, patients, and patient families. In 2022, Tillie Hidalgo Lima handed off the day-to-day operations to the senior management team allowing her to transition into her role as Executive Chair. As Tillie began preparing for retirement, she engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team to plan her exit, increase the valuation of her company, and identify a buyer aligned with the Company’s values, culture, and long-term growth vision, while bringing additional resources to support its next phase.
Tillie noted, “I look forward to spending more time with my family and embracing this next season of my life with joy and gratitude. Best Upon Request has been such a meaningful part of my life for more than three decades, and I’m very proud of our people, our legacy and our reputation. I am confident the company is in great hands — with a strong leadership team and a new owner who deeply values our mission and culture.”
The buyer, Cory McCruden, is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience. McCruden stated, “I was drawn to Best Upon Request because of its purpose-driven foundation, strong culture and the trust it has built with clients. There was a clear alignment in values and vision, and an opportunity to build on an already solid foundation.”
McCruden continued, “What excites me most is the opportunity to build on something truly special — a strong team, meaningful client relationships, and a differentiated service model. I’m excited to continue growing the business and expanding its impact.”
Calder Capital’s Transaction Team and Sale Process
Brian Eick of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Best Upon Request. Supporting Brian in this transaction were Riley Hagen and Greg Weess of Calder Capital.
Calder’s Sell-Side team generated strong market interest during the sale process with over 220 Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) distributed to qualified buyers, 18 indications of interest received, and four letters of intent reviewed. Best Upon Request engaged Calder in April, was brought to market in July, the letter of intent was executed in September, and Calder successfully closed the transaction in January. The company closed within 9 months of engaging Calder; moreover, the final purchase price aligned with the upper end of Calder’s valuation of the company.
Tillie commented, “Calder Capital was a trusted partner throughout the process. From the beginning, they took the time to understand not just the business, but what mattered most to me — finding the right next leader and owner based on our values at BEST. Before going to market, I appreciated working with Jared Friar on the Calder Capital 50 Value Factors and his assistance in creating a buyer score card. I am grateful to Brian Eick for his strategic advice, patience, creativity and professionalism throughout the process. Brian guided us every step of the way, ultimately helping us find a buyer who aligned with our values and vision for the future.”
Cory remarked, “The Calder Capital team was organized, responsive and great to work with. They provided clear guidance throughout the process and helped ensure a smooth transaction.”
Eick shared, “It was a pleasure working with both Tillie and Cory. The connection between them was immediate, and the alignment of values and business acumen made for a perfect match. I am confident that the amazing company that Tillie has built will have continued success under Cory’s stewardship.”
Garrett Monroe, Calder’s Sell-Side Managing Director, stated, “Calder brought Best Upon Request significant buyer interest, and we are proud to have helped our client reach a transaction that closed at the top end of our valuation range within nine months of launching the process.” Monroe continued, “We’re proud to support service businesses like Best Upon Request in achieving successful, well-timed exits that protect value and set the stage for long-term growth.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Best Upon Request. Legal counsel for the seller was provided by Todd Wilkowski and Robert Hudson of Frost Brown Todd LLP, and accounting services were provided by Kent Owen of Plante Moran.
About Best Upon Request:
Best Upon Request Corporate, Inc. is a national concierge provider helping organizations support employees, healthcare workers, patients, and families through personalized concierge services. Founded in 1989, the company operates on-site, mobile, and virtual concierge programs across the United States and is a certified Women Business Enterprise. To learn more, please visit https://www.BestUponRequest.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.
