“Collin and the Calder team were responsive, straightforward, and genuinely invested in finding a great outcome for Big Rock Holdings. Throughout the qualification process, they kept both sides moving, told us the truth even when it wasn’t what we wanted to hear, and got us to a close that everyone feels good about. We’d work with them again tomorrow.”
– Big Rock Holdings, Austin, TX (Buyer)
“Since first being contacted by Collin Hicks with Calder Capital, the process has been direct and simple. An initial introduction to Dustin with Big Rock Holdings was made to explain the process along with what would be expected from both parties if the acquisition was to go through. Calder Capital has been very accommodating in this process in answering any questions I had as well as providing prompt/professional direction as to what was needed from KDR Services for every step from start to finish. Over the past couple of years I have been contacted by several other companies regarding a possible acquisition and highly recommend Calder Capital.”
– Ken Jahns, Sr., Founder and Co-Owner, KDR Services, Austin, TX (Seller)
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Transaction Summary
Calder Capital, a nationwide mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of a majority interest in KDR Services, LLC of Austin, Texas, by Big Rock Holdings.
The Acquisition Story
Big Rock Holdings is a privately held investment company led by experienced operators with complementary backgrounds in business leadership, finance, acquisitions, capital markets, and technology-enabled growth. Big Rock Holdings engaged Calder Capital’s Buy-Side team to identify a services company with management in place, located in select states within the Central U.S.A.
Big Rock Holding’s engagement led to Calder Capital sourcing and facilitating the majority stake acquisition of KDR Services.
Founded in 2002, KDR Services is a veteran-founded electrical contractor serving businesses, property-management companies, general contractors, and residential customers throughout the Austin, Texas market. Upon being contacted by Calder Capital, owner Ken Jahns, Sr. expressed he was considering retirement and was open to a transition that would preserve KDR’s employees, customer relationships, and reputation while creating opportunities for continued growth. To offer continuity through the transaction and to support Big Rock Holdings moving forward, Kendyl Jahn Jr. is retaining minority ownership interest.
Big Rock Holdings wrote of the partnership sharing, “Ken and Kendyl built a business that Central Texas general contractors trust, with a team that does the work right. That’s exactly what we look for. They keep ownership, they keep running KDR, and we bring capital, technology, and a partner who’s in it for the long haul. We think there are a lot of owners across Texas who want that kind of deal, and this is the first of many.”
Jahns, Sr. shared, “I will be staying on as the CEO and Lead Estimator for KDR Services and this new partnership. With the massive growth taking place in the Austin market, this should not only be great for the company but also for the current/future employees. Looking forward to watching what we have built over the past 24 years grow into one of the premier electrical contractors in this area.
Jahns, Sr. continued, “Dustin and Aaron with Big Rock Holdings have both been very accommodating, understanding and professional to work with. In the initial meeting with Dustin it was made very clear to me as to exactly what they were looking for, how the acquisition would affect KDR Services and what would be expected once a deal was finalized. Both Aaron and Dustin have specific knowledge/experience in their part of this process and have made the overall experience pleasant from day one. Since the final closing Big Rock Holdings has kept true to their word and have been very helpful in working with the KDR staff in helping with updating our current website, finding a larger office to allow for growth and updating processes to make everyday operations better for us all. Knowing what it is like to start and build your own company from the ground up I am very appreciative to have found a partnership that in my opinion will be great for the continued name and reputation that KDR Services has always strived for in the Austin market.”
Calder Capital’s Transaction Team and Sale Process
Jim Oren of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Big Rock Holdings. Serving as Lead Director was Parker Schaap and the Lead Associate was Collin Hicks of Calder Capital.
Calder’s Buy-Side team generated 22 off-market seller introductions, leading to three client pursuits and one offer, resulting in the successful acquisition of a majority stake in KDR Services.
In Big Rock Holding’s statement, they noted “Collin and the Calder team were responsive, straightforward, and genuinely invested in finding a great outcome for Big Rock Holdings. Throughout the qualification process, they kept both sides moving, told us the truth even when it wasn’t what we wanted to hear, and got us to a close that everyone feels good about. We’d work with them again tomorrow.”
Jahns, Sr. spoke of Calder Capital saying, “Since first being contacted by Collin Hicks with Calder Capital, the process has been direct and simple. An initial introduction to Dustin with Big Rock Holdings was made to explain the process along with what would be expected from both parties if the acquisition was to go through. Calder Capital has been very accommodating in this process in answering any questions I had as well as providing prompt/professional direction as to what was needed from KDR Services for every step from start to finish. Over the past couple of years I have been contacted by several other companies regarding a possible acquisition and highly recommend Calder Capital.”
Oren shared, “KDR was an especially strong match for Big Rock Holdings. Our Buy-Side team identified the opportunity and assessed the strategic fit; we couldn’t be any happier for Aaron and Dustin as the business satisfied all their geographic, financial, industry, and management criteria.”
Sam Scharich, Calder’s Buy-Side Managing Director, added, “KDR has served the Austin market for more than two decades, and its experienced employees, established customer relationships, and reputation for dependable electrical contracting made it a compelling investment opportunity. Jim Oren, Parker Schaap, and Collin Hicks did an outstanding job guiding Big Rock Holdings through the acquisition process. Calder Capital has extensive experience helping entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices identify and acquire electrical contractors and other service-based businesses, and we are pleased to have played our role in this new partnership.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Buy-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Big Rock Holdings.
About Big Rock Holdings:
Big Rock Holdings is a privately held holding company focused on acquiring and growing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors across Texas. Big Rock is not a private equity fund. It partners with founders and second-generation leaders of well-run trade businesses, providing owner liquidity while keeping existing teams, customers, and culture intact. Big Rock backs its operating partners with capital, technology, and disciplined operational support, and takes a long-term ownership approach rather than a buy-and-flip model. To learn more, please visit www.BigRockHoldings.us.
About KDR Services:
Founded in 2002, KDR Services is a veteran-owned electrical contractor serving commercial and residential customers throughout the Austin, Texas, area. Its capabilities include new construction and remodeling, electrical repairs and troubleshooting, emergency response, outdoor lighting, commercial property maintenance, generator and uninterruptible power supply services, and electrical control-device installation and repair. To learn more, please visit www.AustinElectricalService.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.
Notice: Calder Capital, LLC is not affiliated with any similarly named organizations or entities. To verify communications from our firm, visit our website or contact [email protected].
