Brad Morrill, Founder of Morrill Enterprises, recently shared his experience working with Calder Capital’s Buy-Side team to acquire Richfield Trailer Supply, a Michigan-based wholesale distributor and retail operation specializing in trailer and RV parts and accessories. Calder served as Morrill’s exclusive Buy-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor in the transaction.
After deciding to conduct a full-time search for an established Michigan business, Brad Morrill engaged Calder to help identify and pursue off-market acquisition opportunities. In his testimonial, he discusses Calder Capital’s deal flow, the value of Calder’s Buy-Side team structure and approach, and the resources required to consistently source opportunities outside the traditional marketplace. Brad also shares advice for prospective buyers considering an acquisition search throughout sourcing, valuation, negotiation, and due diligence.
Watch the testimonial to hear Brad’s perspective on navigating an acquisition search with Calder’s Buy-Side team, and ultimately acquiring Richfield Trailer Supply.
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Key Takeaways
- Brad chose Calder after researching M&A advisors and finding that its sourcing resources, existing network, technology, and transaction support aligned with what he needed as a buyer.
- Brad valued Calder’s team approach, with distinct responsibilities across sourcing, managing the overall search, and supporting negotiations and transaction execution.
- Regular meetings with his Buy-Side team helped Brad and Calder stay aligned on active targets and the status of the acquisition process.
- For buyers seeking off-market opportunities, Brad emphasized the importance of consistent direct outreach to business owners rather than relying solely on businesses already offered for sale.
About Brad Morrill’s Acquisition of Richfield Trailer Supply
Brad Morrill, Founder of Morrill Enterprises, began a search to acquire an established Michigan business in the distribution or services sectors. Seeking a company with a strong operating history, limited customer concentration, and growth potential, Brad engaged Calder Capital’s Buy-Side team to assist with his acquisition search.
Calder’s Buy-Side team generated 66 off-market seller introductions, leading to 34 client pursuits, offers on five unique businesses, and resulting in the successful acquisition of Richfield Trailer Supply.
Richfield Trailer Supply is a Michigan-based wholesale distributor and retail operation specializing in trailer and RV parts and accessories. Founded in 1955, the company operates locations in Flint, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, Michigan.
Read the full press release on Morrill Enterprises’ acquisition of Richfield Trailer Supply here>>>
Buy-Side M&A Advisory
Why work with Calder’s Buy-Side Team?
Calder serves as a Buy-Side M&A advisor and provides acquisition search services to serious buyers with clearly defined acquisition criteria. Calder does all of the heavy lifting: researching prospects, qualifying prospects, verifying ownership, confirming phone numbers and emails, reaching out directly multiple times solely on behalf of our client, and setting up a drip campaign so that your prospects are periodically and professionally contacted. Additionally, as requested, Calder will conduct business valuations, write LOIs, negotiate on behalf of our client, coordinate due diligence, and quarterback all steps to a successful closing.
Calder works with clients on a guaranteed basis, so if we don’t deliver, our clients don’t pay. Check out some of our current clients here.
If you enter your criteria here, our system will automatically alert you to any current or future sell-side opportunities we are representing that are of interest to you. Be advised, these engaged sellers are represented by us and are selling through a competitive bid process.
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About Brad Morrill:
In preparation of his acquisition journey, Morrill read “Buy Then Build” by Walker Deibel and The HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business by Richard Ruback and Royce Yudkoff, took Sleeping Giant Capital’s 10-week, 8-module course on how to acquire a business, and earned certificates in Private Equity Deal Process, LBO Modeling in the Lower Middle Market and Quality of Earnings in M&A and PE from Wall Street Prep.
Early in the engagement, Morrill noted on LinkedIn, “My current efforts center around working with [Calder Capital] to find companies that aren’t on the market but might be interested in selling in the right situation. After 9 weeks of active work, here’s what that looks like: Am seeing about 2 opportunities per week. Am choosing to ask 1 of those for a “first date” conversation. Conducted 6 first dates so far. Have mutually agreed with 2 of those to have a “second date” conversation. Have done 1 site visit that went well.” Morrill continued, “Progress is being made, I’m learning a lot, getting more efficient, and gaining more clarity about what I’m looking for with all of these interactions. Overall: having a blast!”
Prior to and after acquiring the company, Brad documented each step in his acquisition journey. His first post on working with Calder may be viewed here. The monthly posts regarding his acquisition may be viewed by clicking here, and his post-acquisition thoughts may be viewed by clicking here. Connect with Brad to stay up-to-date with him and Richfield Trailer Supply.
About Richfield Trailer Supply:
Founded in 1955, Richfield Trailer Supply is a Michigan-based wholesale distributor and retail operation offering trailer and RV parts and accessories. The company serves customers through locations in Flint, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, Michigan. To learn more, please visit www.RichfieldTrailer.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].