“I can’t express how much Garrett, Drew, Nate, Clayton and especially Jake made the transaction as stress free as possible for me. This was an emotional decision for my family and me, but the Calder Team really made the whole transaction a lot less stressful for me than I anticipated.”
– Jim Snediker, Former Owner, Chicago Show, Buffalo Grove, IL (Seller)
“Jake and the Calder team ran a tight process. He was always available and kept things moving. I appreciated working with a team that was straight with me throughout, and Jim clearly chose the right partner to find a buyer who would take care of what he built.”
– Mike Hofmann, Owner, Chicago Show, Grand Rapids, MI (Buyer)
Transaction Summary
Calder Capital, a nationwide mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, is proud to announce the successful acquisition of Chicago Show, Inc. by individual entrepreneur Mike Hofmann of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Acquisition Story
Founded in 1902, Chicago Show is a specialized display merchandising partner serving customers in the food, automotive, and retail industries. Family-owned for four generations by the Snediker family, the company has built a reputation for helping brands bring products to market through concepting, design, engineering, and production management.
As Jim Snediker prepared for retirement, he engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team to identify a buyer who could build upon Chicago Show’s legacy, longstanding customer relationships, and proven merchandising programs.
When asked about his upcoming plans, Snediker commented, “After almost 50 years in the advertising display business, I’m ready to move on to more leisurely pursuits with my wife and family, like traveling and volunteering.”
Chicago Show’s engagement led to Calder Capital marketing and advising the sale of the business to Mike Hofmann.
Mike Hofmann is an operations and manufacturing leader with more than a decade of experience running businesses across Michigan. He was drawn to Chicago Show’s 124-year track record, its long-standing customer relationships, and the depth of its proprietary display and dispenser programs. With a background in manufacturing and engineering, Mike is focused on expanding Chicago Show’s customer base and building on the foundation Jim and his family created over four generations.
Hofmann shared, “Chicago Show has 124 years of customer trust built into it. That is not something you build from scratch. What excited me most was the depth of the programs already in place and the customer relationships that come with them. I am focused on expanding what’s working and bringing new partners into the fold. This business has a lot of runway.”
Calder Capital’s Transaction Team and Sale Process
Jake McDonald of Calder Capital served as the Lead Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor to Chicago Show. Serving as the Lead Analyst was Drew Woods.
Calder’s Sell-Side team generated strong market interest during the sale process, with 295 Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) distributed to qualified buyers, 18 indications of interest received, and a few letters of intent reviewed. Chicago Show was brought to market in September; the Letter of Intent was executed in December, and Calder successfully closed the transaction in May. The transaction closed within 9 months after going to market with Calder.
Snediker commented, “I can’t express how much Garrett, Drew, Nate, Clayton and especially Jake made the transaction as stress free as possible for me. This was an emotional decision for my family and me, but the Calder Team really made the whole transaction a lot less stressful for me than I anticipated.”
Hofmann said, “Jake and the Calder team ran a tight process. He was always available and kept things moving. I appreciated working with a team that was straight with me throughout, and Jim clearly chose the right partner to find a buyer who would take care of what he built.”
“Chicago Show is a rare example of a business succeeding through four generations of family ownership,” McDonald shared. “Jim built and preserved a lean, relationship-driven business, and Mike’s operational background and hands-on approach made him an excellent fit for the company’s next chapter.”
Max Friar, Calder’s Managing Partner, added, “Businesses like Chicago Show are among the most rewarding clients we serve. Jim built a remarkable fourth-generation family business, and it was an honor to help transition that legacy to capable new owners. I’m proud of Jake, Drew, and our Sell-Side team for finding a buyer who values the Company’s history and future potential.”
Calder Capital served as the Exclusive Sell-Side Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor to Chicago Show. Legal counsel for the seller was provided by Nate Russell of Rhoades McKee.
About Chicago Show:
Founded in 1902, Chicago Show helps brands create custom point-of-purchase displays, proprietary dispenser programs, and merchandising solutions for food, automotive, and retail customers. Family-owned for four generations, Chicago Show is known for developing creative display solutions and maintaining long-standing relationships with customers across multiple industries. To learn more, please visit www.ChicagoShow.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].
