Aaron Sharabaika Joins Peakstone as Managing Director

June, 2025. Aaron Sharabaika is a Managing Director of Peakstone Group where he is responsible for deal origination and execution. Aaron has a distinguished track record of delivering capital optimization and alternative exit planning strategies for family-owned and founder-led businesses, such as private sale, IPO readiness, generational transfer, and ESOP.

At Peakstone, Aaron is primarily focused on merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory and capital sourcing. As a senior investment banker, his M&A experience encompasses acquisitions, divestitures, management buy-ins, management buy-outs, recapitalizations, and strategic mergers. From a capital sourcing perspective, he has significant fundraising experience, both in private and public markets, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and private placement of debt, equity, and debt-equity hybrid securities.

Aaron currently serves on the board of directors as Treasurer of Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter, and as Treasurer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire. He also currently serves as a member of the advisory board for multiple privately-owned companies throughout the United States. In his free time, Aaron owns a ranch in southern New Hampshire and enjoys working on it with his wife and three children raising grass-fed longhorn cattle and other free-range livestock.

Aaron began his career in public accounting with KPMG in Chicago. He holds a M.S. degree in Accountancy from University of Illinois at Champaign and B.B.A. degree in Finance from Loyola University Chicago.

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising for middle market clients. The team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Peakstone Advises Thillens on Sale to Edessa Growth Partners

May, 2025. Peakstone Group, a leading middle market investment bank, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Thillens in connection with its recently completed sale to Edessa Growth Partners, a search fund led by Resit Melik, who will step in as the new CEO of the company.

Mr. Melik said, “This marks the culmination of a journey that started nearly two years ago, driven by a childhood dream to build and lead a business. After screening thousands of opportunities and evaluating hundreds, I couldn’t be prouder to acquire a company with the legacy, reputation, and grit of Thillens.”

“Founded nearly 100 years ago, Thillens is a known and trusted brand that has reinvented itself multiple times, delivering mission-critical cash logistics and exceptional customer service. As I’ve gotten to know the team and our clients, I’ve been overwhelmed in the best way by the talent, professionalism, and deep pride that run through this organization. This is not just a transaction. It’s a long-term commitment to the people, to the clients and to the brand, and to building something enduring.”

Darren Norkett, CEO of Thillens, said, “Navigating the sale of Thillens was a complex process, and having the Peakstone team, led by Steve Royko, made all the difference. Their expertise and unwavering dedication ensured that every aspect of the transaction was handled with precision and care. From structuring the deal to guiding us through negotiations, Peakstone demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and knowledge. Their ability to anticipate challenges and proactively address them gave us confidence at every stage.”

Founded in 1932 in Chicago, Thillens is the Midwest’s largest independent armored service provider. Thillens provides a highly differentiated combination of logistics offerings, technological innovations, and attentive customer service that are difficult for competitors to replicate. The Company primarily serves customers in the financial services, gaming, and retail industries with strong growth opportunities in adjacent markets due to the unique business model of Thillens. The Company currently operates 7 branches in Illinois and Wisconsin, with a further two scheduled to open in  2025.

 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For additional information, please contact:

Alex Fridman, Managing Partner, 312-346-7303, alex@peakstone.com

Steve Royko, Managing Director, 608-236-4490, sroyko@peakstone.com

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, advisory, and capital raising for middle market clients. Our team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com. To receive investment and proprietary acquisition opportunities, please register at www.peakzone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Peakstone Advises Northwest Packaging Inc. on Sale to Schwarz Partners

May, 2025. Peakstone served as exclusive M&A advisor to Northwest Packaging Inc. in connection with its sale to Schwarz Partners and its operating business, The Royal Group (TRG).

Northwest Packaging, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a manufacturer of custom packaging solutions, specializing in box manufacturing for a variety of industries, including retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and industrial. Northwest Packaging has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable packaging products tailored to the specific needs of its customers.

Schwarz Partners operates a nationwide portfolio of businesses across the packaging, paper, logistics, and recycling industries, producing approximately 6% of the U.S. corrugated goods market. The Royal Group, a subsidiary of Schwarz Partners, is one of the largest independent manufacturers of corrugated boxes and retail displays in the U.S.

Northwest Packaging’s President, Steve Durand, commented, “For many years, Northwest Packaging has been committed to providing our customers with exceptional, high-quality packaging solutions that meet their evolving needs. Partnering with The Royal Group will allow us to leverage their extensive resources and expertise to best serve our customers by expanding our capabilities and continuing to innovate in the packaging industry.”

Mr. Durand further commented, “We engaged Peakstone to find a partner that could build on our growth, while preserving the family-oriented culture we’ve worked hard to develop. Peakstone delivered on all fronts. We believe that Schwarz Partners is the ideal partner to support our vision and help us reach new heights.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For additional information, please contact:

Robert Meyer, Managing Director, rmeyer@peakstone.com

Nick Clementi, Managing Director, nclementi@peakstone.com

 

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, advisory, and capital raising for middle market clients. Our team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com. To receive investment and proprietary acquisition opportunities, please register at www.peakzone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Peakstone Advises IRMCO on Sale to FUCHS Lubricants

April, 2025. Peakstone served as exclusive M&A advisor to IRMCO in connection with its sale to FUCHS Lubricants, the U.S. subsidiary of Germany based FUCHS Group (FPE:XETR).

International Refining & Manufacturing Co. (“IRMCO”), based in Evanston, Illinois, is a manufacturer of high performing water based metal-forming and tube-bending lubricants for demanding manufacturing processes. IRMCO is a family-run company founded in 1914 with an international distribution footprint.

IRMCO’s CEO, Jeff Jeffery, commented, “For decades, IRMCO has grown and adapted to the ever-changing demands of the manufacturing markets, and we have always met and exceeded our customer’s standards through our advanced lubricant technologies. Integrating with FUCHS will further our reach of sustainable lubricant products for the metal fabrication end markets through the global FUCHS network.  We engaged Peakstone to find a partner that could build on the products, technology, and end markets served, while preserving the culture which we’ve worked hard to develop.  We believe that IRMCO aligns well with FUCH’s strategy to enhance its product technologies and provide customers with superior lubrication solutions.”

FUCHS America CEO, Keith Brewer, noted “At FUCHS, we are focused on improving the reliability, productivity, and profitability of our customer’s operations through product and process optimization. The acquisition of IRMCO will further reinforce our position as leading lubrication solutions provider to the industrial segment.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For additional information, please contact:

Mark Horita, Managing Director, mhorita@peakstone.com

Andrew Savarie, Managing Director, asavarie@peakstone.com

Michael Dobin, Associate, mdobin@peakstone.com

 

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, advisory, and capital raising for middle market clients. Our team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com. To receive investment and proprietary acquisition opportunities, please register at www.peakzone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Peakstone Advises Kalera on Sale to 80 Acres

April, 2025. Peakstone served as exclusive M&A advisor to Lactuca Holdings, LLC dba Kalera Inc.  (“Kalera”), a portfolio company of Sandton Capital Partners (“Sandton”), in connection with its sale to 80 Acres Urban Agriculture, Inc. (“80 Acres”).

Founded in 2010 and based in Aurora, Colorado, Kalera is a leading vertical farming company with three facilities strategically located in key geographic regions across the US. Kalera utilizes its proprietary technology, including plant and seed science, to sustainably grow local, delicious, nutrient-rich, pesticide-free, non-GMO leafy greens and microgreens year-round. Kalera is best known for its wide selection of microgreens and leafy greens, along with a “first-to-market” retail microgreens kit. Furthermore, Kalera has long-standing relationships with blue-chip customers in both the foodservice and retail channels.

Sandton is a New York-based firm that specializes in private debt and equity transactions for special situations in the middle market.

80 Acres is a vertical farming leader based in Hamilton, Ohio and operates indoor farms built with world-class technology and analytics by its Dutch-Israeli-American subsidiary Infinite Acres®. Using 100% renewable electricity and 95% less water per pound of produce, the company’s farms deliver pesticide-free, longer-lasting harvests while reducing food waste. 80 Acres’ branded salads, salad kits, herbs, microgreens, and tomatoes are available at over 1,500 retailers and restaurants across the US.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For additional information, please contact:

Eric Dziedzic, Managing Director, 312-346-7314, eric@peakstone.com

Dean Marshall, Managing Director, 412-506-0910, dmarshall@peakstone.com

 

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions, advisory, and capital raising for middle market clients. Our team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com. To receive investment and proprietary acquisition opportunities, please register at www.peakzone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Bob Dekker Joins Peakstone as Managing Director

April, 2025. Bob Dekker has joined Peakstone Group as a Managing Director in Chicago where he will be responsible for transaction origination and execution with a primary focus on the Food & Beverage space.

Bob has nearly 35 years of investment banking experience and has completed a broad range of M&A and capital raising transactions throughout his career.

Prior to joining Peakstone, Bob spent six years as Managing Director and Head of Food and Beverage Investment Banking for Balmoral Advisors.  Before joining Balmoral, Bob spent eight years with a boutique investment banking firm he co-founded, Insight Advisory Partners, that was focused exclusively on working with emerging growth companies in the food and beverage industry. Previously, Bob’s investment banking career spanned working with large regional and international firms including Prescott, Ball & Turben, The Chicago Corporation and ABN-AMRO, where he oversaw that firm’s private placement activities across North America. Bob also co-founded a successful real estate development company in Chicago during which time he was active on the Board of the Home Builders Association of Chicago and served two terms as its President.  Bob has been involved in a number of non-profit activities including seven years acting as a Super Mentor for the Good Food Business Accelerator where he coached founders of earlier stage F&B companies in the Chicagoland area.  He is also co-head of the Association for Corporate Growth’s food and beverage committee.

Bob is originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio and has lived in the Chicagoland area for over 30 years.  He is a graduate of Denison University with a BA in Economics.  Bob holds the FINRA Series 62, 63 and 79 securities designations and is also licensed as an Illinois Real Estate Managing Broker.

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising for middle market clients. The team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Adam Dunlap joins Peakstone as Managing Director

February, 2025. Adam Dunlap joins Peakstone as a Managing Director in Chicago, where he is responsible for originating and executing transactions. With close to a decade of investment banking experience, Adam has served as a trusted advisor on numerous successful M&A and capital raising transactions across the industrial, business services, technology, financial services and healthcare sectors.

Prior to joining Peakstone, Adam covered large cap and middle market private equity clients in the Financial Sponsors Group at Barclays where he executed complex financial transactions across M&A, leveraged finance and equity capital markets. Earlier in his career, Adam served as a trusted advisor to Board of Directors and senior management of the largest public and private companies in North America on all executive compensation and corporate governance topics.

Adam received his BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan and his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising for middle market clients. The team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Kevin Gould joins Peakstone as Managing Director

February, 2025. Kevin Gould is a Managing Director focused on Aerospace, Aviation and Manufacturing. He advises clients that are involved in all aspects of these segments, including component and systems manufacturers, assemblers and integrators, maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, engineering, test, certification, training and support service providers, and ancillary services.

Prior to Peakstone, Kevin was a Managing Director at Alderman & Company where he represented VisionSafe’s ownership group in the Stephens Group’s strategic investment in April 2024. At Alderman, he also engaged in valuation, fairness opinion and buy-side advisory engagements. Separately, as a manager and equity holder of Peregrine Avionics, he led the sell-side effort during Metrea’s acquisition of Peregrine in July 2024.

Kevin spent 30 years as an executive with various aerospace and aviation companies. As a president at Honeywell, he led resurrection of the iconic Bendix/King avionics product line. At Boeing Commercial Airplanes, he formed and led the Electrical Responsibility Center, designing and manufacturing all the electrical wiring and equipment in their airliners. At Piper Aircraft, he was a member of the executive team that turned around and sold the company, staying on as CEO after the sale. At ICON Aircraft, he prepared the company for a Chapter 11 filing including development of a strategic plan. At Eclipse Aerospace he ran the company, keeping it viable while it prepared for a Chapter 11 filing. At Adam Aircraft he set up the manufacturing operations for the newly certified A500 aircraft. With his deep operational experience in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, he provides unique insights and strategies to maximize value for his sell-side clients.

Kevin holds an MS from Stanford, an MBA from Harvard, a JD from University of Southern California, and a BA from Washington State University. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and is a licensed Private Pilot with an Instrument Rating. He and his wife reside near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and have two grown children.

About Peakstone

Peakstone is a leading investment bank that specializes in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital raising for middle market clients. The team is comprised of senior investment banking professionals who have decades of experience and have executed hundreds of transactions totaling billions of dollars. For additional information, visit www.peakstone.com.

 

Securities offered through Peakstone Securities, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. All investments involve market risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Information on this website is not intended to be a recommendation or specific investment advice. Securities or companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Investment decisions should be made based on an individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. Information on this website is intended for US residents only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer. Peakstone Securities, LLC is registered as a broker-dealer in the following states: Click here to see licensed states. The information provided does not constitute an offer to buy or sell in any jurisdiction to whom it is not lawful to make such an offer.
Business Continuity Plan

Peakstone Publishes Industry Reports

February, 2025. Peakstone’s industry reports can be accessed through the links below. We deliver sector knowledge, experience, and relationships to every client. Please contact us for additional information about our services.

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Update: Transportation and Logistics M&A Update – February, 2025

February, 2025

As of Q4 2024,the median transaction value in Transportation & Logistics was $18 million. As of Q4 2024, strategic buyers accounted for 92% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

–Fura closed its acquisition of Pinwheel Logistics at an undisclosed value in December 2024.

–BUYMA TRAVEL announced its acquisition of Formal Trans for $3 million in December 2024.

–Schneider National closed its acquisition of Cowan Systems for $390 million in November 2024.

–Stonepeak Partners announced its acquisition of Air Transport Services Group for $3.1 billion in November 2024.

–Jayud Global Logistics Limited closed its acquisition of LD Global Logistics at an undisclosed value in October 2024.