Update: Healthcare M&A Update – June, 2022

June, 2022

In Q1 2022, the median transaction value in Healthcare was $62 million. In Q1 2022, strategic buyers accounted for 90% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

– RIV Capital closed its acquisition of Etain for $247 million in March 2022.

– OptumHealth closed its acquisition of LHC Group for $6.4 billion in March 2022.

– An undisclosed Buyer closed its acquisition of Sunosi® of Jazz Pharmaceuticals for $53 million in March 2022.

– CompuGroup Medical Deutschland closed its acquisition of INSIGHT Health Group for $69 million in March 2022.

– Incannex Healthcare Limited closed its acquisition of APIRx Pharmaceuticals for $93 million in March 2022.

Update: Food and Beverage M&A Update – June, 2022

June, 2022

In Q1 2022, the median transaction value in Food & Beverage was $7 million. In Q1 2022, strategic buyers accounted for 88% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

– Hometown International (now Makamer) closed its reverse merger acquisition of Hometown International for $420 million in March 2022.

– Starfield Properties closed its acquisition of Shafer Vineyards for $250 million in February 2022.

– Viterra closed its acquisition of the Gavilon Agriculture Investment for $1.1 billion in January 2022.

– Monster Beverage Corporation closed its acquisition of Canarchy for $330 million in January 2022.

– Benson Hill closed its acquisition of ZFS Creston for $103 million in January 2022.

Update: Digital Commerce M&A Update – June, 2022

June, 2022

In Q1 2022, the median transaction value in Digital Commerce was $18 million. In Q1 2022, strategic buyers accounted for 100% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

– Betterware de Mexico closed its acquisition of Operations in Mexico and The United States of Jafra S.A. for $255 million in January 2022.

– PlantX Life closed its acquisition of Substantially All of the Assets and Assumed Certain of the liabilities of Peter Rubi for $3 million in December 2021.

– Emerge Commerce closed its acquisition of WholesalePet.com for $25 million in November 2021

Update: Consumer and Retail M&A Update – June, 2022

June, 2022

In Q1 2022, the median transaction value in Consumer & Retail was $32 million. In Q1 2022, strategic buyers accounted for 92% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

– General Motors Company closed its acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings

for $2.1 billion in March 2022.

– Bank J. Safra Sarasin closed its acquisition of Canoo for $69 million in March 2022.

– OEP Capital Advisors closed its acquisition of PGW Auto Glass for $362 million in March 2022.

– Apollo Global Management closed its acquisition of Tenneco for $7.6 billion in February 2022.

– Aaron’s Retail Solutions closed its acquisition of Interbond of America for $230 million in February 2022.

Update: Automotive M&A Update – June, 2022

June, 2022

In Q1 2022, the median transaction value in Automotive was $51 million. In Q1 2022, strategic buyers accounted for 95% of transactions.

Select recent notable publicly announced M&A transactions:

– General Motors Company closed its acquisition of GM Cruise Holdings

for $2.1 billion in March 2022.

– Bank J. Safra Sarasin closed its acquisition of Canoo for $69 million in March 2022.

– Apollo Global Management closed its acquisition of Tenneco for $7.6 billion in February 2022.

– Wasatch Advisors closed its acquisition of Holley for $34 million in February 2022.

– Cummins closed its acquisition of Jacobs Vehicle Systems for $325 million in February 2022.

Peakstone Advises Pet Factory on its Sale to Worldwise, a Portfolio Company of A&M Capital

April, 2022. Peakstone served as exclusive M&A advisor to Pet Factory, Inc. in connection with its sale to Worldwise, Inc., a portfolio company of A&M Capital Partners (“AMCP”), a middle-market private equity investment fund that is part of the A&M Capital platform.Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois, Pet Factory is a leading U.S. producer of high-quality pet chews and treats, and offers premium branded products for dogs through four core brands – CareChewz, Twistedz, Real Chewz and Combo Wrap Chewz. Pet Factory also offers a range of popular dog and cat toys alongside other pet accessories.Tom Miller, co-founder of Pet Factory, said, “Steve Royko and the Peakstone team’s guidance and professionalism throughout the entire transaction process was exemplary. They provided everything we could possibly expect from a business advisor. Their dedication to detail and advice along the way led to a successful conclusion which would not have happened without their involvement. Worldwise and A&M Capital will enable Pet Factory to flourish and grow new opportunities and we wish them great success.”Following the transaction, Greg Hill will continue to serve as President of Pet Factory while also becoming a senior member of Worldwise’s management team. Mr. Hill said, “We are excited to join the Worldwise team, to be integrated into a world-class platform, and to start the new chapter of Pet Factory.”Kevin Fick, CEO of Worldwise, said “With this acquisition, Worldwise gains a leader in the chew and treat space with strategic domestic manufacturing capabilities and strong customer relationships. The entire Worldwise team is thrilled to welcome Pet Factory to the family and to add their exceptional team to our platform. We also want to thank Tom Miller and Marco Corsi, who have been tremendous leaders of the business. We look forward to continuing and growing their legacy.”

For additional information please contact

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

Alex Fridman, Managing Partner, 312-346-7303, afridman@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.

Nader Abadi joins Peakstone as Managing Director

April, 2022. Nader Abadi is a Managing Director with Peakstone where he is responsible for transaction origination and execution.

Prior to joining Peakstone, Nader was with Bank of Ann Arbor, where he sourced middle market corporate relationships and originated growth and acquisition credit facilities, commercial real estate acquisition and development financing, asset-based lending facilities, and equipment financing. Previously, Nader worked at Monroe Capital where he sourced and structured sponsored and non-sponsored middle market senior/junior unitranche debt and co-equity transactions, and S&P Global Ratings where he was a corporate ratings associate.

Nader is actively involved in the middle market finance community, serving as a member of the Detroit Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). He holds an MBA from Georgetown University, and a BA in Economics from University of Michigan-Dearborn.

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.

Peakstone Advises EcoKind on its Sale to Primal Pet Group, a Portfolio Company of Kinderhook Industries

April, 2022. Peakstone served as exclusive M&A advisor to EcoKind LLC (“EcoKind” or the “Company”) in connection with its sale to Primal Pet Group, Inc. (“Primal Pet Group” or “Primal”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”).EcoKind is a leading provider of dog treats and chews, focused on all-natural premium yak cheese chews. Founded in 2013 and led by Devin Weisleder, EcoKind quickly grew through the Amazon channel to become a well-respected and established brand.“As a founder, owner, and operator, attention to detail and positive results are important. Peakstone was there every step of the way to guide the process to completion. The Peakstone deal team was professional from start to finish, and instrumental in reaching a great result for me,” said Devin Weisleder, EcoKind’s Founder.

Mr. Weisleder added, “I am excited to partner with the Primal team to take EcoKind through its next stage of growth. Primal has a world class team with exceptional relevant expertise. The team will serve as a great sounding board as we take this brand to the next level.”

“We are excited to welcome Devin Weisleder to the Primal team,” said Tim Simonds, Chief Executive Officer of Primal Pet Group. “Devin is a talented entrepreneur, who has founded and created a premium brand. His experience of the Amazon marketplace is unparalleled and will be beneficial across all of our brands.”“The acquisition of EcoKind furthers Primal’s mission to be the leader in raw and minimally processed pet foods and treats. This acquisition helps solidify Primal’s position in the long-lasting treats market, which represents a three-billion-dollar market. EcoKind has positioned itself for strong growth in this category by focusing on premium, all-natural products selling through ecommerce channels” said Tom Tuttle, Managing Director of Kinderhook.

For additional information please contact

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

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

Mike Taylor, Managing Director, 312-346-7346, mtaylor@peakstone.com

Ethan White, Associate, 317-767-1107, ewhite@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.

Peakstone Advises Mesmerize on its Sale of BriteVision to Vidya Brands Group

April, 2022.  Peakstone served as exclusive financial and M&A advisor to Mesmerize Media LLC (“Mesmerize” or the “Company”) in connection with the Company’s sale of BriteVision LLC (“BriteVision“) to Vidya Brands Group (“Vidya” or “VBG”).

“Vidya Brands Group is the ideal partner for the next chapter of BriteVision’s growth. VBG has an incredible track record in the packaging business, and we look forward to further success leveraging their expertise.” said Don Scherer, COO of BriteVision.

President and COO of Mesmerize, Michael Ellis, noted, “Peakstone was phenomenal in all phases of the transaction. Their advisory, due diligence, process management, and thorough consideration of our goals enabled a quick and mutually beneficial agreement.”

“We look forward to working with the entire BriteVision team and welcome them to the Vidya Brands Group family” said Anik Patel, Chairman of Vidya Brands Group. “We value the dedication, passion, and tenacity that built the BriteVision business and look forward to working together as we build the future together.”

“We would like to sincerely thank our team of professional advisors including Miller, Canfield, Paddock, & Stone along with Marcum for assisting Vidya Brands Group throughout the entire process. Their advice, counsel and professionalism truly sets them apart”  said Kurt Hardy, CEO of Vidya Brands Group.

For additional information please contact

Nick Clementi, Managing Director, 763-478-1777, nclementi@peakstone.com

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

Trevor Shaw, Analyst, 949-903-4145, tshaw@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.

About Britevision

BriteVision is a manufacturer and distributor of custom color-printed advertisements on drink sleeves including: coffee sleeves, fountain drink sleeves, pint sleeves, and special sleeves. BriteVision manufactures over 300 million eco-friendly drink sleeves annually. For more information, please visit https://www.britevision.com.

About Vidya Brands Group

Vidya Brands Group is a family of companies focused on premium quality folding cartons, packaging, printing and converting to middle market firms desiring quality, creativity and speed to market. The Patel family sold Flexo Converters, a manufacturer and distributor of stock, custom and recycled paper bags and sacks, to Novolex, a Carlyle portfolio company, in July 2021 and created Vidya Holdings to invest further in the packaging industry. For more information, please visit www.vidyabrands.com.

Peakstone & Harrington Brown Advise Vidya Holdings on Real Estate Acquisition

March, 2022. Vidya Holdings, a family of companies focused on premium quality packaging, printing, and converting to middle market firms desiring quality, creativity and speed to market, announced that it has completed the 1031 tax deferred exchange acquisition of a 73,000 square foot retail property. Peakstone and Harrington Brown advised Vidya on the transaction. David Brown, Peakstone Managing Director and President of Harrington Brown led the engagement.Peakstone previously advised the principals of Vidya on the sale of their portfolio company – Flexo Converters – along with its two manufacturing facilities. Peakstone advised Flexo Converters to sell its real estate assets separately and create the opportunity for a 1031 tax deferred exchange. Peakstone developed a strategy to maximize after tax proceeds and reinvest into a new property providing current income, growth and the ability to continue assessing future real estate acquisitions.According to Brown, “Under a tight timeframe, Peakstone and Harrington Brown worked with Vidya to develop investment criteria and searched opportunities nationwide through our network. We analyzed several multifamily, industrial and retail property investment opportunities and advised Vidya on the acquisition of a 73,000 square foot retail property in Skokie, IL that is 100% leased to Floor & Décor.”Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

For additional information please contact:David Brown, Managing Director, 312-543-6782, dbrown@harrington-brown.com

Stephen Sleigh, Managing Partner, 312-346-7318, ssleigh@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.About Harrington Brown LLCHarrington Brown, LLC is a boutique real estate investment, development and advisory firm founded by David Brown in 2009. David has 36 years of experience generating property value through asset management, development, redevelopment and leasing, as well as creatively positioning assets for sale. He combines his extensive institutional real estate knowledge, experience and relationships with a passion for community building and responsible land use. For more information, please visit www.harrington-brown.com.About Vidya Brands GroupVidya Brands Group is a family of companies focused on premium quality folding cartons, packaging, printing and converting to middle market firms desiring quality, creativity and speed to market. The Patel family sold Flexo Converters, a manufacturer and distributor of stock, custom and recycled paper bags and sacks, to Novolex, a Carlyle portfolio company, in July 2021 and created Vidya Holdings to invest further in the packaging industry. For more information, please visit www.vidyabrands.com.