Equipment industry mergers and acquisitions activity increased several transportation companies made transactions in April.
Ares acquires majority stake in Epika Fleet Services
Epika Fleet Services has announced that an Ares Private Equity fund has acquired a majority stake in the company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Epika is a leading provider of mobile-focused preventative maintenance and repair services for commercial trucking fleets, according to an Epika release. The deal provides the company with capital to expand its service offerings, reach new markets, and strengthen its position as a top mobile solutions provider for fleet operators.
The investment from Ares will support Epika’s next phase of growth, helping the company deepen customer relationships and expand its national footprint, according to the release. The transaction was supported by advisors including William Blair, Reed Smith LLP, Maslon LLP, Piper Sandler, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
N&S Tractor acquires Case CE contracts from Sonsray Machinery
N&S Tractor has acquired the Case Construction Equipment contracts from Sonsray Machinery at six locations across California, Oregon, and Nevada.
The acquisition includes stores in Stockton, Sacramento, and Redding, California; Portland and Salem, Oregon; and Sparks, Nevada, according to a LinkedIn post earlier this month. This expansion strengthens N&S Tractor’s position as a dual-location provider of both agricultural and construction equipment, enabling customers to access a broader range of Case IH and Case CE products and services under one roof.
The Sonsray team now joins the N&S Tractor family, which serves farmers and contractors in California, Oregon and Western Nevada. Post-transaction, N&S operates 16 dealerships. As a Case IH dealer, it offers advanced equipment, parts support, and service.
The Service Company acquires Foster’s Truck & Trailer
The Service Company has acquired Foster’s Truck & Trailer in a move to expand its footprint in the commercial vehicle repair and maintenance sector.
Foster’s Truck & Trailer, based in Columbus, Ohio, provides maintenance and repair services for trucks and trailers. The acquisition aligns with The Service Company’s growth strategy and enhances its capabilities in serving fleet operators and independent drivers, according to an April 17 release from mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Generational Group.
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Covington, Ohio, The Service Company operates multiple service centers across the state.
Thompson Truck Group acquires Lee-Smith, Inc
Thompson Truck Group, a division of Thompson Distribution, has acquired Lee-Smith broadening Thompson’s dealership footprint and its sales, parts, service, rental and leasing capabilities. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition strengthens Thompson Truck Group’s presence in the Chattanooga, Tenn., area and expands its service offerings through the addition of Ford and Isuzu truck lines to its existing portfolio, according to an April 3 Thompson release.
The move also extends the company’s reach as an authorized International dealership across the southeastern U.S. Thompson Truck Group is focused on ensuring a smooth transition for employees and customers, according to the release.
Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment expands with TEI acquisition
Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment has acquired Transport Equipment Inc. (TEI) for an undisclosed amount, expanding its Volvo Trucks North America dealership footprint into Idaho, Montana and Washington.
The acquisition strengthens Bruckner’s presence in the Northwest and reinforces its commitment to providing high-quality customer service and support across its growing network, according to a March 31 Volvo release.
TEI, founded in 1983 by Steve and Betty Bidlake, has locations in Idaho, Montana and Washington. Its addition to Bruckner’s, a third-generation family business founded in 1932, means Bruckner’s now operates 41 locations in 10 states.
As Volvo Certified Uptime Dealers, the combined company now supports fleet customers with 33 mobile service trucks, according to the release. With the addition of TEI’s locations, Bruckner’s expands its capabilities, including support for zero-tailpipe emission vehicles. The acquisition also brings two more Certified Electric Vehicle Dealerships into Bruckner’s portfolio, enhancing support for customers adopting the Volvo VNR Electric.
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