Heritage Capital Group is pleased to announce the successful sale of Guardian Fueling Technologies, Inc. to an investor group led by ValorBridge Partners, LLC. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Guardian is one of the largest fueling systems distribution, construction, installation, and services firms in the southeast U.S.
Heritage Capital Group served as exclusive financial advisor and intermediary to the selling shareholders of Guardian. The transaction was led by K.C. Caldabaugh and Doug Kravet. K.C. Caldabaugh commented, “We have been honored to work with the team at Guardian for many years as they developed and executed their strategic plan. We were pleased to have assisted the Company in completing this transaction with ValorBridge, who has the resources and experience to assist Guardian with continuing its growth trajectory.”
Founded in 2000, Guardian has now opened branch offices in every major metropolitan area in Florida and provides services throughout the Southeast U.S. The growth of the business accelerated in June 2014, when Heritage Capital Group assisted Guardian in acquiring JMP Solutions, Inc. This acquisition was the catalyst to accelerate Guardian’s growth by leveraging customer relationships over a wider geographic area and adding depth and expertise to the management team. Joey Batchelor, President of Guardian commented, “The acquisition, and subsequent integration of JMP into Guardian existing platform enhanced our ability to provide our clients with increased efficiencies and coverage resulting in cost effective, cutting edge fueling solutions. This transaction will bring into play the additional resources needed to continue to expand our geographic footprint and to further strengthen our ability to deliver unparalleled solutions to clients across the region.”
In July 2015, the investor group, which included ValorBridge, Clear Creek Private Equity, and members of Guardian’s senior management team, acquired Guardian. ValorBridge is a capital management company whose holdings include public equities as well as majority and minority interests in private operating companies. ValorBridge focuses its investments on partnering with management to create value with the patience of long term growth capital.ValorBridge was founded in 2004 with offices in Atlanta, Georgia and New York, New York.
Duane Ottenstroer, Chairman of Guardian commented, “I am excited to see Guardian enter into this new chapter. With the help of our investors and advisors, we have accomplished a great deal and have laid a strong foundation for the Company. Partnering with ValorBridge is a great opportunity for the company to continue to grow and optimize its potential. Heritage Capital Group has been a trusted advisor for many years and played a key role in assisting us to position the company for this transaction.”
Heritage Capital Group provides a range of investment banking services, including buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory work, business valuations, litigation support, exit planning, value enhancement and strategic advisory services, including restructuring and reorganization consulting. Heritage Capital Group is a FINRA regulated broker-dealer and a founding member of M&A International Inc., which extends their capabilities to match capital with opportunities on a global scale.
