Ontario-based Universal Fabricating Inc. is a leading design and fabrication company that focuses primarily on the greenhouse horticulture industry. Beginning in 2004 from a home basement, today it is one of Canada’s largest general contractors in greenhouse construction, and a leading manufacturer of industrial automation products for the automotive, airport, and material handling industries.
Initially, the founding shareholders focused on manufacturing fabricated metal products for the automotive industry. They soon expanded their vision and leveraged their expertise to enter the greenhouse horticulture industry, and experienced significant growth. Today, Universal also provides design and fabrication solutions for industrial automation projects across a diverse customer base.
Our team of advisory and tax advisors were initially brought in to evaluate strategic options with the shareholders, which ultimately led to helping Universal share its story with a broad range of potential buyers. From these buyers, we advised shareholders as they selected the right strategic investor who aligned with their vision for growth.
They found the right fit with a Canadian-owned family office with a four-decade track record of acquiring and growing businesses. Finding the right buyer, however, was just one piece of the puzzle. Our team advised Universal in its negotiations and assisted in structuring a mutually beneficial transaction that supported the shared values of both parties.
Client
Universal Fabricating Inc.
Transaction type
Divestiture
Services provided
M&A
Sector
Fabrication and Greenhouse
Close date
October 31, 2022
“Grant Thornton’s advisors dedicated themselves to helping us select the right strategic partner. They ran a comprehensive and professional process and were there to support us every step of the way. I am looking forward to the promising future that this transaction unlocks for us, and excited to get to work. Working with the experienced M&A advisors at Grant Thornton helped ensure that the deal benefited all parties and helped realize our vision.”
Universal Fabricating Inc.
Our M&A team helped the owners of Grizzly Lodge successfully sell their business, supporting with the entire process from preparing marketing documents and finding the right buyer, to negotiations and bringing the deal to a close.
Two BC-based food and beverage businesses committed to serving their local communities
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