Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it Provided a Fairness Opinion to the Special Committee of Environmental Waste International (“EWS”) on its proposed acquisition by Hydrotrux Group Ltd. (“Hydrotrux”).
Environmental Waste International specializes in eco-friendly systems for the breakdown of organic materials, including tires. The Company has spent over 15 years engineering systems that integrate the EWS patented Reverse Polymerization™ process and proprietary microwave delivery system. EWS’s unique microwave technology safely processes and recycles waste tires, while recovering highly valuable commodities, including carbon black, oil and steel. Each unit is designed to be environmentally safe, energy efficient, and economically profitable for the operator.
Hydrotrux provides decarbonization solutions for a sustainable future primarily by converting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to run on hydrogen fuel. Their expertise in H2 conversion technology for HGV’s combined with their tech partnerships position Hydrotrux as a leader in crafting comprehensive decarbonization plans. Their holistic approach addresses the reduction of carbon emissions and provides enhanced energy efficiency and a cost-effective pathway towards a greener tomorrow.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as Financial Advisor to Armstrong Monitoring (“Armstrong”) on its sale to Greystone Energy Systems (“Greystone”).
Armstrong Monitoring will operate within the Bemsiq Group as a wholly owned subsidiary of Greystone Energy Systems. The transaction will accelerate Armstrong’s growth and development, and secure Armstrong’s status as the innovation leader in the growing gas detection space. The team at Origin advised Co-CEOs and owners Joanne Johnson and Rod Sprules. The transaction highlights Origin’s independence and expertise in the HVACR industry. Origin’s long-standing relationship with the owners created the trust needed to assist with this important mandate for the company.
Armstrong Monitoring, founded in 1981 and based in Ottawa, Canada, designs, develops, manufactures, and services proprietary monitors, systems, transmitters, sensors, and accessories for commercial, industrial, and military gas detection applications.
Greystone Energy Systems has over 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and supplying HVAC sensors and transmitters for building automation management systems. Headquartered in Moncton, New Brunswick, their global family consists of 9 locations globally, including regional sales offices in Dubai, India, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Joanne Johnson and Rod Sprules, P.Eng. commented “the team at Origin has the experience to work on a variety of transactions, while also being cognizant of our needs. Their support in managing a confidential marketing process and closing our transaction was invaluable. On a personal note, we are incredibly grateful for the genuine care and constant support and availability Scott and Will provided throughout.”
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as exclusive financial advisor to Rebox Corp (“Rebox”) on its sale to ONCAP.
Origin was engaged by Rebox and ran a successful process. The end result was a transaction with ONCAP, who differentiated itself via a history of successful industrial and distribution investments, a strong track record of partnering with founder-owned businesses, and a compelling value creation plan. ONCAP was attracted to Rebox due to its market leadership in the re-used corrugate space, multiple organic growth levers in a market with a large untapped whitespace opportunity, and unique customer and supplier value proposition by providing material cost savings to customers, premium pricing to recycling alternatives for suppliers, and measurable ESG benefits to both customers and suppliers. This represents Origin’s fourth closed environmental / sustainability sale transaction in the last two years.
Rebox is a Montreal-based pioneer of the used corrugated box industry enabling their suppliers and customers across North America to unlock operational, environmental, and financial efficiencies from their packaging footprint. They are a North American leader in sustainable packaging solutions, selling products including used boxes, new boxes, pallets, gaylords, and other packaging materials, with presence in Canada and the U.S. Rebox plays a significant role in the circular economy by creating a sub-loop connecting waste from suppliers to input packaging for customers.
ONCAP is a Leading Private Equity firm focused on middle market companies in North America
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as Financial Advisor to the Special Committee of UGE International Ltd. (“UGE”) on the going-private transaction with NOVA Infrastructure (“NOVA”).
UGE develops, owns, and operates community and commercial solar & battery storage projects. UGE’s distributed energy solutions provide cheaper, cleaner energy to businesses and households throughout the United States. With over 500 megawatts of project experience, UGE is working daily to make renewable energy accessible and affordable for all.
Nova Infrastructure is an infrastructure investment firm that invests in environmental services, transportation, energy / energy transition, and communications sectors in North America. NOVA focuses on differentiated, value-added strategies in the highly attractive, middle market infrastructure segment. NOVA offers a unique strategic focus; detailed, bottom-up investing; significant experience and expertise; and market connectivity and deal flow.
Origin Senior Leads: Lindsay Adam Weiss, Lawrence Rhee.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) advised Nexii Building Solutions (“Nexii”) on their sale to a Private Investor Group as part of a CCAA process.
Nexii Building Solutions designs and manufactures low carbon buildings and products to reduce the climate impact of built environments. With Nexii’s breakthrough material Nexiite, Nexii enables the rapid assembly of high-quality buildings and infrastructure with reduced end-to-end carbon emissions, near zero waste and less disruption to the community.
Origin Senior Leads: Andrew Muirhead, Rob Fedrock.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as Financial Advisor to a Private Contract Research Company on its Sale to a Private Buyer.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as exclusive financial advisor to RYCOM Corporation (“Rycom”) on its sale to Ainsworth Inc. (“Ainsworth”), a wholly owned subsidiary of GDI Integrated Facility Services (“GDI”).
Rycom: For over 25 years, RYCOM has led the way in the development, deployment and operation of smart building solutions, helping its clients reduce energy consumption, lower GHG emissions, increase profitability, and improve tenant comfort.
Ainsworth: Ainsworth provides high-quality technical trades services, including HVAC, design-build, electrical, energy management, innovative solutions, and building automation for institutional, commercial, residential, healthcare, and industrial clients across North America.
GDI: GDI is the fifth-largest facility services business in North America with more than 30,000 employees, 1 billion square feet serviced, and with operations across Canada and the United States.
Origin Senior Leads: Peter Farrell, Mario Di Pietro
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Jump+ on their sale to an Investor Group led by Tim McGuire.
Jump+ is North America’s first and largest Apple Premium Reseller, catering to a nationwide network of retail and enterprise customers, through providing a complete offering of Apple products, accessories, and support services. Established in 2011, following a 30 year history and experience with Apple products, Jump+ started in Guelph, Ontario and has grown quickly to have a presence across Canada from coast to coast.
Origin Senior Leads: Mario Di Pietro, Greg Martin.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as Advisor to the Board of WonderFi Technologies Inc. (“WonderFi”) regarding governance and shareholder relations.
WonderFi owns and operates Bitbuy and Coinsquare, two leading domestic crypto platforms with strongholds in the Canadian market; WonderFi operates Internationally through its expansion in Australia, as well as through Smartpay, its global crypto payments platform. With a collective user base of over 1.7 million registered Canadians and a combined assets under custody exceeding $1.5 billion, WonderFi serves one of the largest crypto-investor communities in Canada.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as exclusive financial advisor to Burke & Company Ltd.,(“Burke & Co”) and Orion Audit (“Orion”) on their sale to Navacord.
Burke & Co and Orion: Founded in 1991 in Toronto, Ontario, Burke & Co is a distinguished consulting and claims auditing firm, with a unique value proposition that brings together their consulting arm and their expertise in audit, claims control and fraud analytics. Specializing in providing personalized, cost-effective consulting and claims audit services focused on optimizing benefit and pension plans for a diverse clientele, including some of Canada’s leading employers, and with a very strong footprint in healthcare. Burke & Co’s client base spans various industries and organizational sizes, maintaining strong industry relationships with major retirement providers and insurance companies through professional and consistent practices.
Navacord: Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Navacord is one of Canada’s top three commercial insurance brokerages. With $3 billion in premiums, Navacord stands as a leader in group insurance and risk management solutions. From commercial and personal insurance to surety, employee benefits and retirement consulting, Navacord leverages national strength and resources with the local touch service of industry-specialized Navacord Broker Partners to deliver the trusted advice, expertise and custom insurance solutions clients need to face the future with confidence.
The Navacord partnership with Burke & Co and Orion complements Navacord’s ongoing build within the benefits, financial services, and wealth planning sector, bolstered by specialized expertise in claims and fraud analytics.
Origin Senior Leads: Peter Farrell, Cathy Steiner
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as exclusive financial advisor to Fan Tuan Holding Ltd. (“Fantuan”) on its acquisition of the Food Delivery business of Chowbus Inc. (“Chowbus”).
Fantuan: Founded in Vancouver, Canada, Fantuan is a one-stop platform providing services such as food delivery, fresh grocery and more. As one of the world’s leading Asian food delivery and lifestyle service platforms, Fantuan has developed a cutting-edge technology that closely connects business owners with customers to provide convenient, innovative, and efficient services to everyday life. Since its establishment in 2014, the company has demonstrated significant organic growth and operational excellence, operating in over 50 cities across Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Chowbus: Based in Chicago, Illinois, is a significant food delivery player in the US, particularly focusing on high-quality, authentic Asian cuisine. The company has empowered local independent restaurants and stores with technology, tools, and marketing support to foster business growth. The Food Delivery segment of Chowbus features an exclusive and curated list of high-quality mom-and-pop restaurants and stores in key US markets.
Origin Senior Leads: Mario Di Pietro, Tedi Gjoleka
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as exclusive financial advisor to Buhler Industries (“Buhler”)(TSX:BUI) on its sale to the Turkish farm equipment company Başak Traktör Tarim Ziraat Ve Iş Makinalari Sanayi Ticaret A.Ş. (“Başak Traktör”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASKO Holding (“Asko”).
Buhler: Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Buhler is an integral part of the agricultural landscape in Canada, manufacturing and distributing agriculture equipment through the leading brands Versatile and Farm King. The Versatile line is well known to farmers in North America and Australia, producing high horsepower tractors of up to 650 hp. Farm King produces augers, mowers, bale carriers, snowblowers, and implements. Dating back almost 100 years, Buhler has served as a cornerstone in the Canadian economy, taking pride in employing over 800 Canadians and making a significant impact in the Province of Manitoba, with manufacturing facilities in both Winnipeg and Morden.
Başak Traktör is headquartered in Sakarya, Turkey and started manufacturing agricultural equipment and machinery in 1914 under a variety of brand names. In 1996, the company was renamed Başak. Under the brand name of Başak Traktör, the company manufactures tractors up to 120 horsepower and manufactures soil tillage, planting, and plant protection machinery, harvesting and garden equipment under the Başak Agri brand. In addition, Başak distributes other agricultural brand machinery.
ASKO Holding most recently made its first acquisition in North America by purchasing Hy-Brid Lifts in the United States earlier in 2023. ASKO Holding is a diversified company with interests in agricultural machinery, construction equipment, energy, and technology.
Origin Senior Leads: Andrew Muirhead, Jim Osler, Christopher Solda
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it acted as a Financial Advisor to the Special Committee of Teck Resources (“Teck”) with respect to its sale of Elk Valley Resources (“EVR”) to Glencore plc (“Glencore”) for US$9.0 billion.
Teck is one of Canada’s leading mining companies with operations and projects in Canada, the United States, Chile and Peru. Following the spin-off, and subject to its approval, Teck will continue as Teck Metals, which will become a world-class growth-oriented producer of energy transition metals.
EVR will continue as a pure-play, high-margin steelmaking coal producer.
Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 commodities that advance everyday life. Through a network of assets, customers and suppliers that spans the globe, they produce, process, recycle, source, market and distribute the commodities that support decarbonisation while meeting the energy needs of today.
Origin Senior Leads: Charles Pennock, Jim Osler, Jim Meloche.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive investment banking advisor to Extruded Aluminum Corporation (“EAC”) on its sale to Metra S.p.A. (“Metra”), a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”).
EAC is a U.S. manufacturer of custom extruded aluminum profiles and related value-added fabrication, assembly and finishing services. EAC provides a variety of custom extruded aluminum profiles to diverse end-markets including solar, transportation, military, material handling, residential and commercial construction and marine applications. EAC has approximately 170 employees across two facilities located in Belding and Kentwood, MI.
Metra is a global, vertically integrated manufacturer of extruded aluminum profiles and related value-added services, including painting, oxidation, machining, welding and assembly. Metra offers a full range of extruded aluminum profiles, which are used primarily in the industrial and building & construction end-markets across Europe and North America. Headquartered in Rodengo Saiano, Italy, Metra employs approximately 1,250 employees globally and operates eight strategically located manufacturing facilities across Italy, Canada and the United States.
KPS, through its affiliated management entities, is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $11.9 billion of assets under management (as of June 30, 2023). For over three decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds’ portfolio companies generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $20.8 billion, operate 224 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and have approximately 50,000 employees, directly and through joint ventures worldwide (as of June 30, 2023).
Origin Senior Leads: Nick Newlin, Adam Smith.
Origin Merchant Partners is pleased to announce that Velocity Trade has received a significant investment from Wedbush Financial Services (“Wedbush”). Origin Merchant Partners was a financial advisor to Velocity Trade with respect to this transaction.
Velocity Trade is a global brokerage firm offering access to global over-the-counter (OTC) and exchange listed markets, as well as customized Wealth Management solutions via its WealthTech product suite. Through its global network of wholly owned regulated and registered subsidiary companies, Velocity Trade employs over 170 professionals that provide corporate and institutional clients competitive execution and custody services.
Wedbush is a diversified financial services holding company. Its primary subsidiary, Wedbush Securities, was founded in 1955 and has been a leader in the financial services industry, providing its clients, both private and institutional clients, with a wide range of securities brokerage and processing, wealth management, and investment banking services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with over 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues, the firm focuses on bespoke client service and the utilization of advanced technology.
Origin Senior Leads: Alain Miquelon.
Origin Merchant Partners is pleased to announce that it acted as Financial Advisor to the Special Committee of Northview Fund (“Northview”), providing a fairness opinion and independent formal valuations with respect to a recapitalization transaction including the acquisition of three multi-family portfolios (the “Acquisitions”) for an aggregate purchase price of $742 million, and Northview’s transformation into Northview Residential REIT (collectively the “Transaction”). The Acquisitions are as follows:
Northview Residential REIT will increase its support from its existing institutional investors, including affiliates of Starlight Investments and KingSett Capital, as well as a new, significant investment from a global institutional investor.
Northview was, prior to the Transaction, a three-year closed end fund with two one year extension options. The fund has almost $2 billion of total assets, with institutional investors comprised of affiliates of Starlight Investments, Kingsett Capital Inc., Alberta Investment Management Corporation and Timbercreek Asset Management. As part of the Transaction and to facilitate the Acquisitions, Northview will amend its declaration of trust in order to align the Fund with typical open-ended “real estate investment trusts” and will change its name to Northview Residential REIT. Northview Residential REIT’s portfolio will consist of 14,622 multi-family suites and execusuites and 1.25 million square feet of commercial space, located across nine provinces and two territories.
Origin Senior Leads: Charles Pennock, Rob Penteliuk, Shaun Quennell.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to Dishon Limited (“Dishon”) on its sale to Thrust Capital Partners (“Thrust”).
Dishon is a world class supplier of complex precision machine components and assemblies for North America, Europe and Asia, serving the aerospace, nuclear, sub-sea oil & gas and medical industries. The company has strong engineering and manufacturing capabilities, with manufacturing processes optimized to increase production flow rates. Dishon has over 35 years of expertise in complex machining and employs 70,000 square ft of space in Toronto, Canada and 14,000 square ft in Orlando, Florida.
Thrust is a private equity buyout firm exclusively focused on the Canadian aerospace industry and its supply chain. Thrust invests in companies for the long haul and understands that success takes hard work, dedication and sheer perseverance. With its combined track record and market knowledge, the Thrust team understands how to effectively consolidate aerospace suppliers, and navigate the path to becoming a world class industry participant.
Origin Senior Leads: Darren Williams, Adam Smith.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that Coinsquare Ltd. (“Coinsquare”) has completed its previously announced combination with Wonderfi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) (“Wonderfi”) and CoinSmart Financial Inc. (NEO: SMRT) (FSE: IR). (“CoinSmart”). Origin was the exclusive financial advisor to Coinsquare on this transaction, which will create one of the largest regulated crypto asset trading platforms in Canada.
Coinsquare provides customers with a proprietary platform engineered to deliver a robust, secure, and intelligent interface for trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other digital assets. Since the privately owned company was founded in 2014, Coinsquare has grown to become Canada’s oldest operating digital asset firm, trading on behalf of over half a million Canadians. Coinsquare has successfully executed trades in excess of $8 billion to date.
Wonderfi creates access to digital assets through its two Canadian owned and operated, fully registered crypto-trading platforms Bitbuy and Coinberry. Bitbuy is Canada’s first registered digital asset marketplace, boasting over 400,000 registered users, and serving both beginner and advanced traders, institutions, and corporate clients. Coinberry, with a user base of over 200,000, is designed for crypto novices and retail traders.
CoinSmart is a leading Canadian-headquartered crypto asset trading platform for digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. CoinSmart is one of the few crypto asset trading platforms in Canada to be registered as a securities dealer and marketplace with the Ontario Securities Commission. CoinSmart is also one of the first Canadian headquartered trading platforms to have an international presence, accepting customers across 40+ countries. The company’s offerings include instant verification, industry leading cold wallet storage, advanced charting with order book functionality and over-the-counter premium services.
Origin Senior Leads: Jim Osler, Tedi Gjoleka.
Origin Merchant Partners (“Origin”) is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to Centricity Research (“Centricity” or the “Company”) on a sale of a majority stake by its shareholders, Persistence Capital Partners and management, to Trinity Hunt Partners (“THP”).
Centricity is the operating company formed through the integration of three research network organizations (LMC Manna Research, iACT Health, and Aventiv Research). The Company is a leading clinical research services provider to pharmaceutical sponsors and CRO’s, and specializes in conducting Phase I-IV clinical trials across more than 40 therapeutic areas, from its 35 locations spanning the US and Canada. Centricity’s centralized processes, expansive patient recruitment capabilities, integrated technology, and dedicated team of clinical research professionals have successfully led to over 2,500 studies conducted and more than 100 FDA and Health Canada drug approvals.
THP is a growth-oriented private equity firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas with over $1.7 billion of assets under management, focused on building leading business, healthcare, and consumer services companies. The firm has invested in more than 28 platform companies over the past 17 years.
Origin Senior Leads: Lindsay Adam Weiss, Cathy Steiner, Christopher Solda.
Origin Merchant Partners is pleased to announce that MyLand Company Inc. (“MyLand”) has raised $12 million in the first closing of its Series B financing round led by Climate Innovation Capital (“CIC”) and Waterpoint Lane (“WPL”). Origin Merchant Partners was a financial advisor to MyLand with respect to this transaction.
Myland is a soil health company, helping to tackle two of the world’s biggest challenges: food security and climate disruption. MyLand’s innovative and patented technology allows farmers to rapidly implement regenerative agriculture practices and improve their soil health by harnessing the land’s own natural ecosystem. MyLand partners with farmers to infuse life into the soil, helping to return farms to their most fertile state, achieving greater productivity and enhanced profitability.
WPL manages investments in and provides strategic growth support to a portfolio of growth oriented businesses with a view to the triple bottom line – profit, people and the planet. WPL’s focus is on growth stage companies and consumer products that support and promote sustainable practices throughout our food system.
CIC invests in entrepreneurs with climate technologies and businesses that have the potential to deliver significant financial returns and the greatest carbon reductions in the shortest period of time. As founders, operators, investors and climate advisors, CIC works to leverage its team’s experience, insight and networks to be strong partners to its portfolio companies and investors.
Origin Senior Leads: Andrew Muirhead, Rob Penteliuk
