Alba Wheels Up and Southfield Capital Acquire John A. Steer Co.

Southfield Capital Partners with Alba Wheels Up

March 16, 2021

Transportation

Southfield Capital has partnered with Alba Wheels Up, a Valley Stream, New York-based customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm, in the firm's first platform investment from Southfield Capital III LP. The transaction will support Alba's growth initiatives—expanding service offerings, entering new markets, and strengthening its technology and trade compliance capabilities, while founders Salvatore and Damien Stile remain in leadership roles.

Alba Wheels Up (backed by Southfield Capital) Acquires KSI Corp.

November 8, 2022

Logistics & Distribution

Alba Wheels Up, backed by Southfield Capital, acquired San Francisco-based customs broker KSI Corp., adding a Bay Area office and expanding Alba’s expertise into the biotech and semiconductor end markets. The deal was financed with debt from Deerpath Capital Management and expands Alba’s West Coast footprint alongside its existing offices.

Alba Wheels Up (Southfield Capital-backed) Acquires V.T. Mancusi, Inc.

July 20, 2023

Transportation

Alba Wheels Up, a Southfield Capital–backed logistics platform based in Valley Stream, New York, has acquired V.T. Mancusi, Inc., a Lawrence, New York customs brokerage and trade compliance specialist focused on the flavors & fragrances and related end markets. The acquisition strengthens Alba's customs brokerage, trade compliance and foreign trade zone (FTZ) capabilities as the V.T. Mancusi team joins Alba's Valley Stream headquarters.

Alba Wheels Up (Southfield Capital) Acquires The Perishable Specialist, Inc.

May 20, 2025

Transportation

Alba Wheels Up, a logistics and customs brokerage platform backed by Southfield Capital, has acquired The Perishable Specialist, Inc. (PSI) to expand its perishable logistics capabilities and strengthen its presence in Miami, a key gateway for imported fresh produce. PSI’s owners, Frank and Ana Ramos, will remain with the business, and the acquisition gives PSI clients access to Alba’s nationwide network and technology, trade compliance and transportation solutions.

Cobalt Wine Logistics (Alba Wheels Up) Acquires North Coast Logistics, Inc.

March 18, 2025

Transportation

Alba Wheels Up’s Cobalt Wine Logistics business unit, backed by private equity sponsor Southfield Capital, has acquired North Coast Logistics, Inc., a Petaluma-based wine consolidation and distribution specialist. The add-on expands Cobalt/Alba’s domestic over-the-road transportation and distribution capabilities, integrating NCL into Cobalt’s Napa warehousing and international logistics platform.

H.I.G. Capital Acquires Majority Stake in A.L.A. S.p.A.

October 21, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in A.L.A. S.p.A., an Italy‑based provider of mission‑critical logistics and distribution services to aerospace and defense manufacturers. The founding families, including co‑founders Fulvio Scannapieco and Vittorio Genna, will retain a significant minority stake as H.I.G. partners with the management to accelerate ALA's growth and strengthen its global supply‑chain position.