Gridiron Capital‑Backed Vertical Supply Group Acquires Yates Gear

Gridiron Capital Acquires Vertical Supply Group from Platte River Equity

April 12, 2022

Manufacturing

Gridiron Capital has acquired Vertical Supply Group (VSG), a Greensboro, North Carolina-based manufacturer, distributor, and direct e-commerce retailer of arborist tools, ropes, rescue and fall protection equipment, from Platte River Equity. Platte River will retain an ongoing stake in the business while Gridiron will partner with VSG management to support growth and pursue acquisition opportunities to expand the company's branded product portfolio and market reach. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Vertical Supply Group (Gridiron Capital) Acquires Honey Brothers and TreeKit in U.K. Expansion

October 25, 2022

Manufacturing

Gridiron Capital-backed Vertical Supply Group (VSG) acquired two U.K. arborist retail and product-development businesses, Honey Brothers Ltd. and TreeKit Limited, to establish a U.K. and Western Europe beachhead. The deals give VSG an owned channel in the arborist market to drive international growth and realize synergies across product development, manufacturing and equipment supply.

Vertical Supply Group (Platte River Equity Portfolio) Acquires Rescue Direct

April 2, 2021

E-Commerce

Vertical Supply Group (a Platte River Equity portfolio company) has acquired Rescue Direct, a specialty e-commerce retailer and supplier of technical rescue gear based in Utica, Illinois. Rescue Direct will be integrated into VSG’s distribution operations to expand VSG’s rescue-specific product offering and accelerate inventory availability and service for rescue customers.

Vertical Supply Group (Platte River Equity) Acquires Fred Marvin Associates

September 16, 2020

Manufacturing

Vertical Supply Group (VSG), a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has acquired Fred Marvin Associates, a Stow, Ohio-based manufacturer and distributor of poles, pruners and other arborist tools. VSG said it will continue to serve Fred Marvin’s customer base, grow the Stow manufacturing operation and produce new U.S.-made products while leveraging the brand and distribution capabilities.

Slate Capital Group Invests in Vertical Mechanical Group

June 21, 2023

HVAC & Mechanical

Slate Capital Group has made a strategic investment in Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG), a Sterling, Virginia-based full-service HVAC and plumbing contractor focused on large commercial projects. The private equity firm said the investment will provide financial support and operational resources to help VMG expand its market presence across the Eastern United States.

Gridiron Capital Completes Investment in Esquire Deposition Solutions

January 5, 2023

Professional Services

Gridiron Capital has completed an investment in Esquire Deposition Solutions, a national provider of remote and in-person court reporting, video, and interpreting services. The partnership is intended to support Esquire's geographic and service line expansion and to leverage Gridiron's experience in outsourced legal services and tech-enabled human capital businesses.