Cognitive Capital Partners Acquires Grand Equipment Company from Blackford Capital

Strength Capital Acquires Grand Equipment Company

October 29, 2025

Industrial Services

Strength Capital Partners has completed an acquisition of Grand Equipment Company, a Hudsonville, Michigan-based construction equipment dealer and rental provider. Strength acquired Grand from Cognitive Capital Partners and will partner with CEO Jeff Grasman and the management team to support continued growth and expand the company's rental, sales, parts and service capabilities.

RC Capital Acquires Majority Stake in Cognitive Research Corporation

October 25, 2022

Healthcare Services

RC Capital completed a growth recapitalization investment to acquire a majority stake in Cognitive Research Corporation (CRC), a St. Petersburg, Florida-based contract research organization specializing in CNS clinical development and cognitive assessment technology. The investment will fund business development, service expansion and global growth while founders and management retain a significant ownership position; financial terms were not disclosed.

Aldine Capital Partners and Cognitive Capital Partners Invest in Gillette Generators

December 2, 2021

Manufacturing

Aldine Capital Partners provided a subordinated note and equity investment in Gillette Generators alongside Cognitive Capital Partners. Gillette manufactures standby backup and prime power generators.

Blackwell Capital Group Acquires Stack Equipment

September 30, 2021

Industrial Services

Blackwell Capital Group, a Milwaukee-based private investment firm, has acquired Stack Equipment, a Hartford, Wisconsin supplier of refurbished aerial access and material handling equipment. The seller/previous owner Jim Lenahan (via Keystone Holdings) will remain a stockholder and Stack's management and staff will stay in place as Blackwell aims to grow the business and expand its reach and services.

Blackford Capital Invests in Aqua‑Leisure Industries

January 13, 2021

Consumer Products

Grand Rapids-based private equity firm Blackford Capital announced a majority investment in Aqua‑Leisure Industries, a Boston-area designer, manufacturer and distributor of water-sport and pool leisure consumer products. Blackford said it will support organic growth, expand distribution and pursue add-on acquisitions while the Aqua‑Leisure management team remains in place; financing partners included Mercantile Bank and Muzinich & Co., with Rush Street advising on debt financing.

Covington Partners Acquires Grand Traverse Plastics Corp.

December 19, 2018

Manufacturing

Covington Partners LLC has acquired Grand Traverse Plastics Corp., a Williamsburg, Michigan-based designer and manufacturer of engineered plastic assemblies serving automotive under-the-hood and material-handling markets. Angle Advisors served as exclusive advisor to Grand Traverse Plastics on the transaction, which positions Covington to invest in specialized injection-molding and value-added assembly capabilities for automotive and industrial end markets.