Acquisitions in Illinois, United States

Mars, Incorporated announced it has completed the acquisition of Kellanova, bringing together Mars Snacking and Kellanova’s portfolio of snack and cereal brands. The deal, originally agreed on August 14, 2024, was approved by Kellanova shareholders on November 1, 2024, and received all required regulatory approvals as of December 8, 2025.

Case IQ, a provider of investigative case management software and whistleblower hotline solutions, acquired Lextegrity, a compliance analytics and automation software company. The combination expands Case IQ into an end-to-end compliance and risk management offering by adding real-time compliance monitoring and analytics capabilities. Case IQ is owned by Resurgens Technology Partners, and Marks Baughan Securities LLC advised Lextegrity on the transaction.

HCI Equity Partners-backed Driven Distribution Group acquired the auto parts and accessories distribution business of Chicago Parts & Sound (CPS) in October 2024. The announcement was referenced alongside Driven Distribution’s earlier recapitalization of Tri-State Enterprises, Inc. in November 2023 as part of building an automotive aftermarket distribution platform.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) announced it has acquired Midwest Solar Expo (MWSE), expanding its regional offerings for solar and energy storage professionals in the U.S. Midwest. The transaction adds MWSE to IESNA producer Diversified Communications’ clean energy events portfolio; Grimes, McGovern & Associates served as exclusive advisor to Midwest Solar Expo.

Janler Corporation, a Chicago-based contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision mold-making and molding, has been acquired by Uniphase, LLC. Uniphase is a portfolio company of Sequel Holdings, LP, and the combination is intended to expand tooling, engineering, and plastic injection molding capabilities across industrial, packaging, and medical end markets.

M2S Group, a Wynnchurch Capital portfolio company, acquired the label solutions business Iconex Labels from Iconex, which is owned by Atlas Holdings. The transaction adds variable information label capabilities and expands M2S Group’s portfolio of technically differentiated and eco-friendly label solutions across multiple end markets.

Rmarts LLC acquired two legacy Shell-branded gas stations with convenience stores in Highland Park, Illinois, from longtime Shell operator John Kyle Sr., closing the transaction in June. Rmarts plans to rebrand the sites to the Rmarts banner and invest in upgrades including interior remodels, enhanced foodservice and coffee programs, and potential EV charging at one location.

Conagra Brands Inc. acquired Sweetwood Smoke & Co., the maker of Fatty Smoked Meat Sticks, for undisclosed financial terms. Conagra said the deal supports its strategy to reshape its portfolio toward faster-growing snacking and frozen categories by adding a premium, better-for-you protein snack brand.

Whitsons Culinary Group, a portfolio company of GenNx360 Capital Partners, acquired Arbor Management, Inc. Arbor is a food service management company focused on K-12 school districts and higher education markets, primarily in Illinois and Wisconsin. The acquisition expands Whitsons’ footprint and service capabilities across the Midwest.

Vensure Employer Solutions announced the acquisition of Tandem HR, a Westchester, Illinois-based outsourced HR and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) provider. The deal is Vensure's 79th acquisition in six years and expands its HR, benefits, payroll, and risk management capabilities for small and mid-sized businesses.

UFP Technologies, Inc. acquired AJR Enterprises, LLC for $110 million. AJR Enterprises, headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois, develops and manufactures single-use safe patient handling systems, adding cut-and-sew manufacturing services and specialty fabrics expertise to UFP’s patient surfaces portfolio. The acquisition was financed through borrowings under UFP’s amended and restated credit agreement.

BlackRock has completed its acquisition of SpiderRock Advisors, LLC, a Chicago-based asset manager specializing in option overlay strategies for separately managed accounts (SMAs). SpiderRock Advisors will be integrated into BlackRock’s U.S. Wealth Advisory business to enhance BlackRock’s SMA platform and customization capabilities for advisors and clients.

Mueller Industries, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nehring Electrical Works Company and certain affiliated companies for approximately $575 million, plus a potential $25 million earn-out. Headquartered in DeKalb, Illinois, Nehring manufactures wire and cable solutions serving utility, telecommunications, electrical distribution, and OEM markets, and generated approximately $400 million in net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and will be funded with cash on hand.

Merit Capital Partners, together with Fulton Capital, partnered with management to acquire AFX, Inc. AFX designs, assembles, and distributes lighting fixtures for contemporary and decorative lighting markets serving lite commercial and residential installations across the United States and Canada. Merit Capital Partners provided subordinated debt and equity as part of the investment.

Summit, a virtual servers and cloud-based application hosting provider, acquired Deft (formerly ServerCentral), a managed data center services provider. The deal combines Deft’s data center and network services with Summit’s cloud hosting capabilities to expand footprint and IT solutions for clients. The transaction was advised by DH Capital and backed by continued investment from Silver Oak Services Partners, LLC.

Parkway Capital announced an investment in Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics (CPO), partnering with Northcreek Mezzanine and the company’s senior management team. The transaction was structured as a recapitalization to support CPO, a Midwest-based prosthetics and orthotics care provider headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

Harwood Private Equity acquired Crest Foods, a provider of dairy stabilizers, contract packaging, and branded/private-label dry food manufacturing. Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) served as exclusive financial advisor to Harwood; transaction terms were not disclosed. In conjunction with the deal, BGL facilitated a sale-leaseback of Crest’s 575,000-square-foot facility in Ashton, Illinois through TPG Angelo Gordon’s Net Lease business.

Spectrum Science acquired Continuum Clinical, a global clinical trial recruitment and engagement solutions provider, to expand and deepen its clinical trial recruitment (CTR) capabilities. Continuum was purchased from Blue Chip Worldwide and will be integrated into Spectrum’s existing CTR strategic pillar; financial terms were not disclosed.

Chartis, a healthcare advisory firm, has acquired HealthScape Advisors, a Chicago-based healthcare payer consulting firm with about 160 professionals. The deal expands Chartis’ capabilities in the healthcare payer segment and follows its prior acquisition of crankfrog in 2022. HealthScape will continue operating under the brand “HealthScape, A Chartis Company,” led by Managing Director Kyle Stern.

E78 Partners, a private-equity focused business advisory firm, acquired Global PMI Partners USA (GPMIP USA), a consultancy specializing in post-merger integration services. The deal expands E78 Partners’ business transformation and M&A lifecycle capabilities, and GPMIP USA founders Stefan Hofmeyer and Scott Whitaker will join E78 to lead its PMI, carve-outs, and transaction services practice.

NV5 Global, Inc. acquired Technology Design Services, Inc. (TDSi), a Chicago-based technology infrastructure design and consulting firm. The deal strengthens NV5’s data center and technology infrastructure design capabilities across services such as data center, audiovisual, security, and telecommunications systems, and was funded with a combination of cash and stock.

Tradeweb Markets Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire r8fin, an algorithmic execution technology provider focused on U.S. Treasuries and interest rate futures. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, and is anticipated to be accretive to Tradeweb’s 2024 earnings per share.

An entity affiliated with Centre Lane Partners completed the acquisition of the Appliances Division of Instant Brands (Instant Brands Appliances) following the business’s Chapter 11 filing earlier in 2023. The transaction is positioned as a recapitalization to strengthen the company’s platform in kitchen appliances and support future product innovation and growth.

Charger Investment Partners’ portfolio company, The Aeromotive Group, merged with Roadster Shop to form a combined automotive aftermarket business. Roadster Shop’s co-founders Jeremy and Phil Gerber will remain involved in the combined company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Addtronics, LLC acquired Sirius Automation, a developer of laboratory robotic systems serving biotech and pharmaceutical customers. Sirius Automation, headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, becomes the fourth strategic addition to the Addtronics family; founder Justin Lu will continue to lead the business as President. Addtronics is backed by private equity firm Kaho Partners, and deal terms were not disclosed.

Incline Equity Partners announced the sale of ARMStrong Receivable Management, a provider of commercial accounts receivable management and related insurance services. Incline had partnered with ARMStrong since June 2019; the buyer was not disclosed in the announcement.

Triad Technologies, LLC, a distributor of fluid power and industrial automation products backed by Shorehill Capital LLC, completed the acquisition of Tech-Syn Corporation on March 31, 2023. Tech-Syn is a value-added distributor of seals, O-rings, hoses, and fittings headquartered in Bloomingdale, Illinois, expanding Triad’s product offering and footprint across the Midwest. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Concept announced it has completed the acquisitions of American Calibration Inc. and Inspection Engineering LLC to expand its capabilities and geographic reach in precision manufacturing and metrology services. Both acquired Midwest-based businesses will retain their leadership and autonomy while benefiting from investment and operational synergies as part of the Concept organization.

Dubin Clark has sold its portfolio company InProduction to ZMC Management. Based in Chicago, InProduction provides special event transformation services for large-scale corporate, social, and sporting events, including design, fabrication, delivery, installation, and on-site execution and tear-down.

Hero Digital, a portfolio company of AEA Investors, has acquired Avionos, a digital technology consultancy focused on B2B commerce and marketing services across the Salesforce and Adobe ecosystems. The acquisition combines Hero Digital’s customer experience transformation capabilities with Avionos’ technical expertise in Adobe and Salesforce B2B commerce and marketing. Following the deal, Hero Digital is moving its headquarters to Chicago, where Avionos is based.

Risk Strategies acquired IZALE Financial Group, LLC, an executive benefits and financial services advisory firm based in Elgin, Illinois. IZALE provides insurance-based executive compensation solutions and related advisory services for banks, credit unions, businesses, and high-net-worth individuals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Dynamic Access, LLC acquired Priority PICC Solutions, LLC, an outsourced vascular access services provider based in Chicago, Illinois. Priority was founded and owned by Mary Santiago and Dr. Julio Santiago and has served healthcare facilities in the Chicagoland area since 2008. RiverGlade Capital, the primary investor in Dynamic since 2021, backs Dynamic as it expands its Midwest presence and broader national platform.

Brynwood Partners IX L.P., through its newly formed portfolio company West Madison Foods, agreed to acquire the Marie's salad dressing brand and the Dean's Dip business from Ventura Foods, LLC. The deal also includes the Thornton, Illinois manufacturing facility where the products are made; financial terms were not disclosed. West Madison Foods will be headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Marsh McLennan Agency, a subsidiary of Marsh, acquired Trideo Systems, a provider of risk management information system (RMIS) software for health care organizations. Financial terms were not disclosed. Trideo’s employees, including co-founder Paresh Purohit, will join Marsh McLennan Agency and operate from its Schaumburg, Illinois office.

50,000feet, a Chicago-based global brand consultancy and creative agency, received a growth investment from Erie Street Growth Partners. The capital will support 50,000feet’s expansion of services, operational infrastructure, and geographic footprint while the firm retains its independence.

Holleway Capital Partners acquired Aladdin Steel, a specialty steel distributor focused on carbon steel tubing and pipe. RKCA advised Aladdin Steel on the sell-side M&A transaction.

HUB International Limited announced it has acquired the assets of E-Insure Services, Inc. (EINSURANCE), a web-based direct-to-consumer insurance lead generation platform. The acquisition strengthens HUB’s in-house digital marketing and data analytics capabilities for its personal insurance brokerage platform, VIU by HUB LLC, to improve lead targeting, conversion, and customer acquisition efficiency. Financial terms were not disclosed.

AHEAD has acquired MBX Systems, an integrator of custom hardware systems and provider of logistics and supply chain orchestration software. The deal adds MBX’s proprietary Hatch platform and strengthens AHEAD’s edge and hyperscale infrastructure capabilities, including lifecycle, asset, and global logistics management for enterprise clients.

Planet Home Lending, a Connecticut-based lender and servicer owned by Planet Financial Group, acquired the assets of Illinois-based retail lender Platinum Home Mortgage Corporation for undisclosed terms. As part of the transaction, Planet will take on the majority of Platinum’s origination staff and branches, expanding its retail footprint particularly in the Midwest, Northwest, and West Coast. Platinum’s president and CEO Lee Gross will join Planet as a senior vice president and continue leading the Platinum team.

Duraco Specialty Materials acquired Strata-Tac, Inc., a manufacturer of custom engineered pressure-sensitive self-adhesive products and top-coated films, from private sellers. The deal is an add-on acquisition under Duraco’s private equity owner OpenGate Capital, and terms were not disclosed. Strata-Tac is headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois.

Varsity Healthcare Partners (VHP) completed a strategic growth investment in Beghou Consulting, a biopharmaceutical consulting firm headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. As part of the investment, industry veteran Jonathan Sandler will join Beghou's Board of Directors. Financial terms were not disclosed.

EagleTree Capital acquired PRA, a U.S.-based business events management firm, through its private equity fund EagleTree Partners V. The company was purchased from CI Capital Partners, which had invested in PRA in 2017, and PRA’s management team will continue to lead the business. Financial terms were not disclosed.

P1 Dental Partners, a Prairie Capital portfolio company, acquired Cornerstone Dental Partners, with Caber Hill Advisors advising Cornerstone on the transaction. Cornerstone is a 10-office dental support organization (DSO) in the greater Chicago area, and its owners will assume executive leadership roles at P1. The deal closed in December 2021 and financial terms were not disclosed.

ITsavvy LLC, a GenNx360 Capital Partners portfolio company, acquired INOC LLC to strengthen its capabilities in outsourced Network Operations Center (NOC) support and NOC operations consulting. INOC, headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, expands ITsavvy’s technical services footprint and supports its inorganic growth strategy in intelligent edge and multi-cloud infrastructure services.

Cloud Equity Group announced the acquisition of eBizUniverse, an Illinois-based digital agency serving government and private sector clients. The deal is intended to combine eBizUniverse’s digital marketing and web development capabilities with Cloud Equity Group’s prior acquisition of Chrein to drive synergies and expansion in the digital agency sector. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Fresche Solutions acquired Silveredge Consulting to expand its IBM i (AS/400, iSeries) application support, ERP, and development capabilities. Backed by private equity firm American Pacific Group (APG), Fresche will integrate Silveredge as a business unit while Silveredge continues operating under its current name, strengthening Fresche’s global application services and managed services offering.

ThoughtFocus, Inc., a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, has acquired BreakFree Solutions, LLC. BreakFree is a Chicago-based digital consulting firm providing product development, cloud enablement, and DevOps services to enterprise and commercial clients in the financial services sector, expanding ThoughtFocus’ digital services capabilities and reach.

RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. acquired Western Remac, LLC (formerly Western Remac, Inc.), a provider of sign manufacturing and installation services. Western Remac is headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois and serves private and public works customers across the Upper Midwest. The deal represents RoadSafe’s eighth acquisition in the past two years as it expands its traffic safety and infrastructure services offering.

Southfield Mezzanine provided a unitranche debt and equity investment to support Calvert Street Capital Partners’ acquisition of D2K Traffic Safety, Inc., with NewSpring Mezzanine investing alongside. D2K Traffic Safety, headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, provides traffic safety services such as traffic control, pavement marking, signing, and flagging for customers in the Chicagoland area.

SyBridge Technologies, via its wholly-owned affiliate SyBridge Digital Solutions LLC, was selected as the winning bidder to acquire most of the operating assets of Fast Radius, Inc., subject to bankruptcy court approval. Fast Radius will continue operating under its brand within SyBridge, strengthening SyBridge’s digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, prototyping, and software capabilities. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2022.

ENTRUST Solutions Group completed the acquisition of Magellan Advisors LLC. Magellan Advisors provides turnkey fiber and broadband planning, grant development, engineering, design, deployment, and operations services for utilities, municipalities, co-ops, and tribal organizations. ENTRUST (backed by Kohlberg & Company) expects the combination to expand its capabilities in fiber broadband and grid modernization markets.

Renovus Capital agreed to acquire HBR Consulting's Advisory business, effective November 10, 2022, positioning Renovus as a strategic capital partner for the advisory unit. Following the transaction, the Advisory business will separate and operate independently from HBR’s IT, Managed Services, and Keno Kozie businesses, with a new executive leadership team led by Matt Sunderman.

American Beverage Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harvest Hill Beverage Company, acquired Poppilu, an organic kids’ lemonade brand founded by Melanie Kahn. The acquisition adds Poppilu’s lemonade pouches to Harvest Hill’s portfolio of children’s beverage brands and supports further expansion in the kids’ beverage category.

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has acquired Larry Gordon Agency (LGA) to expand its life insurance, executive benefits, and financial advisory distribution presence in the Midwest under the Vanbridge Life and Executive Benefits umbrella. LGA will continue operating from its Chicago and Rockford, Illinois offices, with current leadership remaining in place.

SageHome acquired Midwest Bath Company LLC, a bathroom remodeling business focused on aging-in-place upgrades such as walk-in baths and low-threshold showers. Midwest Bath is headquartered in Moline, Illinois and serves customers across Illinois and Iowa. The acquisition supports SageHome’s strategy—backed by Cairngorm Capital—to expand nationally through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Ariel Group, a US provider of leadership training programs, acquired Executive Coaching Connections (ECC), a Chicago-based leadership and organizational advisory firm. The deal expands Ariel Group’s leadership development portfolio by adding individualized executive coaching, C-suite mentoring, and organizational effectiveness services. Renovus Capital, Ariel Group’s private equity partner, highlighted the acquisition as strengthening the combined platform’s leadership consulting offerings.

Renovus Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Premier International Enterprises, LLC, a Chicago-based technology services and consulting firm specializing in data migration and related data solutions. The investment is positioned as a platform transaction, with Renovus planning to support Premier’s continued growth, software product enhancement, and future strategic acquisitions.

Resource Label Group, LLC acquired Chicago-based Deco Flexible Packaging to expand its Midwest presence and strengthen its leadership in labels and packaging. Deco Flexible Packaging produces custom pressure-sensitive products and narrow web flexible packaging for a variety of industries. The deal represents Resource Label Group’s 24th acquisition.

i3 Broadband announced it has acquired the assets of and merged operations with VoiceSpring, Inc., a cloud-based VoIP provider serving commercial businesses. VoiceSpring will continue operating as-is and its employees will remain in place following the closing on October 3.

48forty Solutions acquired Midwest pallet management company CALco Pallets; financial terms were not disclosed. 48forty is backed by Audax Private Equity and Summit Partners, while CALco had been a portfolio company of Strength Capital since 2019.

Allworth Financial acquired Second Opinion Partners, a $440 million AUM registered investment adviser based in Riverwoods, Illinois, to expand its Midwest/Chicago-area presence. Financial terms were not disclosed; the deal marks Allworth’s 23rd acquisition in four years and its second announced the same day.

Priority Power Management, Inc. completed the acquisition of the energy procurement, consulting, and solar development business of Affordable Gas & Electric Company, LLC (AGE). The deal expands Priority Power’s footprint in Midwest energy markets and strengthens its growing solar development capabilities. AGE’s energy management services business is headquartered in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and serves municipal, commercial, and industrial customers across Illinois and Ohio.

BigHand announced it has acquired Digitory Legal, an AI-enabled timecard and cost analytics platform for law firms and in-house legal departments. The acquisition strengthens BigHand’s operational, financial, and matter pricing capabilities by leveraging deeper insights from billing/timecard data, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) analytics. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Blue Ridge ESOP Associates acquired the ESOP services and certain tax-related 401(k) plan services business of Crowe LLP. Following the transaction, substantially all assets and Crowe professionals associated with the business will transition to Blue Ridge. Financial terms were not disclosed.

HUB International Limited acquired the assets of Intercontinental Growth Strategies, LLC (IGS), a trade credit insurance brokerage. IGS is based in Chicago, Illinois, and the transaction terms were not disclosed.

Profound Commerce acquired FBA Capital Management’s portfolio of e-commerce marketplace brands, expanding Profound Commerce’s brand-holding platform and increasing scale. As part of the transaction, FBA Capital Management will take a minority stake in Profound Commerce and its principals will join Profound Commerce’s board and leadership team.

Heartland Veterinary Partners, backed by Gryphon Investors, acquired Family Vet Group (FVG), a provider of general practice veterinary care with practices across multiple U.S. states. Deal terms were not disclosed. As part of the transaction, FVG’s family ownership group Highland Ventures LTD will retain the underlying real estate and serve as a strategic real estate partner to support Heartland’s facility expansion.

Milton Industries announced the acquisition of Casey Tools and Lock Technologies, the designer and manufacturer behind the LTI Tools brand of professional technician specialty tools and equipment. The deal expands Milton’s product offerings and distribution channels, with LTI/Casey Tools executives supporting the transition and taking continuing roles, including an equity position in Milton for CFO Wayne Casey.

Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. acquired FCA, LLC (FCA Packaging) from Delos Capital. FCA Packaging is a manufacturer of customized industrial protective packaging solutions with 34 locations across the United States and is headquartered in Moline, Illinois.

Trinity Life Sciences announced the acquisition of Illinois-headquartered D Cube Analytics. The deal expands Trinity’s life sciences commercialization portfolio by adding D Cube’s data science, digital transformation capabilities, and bespoke analytics platforms for life sciences companies.

Citrin Cooperman acquired Chicago-based Shepard Schwartz & Harris (SSH), establishing its first Midwest office. SSH, a tax, accounting, and business advisory firm serving privately held businesses, will integrate into Citrin Cooperman’s structure, with non-attest assets joining Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and attest assets joining Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP.

Versant Diagnostics announced the acquisitions of Pathology Consultants of Chicago and the assets and operations of Elgin Laboratory Physicians, Ltd., expanding its footprint in the greater Chicago market. The deals are intended to broaden Versant’s network of subspecialty pathologists and support digital pathology investments across acquired practices.

Aptean, a global provider of enterprise software solutions, acquired Produce Pro Software, an ERP provider focused on the fresh produce and perishables industries. The deal expands Aptean’s Food & Beverage ERP functionality to better serve food distribution customers across the supply chain. Produce Pro is headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois.

Watterson, a portfolio company of Highview Capital, has acquired Bassett Creek Services, Inc., a national restoration and renovation services provider. Bassett Creek Services will continue operating alongside Watterson, with its leadership team joining Watterson to support expanded national scale and capabilities in restoration, renovation, and facility services.

InMoment, a provider of Experience Improvement (XI) solutions, has completed the acquisition of ReviewTrackers, a customer review management software company. The deal expands InMoment’s XI platform to natively incorporate online ratings and reviews alongside surveys and other feedback sources, strengthening analytics and action across the customer lifecycle.

Westbridge Capital Ltd. has closed the acquisition of sliBuy Inc., an online no-reserve auction marketplace. sliBuy is headquartered in Shorewood, Illinois and focuses on purchasing and reselling store-level inventories from major United States retailers. Founder Michael Ringelsten will remain involved as a shareholder and director, and Steve Fitzgerald will assume the role of CEO.

St. Croix Hospice acquired Lexington Hospice Care in Lombard, Illinois, expanding its hospice services in the Chicago metropolitan area. The acquisition creates St. Croix Hospice’s third branch location in Illinois, building on its existing presence in Rockford and Des Plaines.

CORE Industrial Partners’ portfolio company CGI Automated Manufacturing acquired Elite Manufacturing Technologies, a precision sheet metal components and assemblies supplier. The deal represents the sixth add-on acquisition to the CGI platform since CORE launched it in August 2021. Elite is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Illinois, and manufactures cabinets, consoles, and electro-mechanical assemblies serving electronic gaming and other end markets.

Brook + Whittle acquired Diamond Flexible Packaging, a family-owned flexible packaging and converting company based in Northbrook, Illinois. The deal expands Brook + Whittle’s wide web printing capabilities and adds in-house pouch lines and bag-making capacity to support growth across end markets including food, cosmetics, beverage, nutritional, and healthcare.

Payroc WorldAccess, LLC (Payroc) announced its acquisition of Worldnet, an integrated payments gateway and omnichannel payments solutions provider serving ISVs and SaaS customers. Payroc plans to incorporate Worldnet’s technology into its platform to expand further into embedded and omnichannel payments. Payroc is backed by Parthenon Capital, which assisted Payroc in completing the acquisition.

Paxton/Patterson LLC has been acquired by Millpond Equity Partners, LLC and Wasena Capital Management, Inc., with Prairie Capital Advisors serving as exclusive financial advisor to Paxton/Patterson and its shareholders. Paxton/Patterson, headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum, related equipment, and educator training and support to school districts. Transaction terms were not disclosed.

Funds managed by Apollo Global Management affiliates (the "Apollo Funds") acquired Tony's Fresh Market, a Chicago-based specialty grocery retailer. The founding family will continue to partner with Apollo in management roles and remain shareholders going forward.

Leonard Group, Inc. acquired Cook Portable Warehouses, a manufacturer and retailer of premium storage sheds with a 14-state footprint. The deal is Leonard's fourth add-on acquisition since partnering with Kinderhook Industries, expanding Leonard's retail and manufacturing presence across the Midwest, Texas, and Gulf Coast. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Worldwise, a pet supplies platform backed by A&M Capital Partners and A&M Capital Opportunities Fund, has acquired Pet Factory. Pet Factory is a U.S. producer of pet chews and treats (plus toys and accessories) headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois, and will continue operating under its leadership with Greg Hill remaining President while joining Worldwise’s management team.

The Vistria Group announced a strategic partnership and recapitalization of The Mather Group, LLC (TMG), a Chicago-headquartered wealth management firm with over $8 billion in assets under management. Vistria will commit significant capital to support TMG’s continued growth, both organically and through future acquisitions, while backing CEO Chris Behrens and the existing leadership team.

JBC Technologies acquired HST Materials, Inc., an ISO-9001 certified flexible materials converter located in the Chicago suburbs. The deal expands JBC’s geographic footprint and strengthens its presence in the automotive and off-road transportation sectors while adding capabilities such as peel adhesion testing, spooling, and additional precision converting capacity.

PSP Capital acquired StormTrap, a provider of underground stormwater management systems, from Warren Equity Partners. The transaction was completed in partnership with StormTrap’s management team and founding family, adding an advanced industrial/building products business to PSP Capital’s portfolio.

J.S. Held, a global consulting firm, acquired Ocean Tomo LLC, an advisory firm specializing in intellectual property and other intangible asset valuation, disputes, and related financial forensics and consulting services. The transaction provides an exit for Ocean Tomo’s institutional investors Bow River Capital and Sinofaith IP Group, with Ocean Tomo employee shareholders investing into J.S. Held as part of the deal.

Bertram Capital made an investment in TSR Concrete Coatings, a provider of residential concrete coating solutions for garages, patios, pools, and basements. TSR Concrete Coatings is headquartered in Lena, Illinois and operates across multiple states; financial terms were not disclosed.

Freestar announced the acquisition of MPW Digital’s ad management business, adding more than 500 managed publisher websites to Freestar’s portfolio. As part of the deal, Freestar and MPW Digital also entered into an ongoing strategic direct sales partnership to strengthen Freestar’s direct sales capabilities.

Periscope Equity announced the sale of its investment in Power Digital in connection with a new strategic capital investment from Court Square Capital Partners. Power Digital is a tech-enabled digital performance marketing services firm, and the transaction marks a new partnership as the company continues its growth strategy.

Trading Technologies International, Inc. (TT) acquired RCM-X, a financial technology provider of algorithmic execution strategies and quantitative trading products. The deal expands TT’s trading platform with RCM-X’s execution algos, trade analytics, and transaction cost analysis (TCA) services, which will be integrated into the TT platform. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Hub International Limited acquired the assets of Kuhl Insurance Agency, Inc., an independent insurance agency based in Morton, Illinois. Kuhl Insurance provides commercial and personal insurance plus employee benefits services, strengthening Hub’s specialty practices in industries including manufacturing, healthcare, social services, and construction. Transaction terms were not disclosed.

Parthenon Capital, together with Choreo management and advisors, closed the acquisition of Choreo, LLC (formerly RSM US Wealth Management) from RSM US LLP. Following the transaction, Choreo will operate as an independent advisory firm and plans to invest in client service and growth, including potential future acquisitions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

424 Capital closed a majority investment in MedHQ, a provider of HR and financial management services for healthcare organizations. MedHQ will use the investment to support continued growth of its existing offerings and expand capabilities serving ambulatory surgery centers and physician practices.

An affiliate of Peak Rock Capital completed the acquisition of Ziyad Brothers, a branded Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods provider, in partnership with Ziyad’s management team and the Ziyad family. Ziyad is headquartered in Chicago and distributes a portfolio of over 800 SKUs across specialty grocers, supermarkets, national accounts, and e-commerce channels. The deal is positioned as a platform investment for Peak Rock in the food, beverage, and distribution sector.

TranSystems Corp., a transportation consulting firm, acquired OMEGA & Associates, Inc., an engineering and consulting firm serving the greater Chicago area. The acquisition expands TranSystems’ infrastructure and construction engineering/program management capabilities in Chicago and nationally. Sentinel Capital Partners continues to partner with TranSystems in expanding its infrastructure industry presence.

Jon-Don, a national distributor of commercial supplies, equipment, and chemicals, announced it has acquired USA-CLEAN. USA-CLEAN, headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, supplies repair parts and service for professional floor care equipment through a network of technicians across the United States and beyond. USA-CLEAN founder Bruce Bushert will remain president and join Jon-Don to support strategic growth in the janitorial/building-service industry.

Fast Genetics, a subsidiary of ST Genetics, acquired Acuity, a swine genetics business founded by The Maschhoffs, in a carve-out transaction. SDR Ventures acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Acuity and The Maschhoffs in the sale. Following the acquisition, Fast Genetics is now called AccuFast.

Northstar Capital announced a debt and equity co-investment in LumiSource, LLC, which is a portfolio company of CID Capital. The financing supports CID Capital in funding its transaction related to LumiSource, a home décor and furnishings supplier headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.