Logistics & Distribution Acquisitions in Iowa

Fairfield, Ohio-based AFC Industries (a Bertram Capital portfolio company) has acquired Muscatine, Iowa-based White Distribution & Supply (WDS) from Slate Capital Group. The add-on purchase expands AFC's distribution footprint and capabilities in MRO, fasteners, packaging and inventory/LEAN solutions; terms were not disclosed.

Chicago-based Redwood Logistics has acquired Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions and Global Distribution and Logistics to strengthen its modern 4PL and tech-enabled managed services. The deal adds Rockfarm’s freight management, international freight forwarding, trade compliance, customs brokerage, TMS integration experience and data/BI capabilities; Rockfarm’s Dubuque, Iowa operation and leadership will integrate into Redwood.

Kamps, Inc., a national pallet company backed by Freeman Spogli & Co., has acquired Realm Companies LLC, a Newton, Iowa–based pallet manufacturing, recycling and warehousing platform that also includes WestWind Logistics LLC. Realm — a portfolio company of Great Range Capital — has about 180 employees across nine warehouse and manufacturing locations; all Realm and WestWind employees (including owner Chris Barton) will transition to Kamps following the deal. The acquisition expands Kamps' Midwest capabilities, adding pallet lifecycle management, reverse logistics and on-site TPM services.

Americold Realty Trust (NYSE: COLD) has closed its acquisition of privately-held Chiller Holdco, LLC ("Cloverleaf Cold Storage"), adding a 22-facility portfolio (21 owned, 1 managed) totaling 132 million refrigerated cubic feet. The acquisition increases Americold's portfolio to over one billion refrigerated cubic feet and expands its temperature-controlled warehousing footprint and capabilities.