Transportation Acquisitions in Florida

Transit Technologies has acquired Vehicle Installs, a national fleet installation and mobile electronics services firm, to strengthen its deployment, installation, and long-term support capabilities for telematics, GPS, and camera systems. The deal gives Transit Technologies greater control of end-to-end hardware and field services, improving speed-to-value and multi-site execution for public sector, campus, K-12, and commercial fleet clients.

RPM Freight Systems, LLC has acquired Dealers Choice Auto Transport, a specialist in premium and luxury vehicle transport for dealerships and auto auctions. The deal, completed with support from RPM's sponsors Trive Capital and Bluejay Capital, expands RPM's dealership and auction coverage and adds specialized, white‑glove vehicle transport capabilities to its tech-enabled logistics platform.

Boatsetter and Getmyboat have merged to form a combined global marketplace for boat rentals and on‑the‑water experiences, with the new headquarters based in Miami. The merger unifies inventory and technology across both platforms to expand geographic reach, accelerate product and AI development, and provide enhanced tools and services for owners, operators and guests.

Via has acquired Downtowner, a provider of software-powered transit solutions for destination cities, to expand its public transit technology platform. The acquisition brings Downtowner’s on-demand, flexible routing product and proprietary data into Via’s platform to improve seasonal demand management, operations in complex terrain and development of Via’s AI for Cities solutions.

Signature Aviation has acquired Fort Lauderdale Executive Jet Center at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), adding the 10,000 sq. ft. main terminal and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of hangar and office space to its global network. The deal expands Signature's presence in South Florida—one of the busiest private aviation regions—and integrates FXE into Signature's 200+ location network with planned terminal modernization and rebranding.

Hoffmann Family of Companies has acquired Pure Florida, a Naples-based maritime tourism operator founded by Captains Lance and Harry Julian. Pure Florida will join HF Companies' marine vertical (Hoffmann Marine) as an add-on to the group's regional hospitality and marine portfolio, with the founders handing the business to the Hoffmann family to continue local operations and growth.

Hoffmann Family of Companies has acquired Olympus Limo, a Tampa Bay-based luxury ground transportation provider that serves individual travelers, corporate clients and large events across more than 350 cities. The deal adds Olympus to Hoffmann's Aviation & Transportation vertical (Hoffmann Transportation Group) and is intended to expand the firm's luxury transportation footprint and accelerate growth while preserving Olympus's service standards.

Synapse ITS, a transportation technology platform backed by Vance Street Capital, has acquired GovComm, a Florida-based provider of AI-powered wrong-way vehicle detection systems. The acquisition expands Synapse's safety-focused platform and aims to accelerate a national rollout of GovComm's field-proven WWVDS technology, which is approved by the Florida Department of 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.

FlyUSA, a Clearwater, Florida–based private aviation provider, has acquired TRYP Air Charter and MySky Aviation Solutions, increasing its aircraft under management from 24 to 28 and raising on-fleet charter availability from eight to 12. The transaction brings TRYP and MySky operational teams (including Elliot Mintzer and Kyle Garren) into FlyUSA and expands its turboprop and light-jet capabilities across Florida and the broader Southeast.

GA Telesis, LLC has completed the acquisition of AAR CORP.'s Landing Gear Overhaul business and Wheels & Brakes unit in a $51 million divestiture. The operations will be integrated into GA Telesis' MRO Services Division and rebranded as GA Telesis Landing Gear Services, expanding the company's landing gear MRO capabilities and adding HVOF coating technology.

Leste Group has agreed to acquire a minority stake in Billor, a vertically integrated freight and fintech platform for U.S. truck drivers, and put in place a $335 million credit facility to accelerate the company's growth. The investment will fund fleet expansion (Billor aims to exceed 800 trucks by end of 2025) and enhance the firm's technology and fintech capabilities, including its AI-powered Billor CoPilot.

FlyHouse has acquired JetASAP, a real-time private jet charter booking platform, and will integrate the platform into its upcoming FlyHouse app to streamline bookings and expand its operator network. JetASAP founder and CEO Lisa Kiefer Sayer has joined FlyHouse’s leadership team as FlyHouse looks to enhance its technology, transparent pricing, and booking capabilities to accelerate growth.

Saltchuk Resources, a privately owned family of freight transportation and marine service companies, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) in a transaction valuing OSG at an aggregate equity value of approximately $653 million and a total transaction value of $950 million. Saltchuk will commence a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares it does not already own for $8.50 per share, after which any remaining shares will be acquired in a second-step merger.

FleetPride, the nation’s largest distributor of aftermarket heavy-duty truck parts and service, has acquired Raney's Truck Center, a long-standing parts and service provider based in Ocala, Florida. The acquisition expands FleetPride’s footprint in Florida and supplements its parts and service capabilities to better serve local and nationwide trucking customers.

All Traffic Data Services, a portfolio company of Seaport Capital, has acquired Traffic Survey Specialists, a Delray Beach-based traffic data collection and analysis firm. The acquisition expands All Traffic Data's footprint in Florida (adding a Delray Beach office) and brings TSS founder Kevin McNally on as an advisor to support regional service growth.

LongueVue Capital (LVC) has partnered with TTi Logistics and CEO & Founder Jeff Rossier in a recapitalization that provides growth capital to support the company’s expansion. TTi, an asset-light third-party logistics provider headquartered in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, will leverage LVC’s industry experience and capital to grow its white-glove transportation, storage and installation services across retail, events and healthcare end markets.

Surf Air Mobility completed its acquisition of Southern Airways on July 27, 2023, creating what the company calls the largest commuter airline in the United States by scheduled departures. The deal combines Surf Air's regional air mobility platform with Southern's network to support nationwide expansion and accelerate Surf Air's plans for hybrid- and fully-electric powertrain adoption.

Neology has acquired Shimmick’s Transportation Operations & Management Solutions (TOMS) division based in Sunrise, Florida. The acquisition expands Neology’s tolling operations, back-office and advisory capabilities while enabling Shimmick to focus on its core water and transportation infrastructure businesses.

FlyUSA has acquired Tampa-based 3B Aviation, expanding FlyUSA's privately managed fleet to 15 aircraft across the Tampa Bay region. 3B Aviation founder Nick Barrows joins FlyUSA as President of Acquisitions and Management; prior to the deal 3B employed about ten pilots and managed 13 aircraft for more than 25 private owners.

Ritchie Bros. has purchased a controlling 75% stake in VeriTread, a transportation technology and heavy-haul freight marketplace, increasing its prior 11% ownership. The acquisition is intended to accelerate Ritchie Bros.' marketplace strategy by integrating VeriTread's transportation marketplace, brokerage capabilities, and freight tools into Ritchie Bros.' broader equipment marketplace and services.

South Florida-based private equity firm Alterna Equity Partners completed a control acquisition of the Bulk Express family of companies — including Bulk Express Transport, Soil Tech Distributors, M3 Transport and Inter City Disposal. The Miami-headquartered business is a leading long-haul waste hauling and transfer-station services provider in Florida; AEP plans to partner with management to expand the company's market position and advance operational and environmental initiatives.

Dubai-listed Aramex PJSC has completed an all-cash acquisition of Access USA Shipping, LLC (MyUS) for approximately $265 million. MyUS will be integrated into Aramex's courier business to strengthen cross-border e-commerce capabilities, increase shipment volumes and expand geographic coverage.

KKR (through KKR Global Infrastructure Investors IV) signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in Boasso Global, a provider of depot, maintenance, cleaning, and ISO tank transportation services, from funds advised by Apax Partners LLP. Boasso, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, operates a network of 34 depots across North America and Western Europe; financial terms were not disclosed and the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Chicago-based private equity firm Granite Creek Capital Partners has made an investment in Odyssey Aviation U.S., a fixed-base operator (FBO) headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida. The transaction supports a broader recapitalization in which Equivu Capital (the investment arm of CEO Salvatore Calvino) becomes the majority shareholder; proceeds will fund growth, strengthen operations, and support geographic expansion of Odyssey's FBO network.

Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) has completed the acquisition of Southern Traffic Services (STS), combining STS’s 30+ years of traffic data collection and traffic engineering expertise with Rekor’s AI- and machine learning-driven roadway intelligence. The deal expands Rekor’s capabilities to deliver integrated traffic management, urban mobility, and public safety solutions, and STS co-founder Mark Knowles becomes a company shareholder.

Transportation Infrastructure Partners (a joint venture between Ridgewood Infrastructure and Savage) acquired Worldwide Terminals Fernandina, LLC, the operator of the Port of Fernandina in Florida. The acquisition expands TIP’s portfolio of U.S. port and terminal infrastructure and positions Savage to operate the terminal as part of its broader network of ports and terminals.

Global Rail Trust (GRT), via its North American arm Global Rail North America, has acquired Advanced Rail Management Corp. (ARM), a U.S.-headquartered provider of wheel-rail interaction consulting and turnkey rail/wheel maintenance services. The acquisition gives GRT a North American footprint and ARM access to GRT's European expertise and global network to expand services across new markets; financial terms were not disclosed.

APP Jet Center has acquired the fixed-base operator (FBO) operations at Witham Field Airport in Stuart, Florida, expanding its network of FBO locations that include Washington D.C., Denver, Fort Pierce and San Francisco. The deal furthers APP's platform growth strategy (backed by Ridgewood Infrastructure) through complementary acquisitions and service/infrastructure enhancements at its sites.

Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (MIP) acquired 100% of the equity interests of RailUSA, LLC, the U.S. holding company operating the 430-mile Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad and the 228-mile Grenada Railroad. RailUSA provides freight rail services, transloading, railcar storage and industrial development opportunities; Sidley represented MIP in the transaction.

Chicago-based private equity firm Frontenac has completed a recapitalization partnership with Dealer Services Network (DSN), a Deerfield Beach, Florida-based provider of title, registration and compliance solutions for automotive dealers, fleet operators and government agencies. The partnership will fund DSN's U.S. expansion and support strategic organic growth and add-on acquisitions to scale its DealTracker TaaS platform.

Bregal Sagemount has made a significant new equity investment in Transflo alongside existing investor True Wind Capital, with Carousel Capital remaining a significant minority investor. The growth investment will support Transflo’s product innovation, payments and automation capabilities, and enable pursuit of strategic acquisitions to expand its position in the transportation technology market; financial terms were not disclosed.

Alinda Capital Partners acquired Big Truck Rental (BTR), a Tampa-based provider of rental refuse trucks, from the company's founders and Trivest Partners, with participation from existing and new management investors. BTR, founded in 2002, operates a large fleet (approximately 600 trucks) serving over 350 public and private waste service customers across the United States and Canada; William Blair served as financial advisor to the sellers.

Susquehanna Private Capital made a minority growth investment in College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, with franchise industry veterans David Barr and Shelly Sun also participating as investors. Co-founders Omar Soliman and Nick Friedman remain majority owners as the company secures capital and board resources to accelerate franchise growth, tech enablement and national account expansion.

AAMP Global has acquired M2M in Motion, a fleet intelligence and telematics software provider, to integrate fleet management software into its automotive hardware and aftermarket product portfolio. The acquisition will combine M2M in Motion’s Fleet Motion platform with AAMP’s engineering, manufacturing and installer network to accelerate product development and broaden offerings for commercial and passenger vehicle customers.

American Industrial Partners (AIP) completed a take-private acquisition of SEACOR Holdings Inc. via a tender offer at $41.50 per share, valuing the company at roughly $1 billion including net debt. The transaction was effected through AIP affiliate Safari Merger Subsidiary, Inc.; SEACOR's shares were converted and delisted from the NYSE, and AIP will work with SEACOR management to pursue long-term growth and industry consolidation.

Sycamore Partners completed an all-cash purchase of the Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property, from Royal Caribbean Group for $201 million. Royal Caribbean divested Azamara to focus on its core brands while Sycamore aims to support and grow the upmarket cruise line.

AMPORTS has acquired 100% of Horizon Terminal Services, a marine terminal operator with facilities in Jacksonville and Port Everglades, Florida, and Freeport, Texas, from Höegh Autoliners B.V. The acquisition expands AMPORTS' U.S. terminal network and capabilities in automotive vehicle processing, warehousing and marine cargo handling to strengthen its footprint and service offering.

Three Sixty Seven Advisors represented Global Jetcare, Inc., a provider of fixed‑wing air ambulance transport services, in its sale to Osprey Capital, LLC in November 2020. The founders, Bart and Christina Gray, sold the business to the private family office, which will support the company’s continued growth and operations.

Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, a portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, acquired Driver's Alert to expand its fleet safety management, e-learning content, and data-driven risk-identification capabilities. The transaction strengthens Smith System's digital training and telematics offerings for commercial fleets and complements LLCP's support of the platform.

RailUSA acquired a 430-mile rail line and related real estate from CSX Corporation, creating the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad (FGA) which runs from Baldwin to Pensacola, Florida. The line carries about 30,000 annual carloads, has 65 employees and 18 locomotives; terms were not disclosed. RailUSA is backed by Equity Group Investments and International Rail Partners.

Lynx FBO Network, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, acquired the FBO assets of World Jet, Inc. at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lynx — backed by The Sterling Group — plans significant investments including facility refreshes and development of a new FBO terminal as part of its South Florida expansion.

Ingersoll-Rand plc has agreed to acquire GPSi Holdings, LLC from Falconhead Capital, LLC to strengthen its telematics and connected technologies portfolio. GPSi, a Sarasota, Florida–based provider of cloud-based telematics and fleet management solutions serving markets such as education, golf and resorts, will expand Ingersoll-Rand's digital connectivity offerings for mobile assets.

Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock Co. has acquired yacht brokerage firm Koch, Newton & Partners, expanding its marine services offering. The purchase adds brokerage capabilities to Merrill-Stevens' shipyard and yacht service operations in South Florida.