acquisition Archives

Reading environmental consulting firm acquires New Jersey firm

Reading-based Liberty Environmental, Inc. has acquired Frey Engineering, LLC of Lebanon, New Jersey, as part of its ongoing expansion strategy which includes expanding its service areas, increasing its workforce, and acquiring new technical capabilities.

Frey Engineering, which has been serving clients in New Jersey and surrounding areas for over two decades, will add its expertise in the fields of remedial assessment, remedial design, and construction oversight, particularly on large-scale Superfund cleanup projects and landfill closures, to Liberty Environmental’s portfolio of services, the company said.

“We are pleased to welcome Frey Engineering to Liberty Environmental,” said Jim Cinelli, president of Liberty Environmental. “Their expertise in civil and environmental engineering and consulting is a perfect fit with our existing capabilities and will allow us to provide even more comprehensive services to our clients.”

With the acquisition, Liberty Environmental will increase its capability to serve clients in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area. The company will also be adding a team of professionals to its staff, including Frey Engineering’s Founder and Principal Leo Frey.

“We are excited to join the Liberty Environmental team,” said Frey. “Our combined resources, expertise, and experience will enable us to better serve our clients and take on a wider variety of environmental projects.”

Geisinger Health acquired by new health system

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and Danville-based Geisinger Health announced the launch of Risant Health and a definitive agreement for Risant Health to acquire Geisinger as its first health system.

Risant Health is a nonprofit organization, created by Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, to adopt value-based care in “diverse, multi-payer, multi-provider, community-based health systems.”

“Kaiser Permanente and Geisinger share a vision for the future of health care, and as the Risant Health name indicates, we believe by working together we will reach new heights in health care and raise the bar for better health for all communities,” said Dr. Jaewon Ryu, president and CEO of Geisinger Health.

Geisinger will maintain its name and mission, and will continue to work with other health plans, employed physicians, and independent providers.

Geisinger said Risant Health’s value-based platform in areas such as care model design, pharmacy, consumer digital engagement, health plan product development, and purchasing will benefit the health system. As the first health system to become part of Risant Health, Geisinger will participate in developing the organization’s strategy and operational model, it said.

Ryu will serve as CEO of Risant Health, transitioning from his current role as the transaction between Risant Health and Geisinger closes, the two companies said.

Risant Health, which it said will operate separately from Kaiser Permanente’s model, said it plans to acquire a portfolio of likeminded, nonprofit, value-oriented community-based health systems anchored in their respective communities.

“Our mission calls on us to find new ways to promote high-quality, affordable, and evidence-based care with equitable and improved health outcomes. Through Risant Health, we will make our value-based care expertise, technology and services available to community-based health systems, like Geisinger, to strengthen their ability to provide value-based care models with a focus on high-quality and equitable health outcomes,” said Greg. A. Adams, chair and CEO, Kaiser Permanente.

John C. Bravman, president of Bucknell University and chair of the Geisinger Health Board of Directors, said, “Our nation and the health care industry have long waited for an organization to step up and lead by bringing forward meaningful solutions to improve health care in America. It is clear now that Kaiser Permanente is that leader, and the launch of Risant Health will make better health easier, more accessible and more affordable for the people and communities we serve in Pennsylvania.”

Schuylkill County logistics warehouse to close, costing 132 jobs

Ryder Integrated Logistics Inc. announced that it will close its Schuylkill County plant at 71 Mall Road, New Castle Township, terminating 132 employees.

The company, which calls itself “a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions,” filed a Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act letter with the state Department of Labor & Industry that said the closure is expected to be permanent.

In a statement provided to the media, Ryder said that in accordance with the WARN Act, “we notified the state that, due to the bankruptcy announcement of our customer Bed Bath & Beyond, the retailer’s distribution center at 71 Mall Road in Frackville … will be closing between June 25 and July 9, 2023. Based on the information currently known and available, we anticipate that 132 positions at the Ryder-managed distribution center will be eliminated within that time period.

“Ryder remains committed to continuing to serve the needs of our customers in Pennsylvania, where we continue to operate other sites. Ryder is working on redeployment efforts, as feasible, to retain as many employees as possible.”

None of the workers at the Mall Road facility, which is on the site of the former Schuylkill Mall (since razed), are unionized.

Ryder Integrated Logistics is a subsidiary of Ryder System Inc., a $12 billion fully integrated port-to-door logistics and transportation company with operations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Ryder System includes 48,000 employees, 45,000 customers, 260,000 vehicles under management, 11,000 professional drivers, 300 warehouses and 95 million square feet of retail space.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Penske Truck Leasing acquires Star Truck Rentals in midwest expansion

Reading-based Penske Truck Leasing has reached an agreement to acquire Star Truck Rentals Inc., a Midwestern transportation services company offering full-service leasing, commercial truck rental, contract maintenance, used truck sales and other services.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023.

Star Truck Rentals, founded over 150 years ago and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, operates over 1,900 vehicles from 18 locations in Michigan and Indiana. The company serves diverse customers across the food and beverage, manufacturing, and consumer goods and services industries.

“Star Truck Rentals has impressive scale in the region, an excellent reputation in the industry and a commitment to exceptional customer service,” Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, said in a release. “We look forward to integrating Star into the Penske brand and leveraging the best both companies have to offer to serve new and existing customers in the region.”

Tom Bylenga, president of Star Truck Rentals, added: “We are excited to join Penske. Penske and Star share a similar culture and approach toward supporting customers and developing associates. Joining with Penske will offer new opportunities for growth across an expanded network.”

Penske Truck Leasing operates and maintains more than 418,000 vehicles from more than 930 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 rental locations across North America.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Hershey to acquire two popcorn manufacturing plants

The Hershey Co. has agreed to buy two manufacturing plants from Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, a co-manufacturer of Hershey’s SkinnyPop brand, in Bethlehem and in Whitestown, Indiana.

Cost was undisclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and will be financed with cash on hand and short-term borrowings, a release said.

The deal is designed to enable the global confectioner and salty snacks company to sustain strong growth for SkinnyPop by strengthening internal supply chain capabilities in combination with its network of suppliers and co-manufacturers.

“Hershey has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years, stemming from a combination of successful strategy execution and an increase in more snacking occasions among consumers,” said Kristen Riggs, Hershey’s president of salty snacks. “In fact, SkinnyPop has been No. 1 in retail sales growth for ready-to-eat popcorn over the last three years.”

Jason Reiman, Hershey’s chief supply chain officer, added: “In response to consumer snacking trends, we continue to evolve our supply chain, making significant investments in the size, scale and capabilities of our network, improving resiliency while we continue to strengthen existing supplier relationships. Our acquisition of Weaver’s two facilities is a perfect example of how we’re investing to bring added capacity and strength across our portfolio of brands well into the future.”

A family-owned and operated company for over 90 years, Weaver operates three independent entities, including Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing.

According to its website, Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing “is a recognized leader in the production and co-packing of popping corn, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn,” and operates the world’s largest microwave popcorn manufacturing facility.

Weaver Popcorn CEO Jason Kashman said, “Hershey is acquiring two best-in-class popcorn manufacturing operations that will enable continued growth in volume and quality, with teams at each location that have an unrivaled expertise.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

EnerSys acquires UK company

Reading-based EnerSys, a manufacturer of industrial batteries, announced that it has acquired Industrial Battery and Charger Services Limited, a leading battery service and maintenance provider headquartered in the United Kingdom.

The acquisition, effective immediately, gives EnerSys the opportunity to expand its motive power service offerings and strengthen its presence in the UK market.

By adding IBCS, EnerSys will be able to further enhance its comprehensive battery-related services, ranging from installation and maintenance to repair and replacement.

Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.

“We are excited to welcome IBCS to the EnerSys family,” Vincent Baudelet, vice president of sales and service, Motive Power EMEA, at EnerSys, said in a release. “Their expertise in battery service and maintenance will enhance our ability to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers, and their strong reputation in the UK market will help us grow our business in the region.”

IBCS will continue to operate under its current name and branding; its management team is expected to remain in place.

“We are delighted to be joining forces with EnerSys,” said Paul Hewson, managing director at IBCS. “This partnership will allow us to offer our customers even more comprehensive and integrated battery solutions, including top-of-the-line lead acid batteries, proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead technology, and the industry’s most advanced lithium battery while also providing new opportunities for our employees.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Victaulic expansion continues

Easton-based Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe joining, fire protection and flow control solutions, acquired Horizon Metals Inc., located in Nephi, Utah.

The acquisition, completed March 30, supports the company’s growth in the infrastructure and waterworks market by increasing capacity for large-diameter piping solutions. It also aligns with the company’s strategy to manufacture these products in the United States, Victaulic said.

Victaulic said it with this acquisition, Victaulic has added over 1.4 million square feet of foundry and manufacturing capacity in North America since 2011.

“A major aspect of Victaulic’s business strategy has always been to manufacture products in close proximity to our customers,” said Rick Bucher, president and CEO of Victaulic. “Like our Tennessee Metal Fabricating Corporation acquisition last year, the purchase of Horizon Metals demonstrates our continuous commitment to this strategy by expanding our growth and service capabilities to our valued North American customers. With this purchase, Horizon Metals represents Victaulic’s fifth foundry in North America and our fourth foundry located in the United States.”

Company signs 115,000-square foot lease in Reading Distribution Center

An affiliate of Endurance Real Estate Group LLC announced the signing of a 114,550-square-foot lease with Can Corporation of America Inc., a subsidiary of The Giorgi Companies Inc., at the Route 61 Distribution Center, 184 Tuckerton Road, Reading.

The lease with “Can Corp. continues our strong leasing activity within our Reading Industrial Portfolio,” a statement from Endurance said. The CBRE team of Paul Touhey, Sean Bleiler and Abraham Kromah represented Endurance in this transaction.

Endurance acquired the Reading Industrial Portfolio in February 2022. The largest building in the group is 184 Tuckerton Road, with 392,030 square feet. The building is 100% occupied, “in large part due to Reading’s strong labor pool and prime location to exceptional highway infrastructure that places six of the top 10 U.S. (metropolitan statistical areas) and 60% of the Canadian population within a one-day truck drive,” the statement said.

“This specific space was leased prior to launching a full-blown marketing effort, which speaks to the strength of the market and lack of functional product currently available to tenants,” said Albert J. Corr, senior vice president/principal of Endurance.

Formed in 2002, Endurance Real Estate Group is based in Radnor. Since its formation, the company has acquired and developed over $1.3 billion of assets totaling 20.6 million square feet and sold over 11.7 million square feet with a combined value of nearly $1 billion. Endurance also owns and operates a portfolio totaling over 5.3 million square feet consisting of 54 buildings.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

DICK’s Sporting Goods to acquire Michigan firm

Public Lands store in Cranberry Twp., Butler County – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Pittsburgh-based DICK’S Sporting Goods said it will acquire outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart in March.

The acquisition will expand DICK’S outdoor portfolio, currently led by its specialty retailer, Public Lands, and reaffirm its commitment to the long-term business opportunity in the growing multibillion-dollar outdoor category, DICK’s said in a statement.

Moosejaw, founded in Michigan in 1992, operates an e-commerce platform, has a loyal customer base, strong vendor relationships with leading outdoor brands and a passionate workforce, DICK’s said.

Moosejaw also operates brick-and-mortar locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri.

“We admire what Moosejaw has accomplished over the past 30 years as leaders in the outdoor industry and look forward to the opportunity to share insights and learn from one another,” said Todd Spaletto, president, Public Lands and senior vice president, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “We believe there’s potential to grow the Moosejaw business and provide compelling experiences and an expanded product assortment to its millions of loyal customers.”

After several years of development, DICK’S launched Public Lands in 2021 with the mission to celebrate and protect public lands for all. The brand has since grown to seven retail locations and an e-commerce presence.

Once the acquisition closes, Moosejaw CEO Eoin Comerford will report to Spaletto.

Groff Tractor & Equipment expands footprint with Plasterer Equipment acquisition

Mechanicsburg-based Groff Tractor & Equipment has expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Plasterer Equipment, which has locations in Bethlehem and Sellersville.

“We plan to operate the newly acquired John Deere business out of the current Plasterer locations and will provide parts, service, sales, and rental through these facilities just like Plasterer has done for the last 110 years.”, said Mike Savastio, Groff president and CEO. “These branches will be “re-branded” to become Groff Tractor & Equipment dealerships moving forward.”

The purchase of Plasterer Equipment, a John Deere Construction & Forestry dealer, and their four locations in Lebanon, Bethlehem, Sellersville, and Lewisberry will expand Groff Tractor’s footprint to 10 branches throughout Pennsylvania, the company said in a statement.

“We will continue to support our existing brands out of our Mechanicsburg and Ephrata facilities, providing the same outstanding support our customers have come to expect over the past 65 years.” Savastio said.

Groff Tractor & Equipment, a construction equipment dealer celebrating its 65th year in business, will maintain its headquarters in Mechanicsburg.

Rhoads Energy buys HB Home Services Heating Oil and Propane delivery service

Lancaster-based Rhoads Energy, which does business in Berks County, has acquired HB Home Services Heating Oil and Propane’s home delivery division.

Michael DeBerdine, president and CEO of Lancaster-based Rhoads Energy, and Jennifer Goldbach, the company’s vice president of business development, stand in front of a company truck. PHOTO/ IOANNIS PASHAKIS

HB Home Services’ delivery division previously operated as part of Harrisburg-based HB McClure, which continues to operate. Terms of the sale which were finalized in December, were not disclosed.

The purchase extends Rhoads Energy’s fuel delivery territory into parts of Cumberland, Dauphin and York Counties.

Rhoads Energy, founded in 1917, offers fuel delivery, fleet fueling, and other offerings. The employee-owned company also operates Cool Crew, a division of more than 50 technicians that install and service home comfort equipment.

As part of the purchase, HB Home Services drivers and trucks will join Rhoads Energy’s delivery fleet.

“We’re looking forward to helping our new customers discover the benefits of doing business with our team,” said Michael DeBerdine, CEO of Rhoads Energy. “We’re also excited that we have the capability to offer fuel delivery service to all the homes in the Harrisburg metro region.”

Before the transaction, Rhoads Energy’s territory included Lancaster, Lebanon, Chester, Berks, and Montgomery Counties. With the addition of HB Home Services fuel customers, Rhoads will expand its footprint to the region stretching from Hershey, through Harrisburg and into Carlisle. It will also include much of northern York County.

This is just the most recent expansion for Rhoads Energy. Over the past two decades, Rhoads Energy has experienced continuous growth, both organically and through a series of acquisitions, the company said.

LVHN acquires Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center

Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center’s medical clinic is now known as LCPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic after being acquired by Lehigh Valley Health Network – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center’s (EPDSC) medical clinic is now part of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and will expand access to treatment for people with Down syndrome.

EPDSC, now known as LCPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic, will continue to provide resources, education, advocacy and programs to patients and families in the region.

“We are thrilled to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary and holistic care to people with Down syndrome and their families and we look forward to expanding care options in the near future,” said the clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Donald Levick.

Located in the Health Center at Trexlertown, LVHN plans to dd doctors and clinicians, therapists, and family support specialists to the existing team. Since 1999, LVHN has been providing doctors to patients seeking care at EPDSC’s clinic and current patients will be able to keep their same team.

“LVHN has been a wonderful partner for more than 20 years and this new partnership will allow our patients and families to receive world-class, specialized care from doctors and therapists they already know and trust,” said Kerri DiDario, EPDSC executive director.

The clinic currently provides care for more than 250 patients

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Tag: acquisition

Schuylkill County logistics warehouse to close, costing 132 jobs

Penske Truck Leasing acquires Star Truck Rentals in midwest expansion

Hershey to acquire two popcorn manufacturing plants

EnerSys acquires UK company

Company signs 115,000-square foot lease in Reading Distribution Center

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