Partnership Will Help Family-Owned Third-Party Logistics Leader Advance its Growth Strategy
Focused on Quality Service, Innovation and Automation, and Strategic Acquisitions
CHICAGO and CHATTANOOGA, TN – October 6, 2022 – Pritzker Private Capital (“PPC”), a leader in family direct investing, today announced an agreement to invest in Kenco Logistics (“Kenco” or “the Company”), one of North America’s leading third-party logistics (“3PL”) providers. PPC will invest alongside members of the Kenco management team to provide Kenco with additional financial resources and expertise to accelerate its growth, scale its innovative offering and strengthen its leadership as a world-class 3PL provider.
Founded in Chattanooga in 1950, Kenco provides integrated 3PL supply chain solutions for more than 200 clients across a wide range of industries and verticals, including outsourced distribution and warehouse management, eCommerce fulfillment, transportation management, material handling and automation services. Kenco today manages more than 100 distribution facilities comprising 36 million square feet of space, backed by a team of more than 5,000 employees. The Company serves as a critical supply chain partner for customers in the CPG, food and beverage, healthcare, durable goods, retail, industrial and information technology end markets, and generates more than $1 billion in revenue.
“Kenco is an established leader in the 3PL industry with best-in-class operational capabilities and a longstanding commitment to its people, community and customers,” said Eric Kieras, Investment Partner at PPC. “We will help Kenco build on its strong foundation and execute its growth strategy, including through strategic add-on acquisitions. We look forward to partnering with Denis and the team to support Kenco’s continued industry leadership in its next chapter.”
“For more than 70 years, Kenco has thrived as a family-owned organization,” said Denis Reilly, President & CEO of Kenco. “As the demand for innovative and reliable logistics solutions becomes greater than ever, we have found the ideal partner in Pritzker Private Capital to support our growth and advance our mission to be the preferred supply chain partner in North America. From expanding our geographical coverage to investing in important verticals, products and services, Kenco will now be able to capture new opportunities for the benefit of our teams, customers and business partners.”
Jane Kennedy Greene, Chairwoman of Kenco’s Board of Directors, commented, “As stewards of Kenco’s legacy and future, the Kenco Board continually evaluates how to best position the company for long-term, sustainable growth. This transaction perfectly achieves that goal. PPC has an extensive track record of successful investments in family-owned businesses like Kenco, and greatly respects the mission and values we operate with every day. With PPC’s support, Kenco will have access to the growth capital and resources necessary to both invest in Kenco’s current capabilities and pursue new additions to our portfolio.”
Anthony Cardona, Principal at PPC, added, “At Pritzker Private Capital, we look to partner with growth-focused businesses and management teams for long-term success. We are excited to help Kenco expand its pioneering innovation, automation and data-driven approach to advancing its customers’ supply chains.”
Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2022, CEO Denis Reilly will continue to lead Kenco from the Company’s headquarters in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Republic Partners is serving as exclusive financial advisor and Hogan Lovells LLP is serving as legal counsel to Kenco.
About Pritzker Private Capital
Pritzker Private Capital partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products and services sectors. The firm’s differentiated, long-duration capital base allows for efficient decision-making, broad flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and alignment with all stakeholders. Pritzker Private Capital builds businesses for the long term and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Pritzker Private Capital is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). For more information, visit PPCPartners.com.
About Kenco
Kenco is the preferred supply chain partner to market-leading customers across the United States. Operating with a national footprint, Kenco provides integrated supply chain management solutions that include outsourced distribution, warehousing, omni-channel fulfillment, transportation management and material handling services—all engineered for Operational Excellence. For more than 70 years, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships by engaging in ethical, honest and sustainable business practices. Kenco’s agility, customer dedication, and data-driven approach ensure customers receive real solutions and results. For more information, visit kencogroup.com.
Media Contacts:
Pritzker Private Capital:
Abernathy MacGregor
Dan Scorpio / Kyla MacLennan
(312) 640-3111 / (212) 371-5999
dps@abmac.com / kam@abmac.com
Kenco:
Abernathy MacGregor
Tom Johnson / Jake Yanulis
(212) 371-5999
amg-kenco@abmac.com