Private equity firm Wind Point Partners has acquired Kentucky-based American Trailer Rental Group, which owns and manages a fleet of over 16,000 units including dry van trailers, containers, flatbeds, and chassis. Operating via 19 branches throughout the Midwest, South and Southwest U.S., ATRG goes to market under five distinct brands, including Meisler, FITS, Fleet, Advantage, and Arizona Storage.
Terms were not disclosed.
Wind Point is partnering with ATRG management, led by CEO John Brooks, and six executive advisors from within the firm’s network who bring significant operational and leadership expertise in transportation and logistics, according to the deal announcement. The partnership will provide additional capital and strategic support to ATRG to enable further geographic expansion in robust manufacturing and warehousing markets through acquisitions and greenfield locations.
Brooks and the entire ATRG management team will remain with the business and retain a meaningful ownership stake in the company.
“Wind Point’s extensive experience in transportation and logistics, broad executive network and highly collaborative approach to managing investments made them an excellent partner for our team,” Brooks said. “We are poised to accelerate our growth trajectory and are excited to work with Wind Point to further expand our geographic footprint, aggressively increase our fleet size and maintain the exceptional level of service we provide to our customers.”
Brooks joined ATRG in 2017 and brings a wealth of experience in the equipment rental sector. Since then, he has implemented robust operational and management systems and accelerated growth via seven acquisitions and four greenfield locations.
“ATRG operates in an attractive industry with tailwinds driven by increased supply chain complexity, continued growth in logistics outsourcing and e-commerce oriented demand. John and the ATRG team have established a leading position in the storage and cartage segments of the trailer rental market, providing important solutions to customers across a wide variety of industries,” Konrad Salaber, managing director at Wind Point, said. “ATRG is well-positioned to capitalize on continued market growth and strategic acquisition opportunities in what is a highly fragmented industry with a long tail of local and regional operators. We look forward to supporting the ATRG team as they continue to scale the business.”
Wind Point is an active investor in transportation, logistics, and route-based businesses, with select prior investments including STG Logistics, A&R Logistics, Dicom Transportation, Valicor Environmental Services, and AIR-serv.