Case Study
105-Year-Old Moving & Rigging Company Sold to ETA Buyer
The Situation
Moving & Rigging, Inc. had been a fixture in the New England moving and rigging industry for over a century. The company offered a full range of commercial and residential moving services plus specialized rigging and machinery moving, operating both locally and nationally through their affiliation with Wheaton World Wide. The two owner-operators were ready to retire and wanted to exit cleanly.
They engaged Diversified Business Advisors to manage a confidential sale process — identifying the right buyer and maximizing the value of a business with deep roots in the community.
The Challenge
- Aging ownership — Both principals were nearing retirement with no internal successor
- Owner-dependent operations — The owners personally managed client relationships and day-to-day operations
- Specialized assets — A fleet of moving equipment, forklifts, and leased warehouse space required a buyer with industry knowledge
- Confidentiality — With 105 years of history, a public sale process could have damaged customer and employee relationships
The Approach
- Valuation & financial prep — Analyzed 3+ years of P&Ls and tax returns, normalized owner compensation and benefits (health insurance, company vehicles, bonuses), and built a defensible EBITDA projection
- CIM development — Created a full Confidential Information Memorandum detailing the company’s century-long track record, diverse customer base, equipment inventory, and Wheaton affiliation
- Targeted buyer outreach — Developed a curated list of ~50 potential acquirers including regional competitors, national moving companies, and financial buyers; sent solicitation letters and managed follow-ups
- Competitive process — Fielded multiple indications of interest, qualified buyers through NDA process, and generated competitive tension through structured bidding
- Negotiation & due diligence — Managed LOI process, coordinated due diligence, and worked with legal counsel to finalize the Asset Purchase Agreement
The Result
Sold to a strategic buyer from within the moving industry who recognized the value of the Bormann name and equipment. The deal closed in December 2025 with a clean asset sale structure. Both owners were able to retire after the transition period.
Key Metrics
Key Metrics:
- Industry: Moving & Rigging (NAICS 484210)
- CIM: 20+ pages covering operations, financials, and market
- Buyer outreach: ~50 targets contacted
- Deal structure: Asset purchase
- Advisor: Joshua Meltzer, CBI, CFP, CMSBB, CEPA
