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Case Study

Following is a case study of an actual engagement we have completed. The names and exact locations may have been changed to maintain confidentiality for our clients.

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

  1. 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
  2. CIM development — Created a full Confidential Information Memorandum detailing the company’s century-long track record, diverse customer base, equipment inventory, and Wheaton affiliation
  3. 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
  4. Competitive process — Fielded multiple indications of interest, qualified buyers through NDA process, and generated competitive tension through structured bidding
  5. 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

Buyer Type

ETA

Engagement Type

Full Sell-Side Representation