Investments

INVESTMENTS

JOIN THE TALLGRASS FAMILY

When Tallgrass invests in your company, we’re in it for the long term, guiding you through the transition to employee ownership, including:

  • Valuation exercises to help determine a fair sale price
  • A due diligence process
  • Setting up and managing an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
  • Employee education and training
  • Long term support and access to resources at Friesens or other Tallgrass companies

Join the Tallgrass family of companies and help advance employee ownership in your community, province, and across Canada.

Friesens employees at work
Friesens employee holding up print spread
Chard Friesen and Jordan Toews in front of a HP web press

“We both feel motivated to work hard because we know that we’ll be proudly accountable for Friesens’ success and will happily benefit in its growth. We love that it feels like we’re a family working together while supporting each other.”

Albert & Jonie Sta. Maria, Employee-Owners of Friesens Corporation

INVESTMENTS

ACQUISITION CRITERIA

Tallgrass is currently seeking investment opportunities with like-minded business owners. The Tallgrass model is the best fit for sellers who meet the following criteria: 

checkmark

THE RIGHT OWNER

  • You believe selling your business is about more than just maximum financial returns
  • You want your legacy to include local ownership and commitment to community
  • You understand that careful planning is essential to a successful transition 
  • You are ready to transition ownership of the business to your employees, so you can retire…or keep working in an employee-owned company!
checkmark

THE RIGHT TEAM

  • Your company has a strong leadership team 
  • Your managers and employees are excited about the idea of employee ownership
  • Your company can continue to be successful without you in day-to-day operations
checkmark

THE RIGHT BUSINESS

  • Your company employs between 100 and 1,000 employees
  • Your company is located in Canada
  • Your company in one of the following sectors:
    • Manufacturing
    • Construction
    • Engineering
    • Consulting
    • Long-term proven technology
    • Agribusiness (not primary producers)
  • Your company has a strong EBITDA (annual profits of $3 to $8 million, representing at least 10% of revenue)
  • Your company has consistent annual growth
  • Your company has low or no debt

If you feel that your company is a good match for our criteria, we are currently seeking investment opportunities.

CONNECT WITH US >

Want to learn more? Make sure to sign up for e-news below to stay up-to-date on employee ownership news and Tallgrass opportunities.

Explore case studies of employee ownership in a variety of forms and sectors.

historical image of workers

Davey Tree Expert Company – Kent, Ohio

The family-owned Davey Tree Expert Company transitioned in 1979 following a hybrid model of employee ownership: first, via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); and second, through a direct purchase of an employee group. Background In 1880, John Davey founded The Davey Tree Expert Company on the basis of his research and practical applications of…
READ MORE >
Bob, Andy and Kurt from Taylor in a room with guitars

Taylor Guitars – El Cajon, California

Family-owned Taylor Guitars announced in 2021 the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In business since 1974, and with 1,200 employees, Taylor Guitars is now 100% employee owned. Background Headquartered in El Cajon, California, Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. The two first met while working at…
READ MORE >
Richer sounds store front

Richer Sounds – London, England

Richer Sounds opened in 1978 when Julian Richer, at the age of only 19, opened his first electronics shop near London Bridge. Growing into a chain of 50 retail stores, Richer announced in 2019 that he would sell 60% of the business to his employees in the form of an Employee Ownership Trust. Background Richer…
READ MORE >
Image of EllisDon 2 employees from behind in the field.

EllisDon – Mississauga, Ontario

Family-owned EllisDon construction company announced in 2020 the transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). In business since 1951, and with 4,000 employees worldwide, EllisDon is now 100% employee owned. Background In 1951, EllisDon was launched by brother Don and Davis Ellis as a contractor service in London, Ontario. Eventually EllisDon would construct many hundreds…
READ MORE >

READY TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS?

We’re currently seeking investment opportunities.
Begin the conversation today.

CONNECT WITH US >