Leading Edge Associates Joins Central Garden & Pet in Strategic Acquisition
Deal News | Nov 18, 2024 | Generational Equity
Generational Group, a specialist in mergers and acquisitions advisory, successfully negotiated the acquisition of Leading Edge Associates, Inc. and Leading Edge Aero Technologies, Inc. by Central Garden & Pet Company. The transaction concluded on November 6, 2024. Operating from Daytona Beach, Florida, Leading Edge specializes in manufacturing commercial drones for mosquito/vector control, weed control, and precision farming, in addition to developing software applications for drone operations and asset management. Central Garden & Pet, headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, a prominent entity in the pet and garden sectors, expands its diverse portfolio with this acquisition. This transaction demonstrates Central's strategy to enter new technological sectors while enhancing its market offerings. The management team from Generational Group, comprising Jack Sluiter, David Fergusson, and supported by others, facilitated and completed the deal. Generational Group's leadership praised the success of the transaction and highlighted its potential benefits for Leading Edge's business trajectory.
Sectors
- Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Pet and Garden Industry
- Software Development
Geography
- United States – The article involves companies based in the United States: Leading Edge in Florida and Central Garden & Pet in California.
Industry
- Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems – Leading Edge Associates is involved in the manufacturing of commercial drones for various applications, marking its relevance in the Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems industry.
- Pet and Garden Industry – Central Garden & Pet is a major player in the pet and garden industry, highlighting its involvement in this sector.
- Software Development – Leading Edge develops software applications for drone operations and asset management, categorizing it under the Software Development industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leading Edge Associates, Inc. | Target | Company | A manufacturer of commercial drones and software for operations and asset management. |
| Central Garden & Pet | Bidding Company | Company | A leading company in the pet and garden industries, acquiring Leading Edge to expand its portfolio. |
| Generational Group | Legal Advisor/M&A Advisor | Company | An advisory firm assisting in mergers and acquisitions, facilitated this transaction. |
| Jack Sluiter | Managing Director of M&A | Person | Managed the transaction for Generational Group. |
| Ryan Binkley | CEO | Person | CEO of Generational Group, overseeing the company's involvement in the transaction. |
| David Fergusson | Executive Managing Director, M&A | Person | Executive leader of the M&A team at Generational Group for this transaction. |
| Tristan Keeffe | Senior Vice President, M&A | Person | Supported the M&A transaction at Generational Group. |
| Ed Weber | Executive Managing Director | Person | Established the initial relationship for the deal at Generational Group. |
| Dave Heymann | Senior M&A Advisor | Person | Contributed to establishing the relationship with Leading Edge. |