RJW Logistics Group Secures Strategic Investment from Berkshire Partners

Deal News | Dec 03, 2024 | Mason Wells Inc

RJW Logistics Group Secures Strategic Investment from Berkshire Partners

RJW Logistics Group, a major player in retail logistics solutions for consumer packaged goods brands, has received a strategic investment from Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm based in Boston. This investment aims to help RJW continue its industry-leading service, drive innovation, and expand its geographical footprint. RJW's CEO, Kevin Williamson, highlights Berkshire's alignment with the company's culture and goals, and their substantial resources for supporting growth. RJW serves over 850 CPG brands, delivering logistics solutions that turn supply chain challenges into growth opportunities. The company boasts over 7.3 million square feet of warehouse space and employs 1,900 people. Mason Wells, a previous investor since 2019, will remain a minority investor while Berkshire Partners looks forward to partnering with RJW to meet its growth objectives. The financial advisory roles were fulfilled by Harris Williams for RJW and Jefferies for Berkshire Partners.

Sectors

  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Private Equity
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Geography

  • United States – RJW Logistics Group operates primarily in the U.S., with logistics hubs in Chicago and Dallas, and serves a nationwide client base.
  • Boston, Massachusetts – Location of Berkshire Partners, the private equity firm investing in RJW Logistics Group.
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Location of Mason Wells, the private equity firm maintaining a minority stake in RJW Logistics Group.

Industry

  • Logistics and Transportation – RJW Logistics Group specializes in providing retail logistics solutions, making it a key player in the logistics and transportation industry.
  • Private Equity – The article highlights a strategic investment by Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm, in RJW Logistics Group.
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) – RJW Logistics Group provides retail logistics solutions specifically for CPG brands, positioning it within this sector.

Financials

  • 7.8 billion – Total commitments announced by Berkshire Partners for their 11th private equity fund.
  • 2.4 billion – Total funds raised by Mason Wells across five independent buyout funds.
  • 767 million – Current investment fund size for Mason Wells Buyout Fund V.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
RJW Logistics GroupTarget CompanyCompanyA leading provider of retail logistics solutions for consumer packaged goods brands.
Berkshire PartnersBidding CompanyCompanyA Boston-based private equity firm investing in RJW Logistics Group.
Mason WellsSelling CompanyCompanyA Milwaukee-based private equity firm retaining a minority investment in RJW Logistics Group.
Harris WilliamsFinancial Advisor to RJWCompanyActed as exclusive financial advisor to RJW during the investment process.
JefferiesFinancial Advisor to Berkshire PartnersCompanyActed as exclusive financial advisor to Berkshire Partners during the investment process.
Kevin WilliamsonCEO of RJW Logistics GroupPersonCEO of RJW Logistics Group and significant investor in the company.
Blake GottesmanManaging Director at Berkshire PartnersPersonInvolved in the partnership between Berkshire Partners and RJW Logistics Group.
Kevin KenealeySenior Managing Director at Mason WellsPersonCommented on Mason Wells' continued minority investment in RJW Logistics Group.