Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast served as the exclusive M&A advisor to the shareholders of Emerald Coast Growers in its strategic partnership with Green Street Growth.

Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast is pleased to announce the successful completion of a strategic transaction between Emerald Coast Growers, a leading supplier of ornamental grass liners, perennial starter plants and specialty plants, and Green Street Growth, a private investment firm focused on partnering with founder- and family-owned businesses.

Bill Kleinschrodt, President of Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast, led the sell-side advisory process on behalf of the Emerald Coast Growers shareholders. The engagement included transaction preparation, buyer outreach, evaluation of competing opportunities, negotiations and coordination through diligence and closing.

Finding the Right Partner for the Next Chapter

Founded in 1991, Emerald Coast Growers has spent 35 years building a respected company serving growers and retailers throughout North America. Today, the business operates more than 575,000 square feet of environmentally controlled greenhouse space and more than 75 acres of farmland across locations in the Northeast and Southeast.

For its shareholders, the process was about more than simply completing a transaction. Finding a partner aligned with the company's culture, people and long-term future was a central consideration throughout the process.

“This was one of the more enjoyable transactions I’ve been blessed to help navigate, and I think that speaks to the quality and character of the people on both sides,” said Kleinschrodt. “From early in the process, Green Street's team acted with urgency, did what they said they would do and built trust with both our team and the Emerald Coast Growers shareholders.”

Under the partnership, Emerald Coast Growers' existing leadership team will remain in place, and the family will retain an ownership interest in the company. Green Street Growth will provide additional resources to support continued investment in production capacity, operating infrastructure, employees and customer support.

Preserving a 35-Year Legacy While Preparing for Growth

“As we considered the future of the business, it was important to find a partner who respects what has made Emerald Coast Growers successful and shares our values and long-term perspective,” said Paul Babikow, President of Emerald Coast Growers. “We believe we found that in Green Street Growth.”

The partnership allows Emerald Coast Growers to build on its 35-year history while maintaining continuity across its leadership, employees, customers and supplier relationships.

“For our clients, this was always about more than maximizing a transaction,” Kleinschrodt said. “They wanted the right partner for the next chapter of a business and legacy they have spent decades building.”

Advising Gulf Coast Business Owners Through Ownership Transitions

Transworld Business Advisors of the Gulf Coast represents family-owned and closely held businesses through significant ownership transitions, strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions.

Our team works with business owners throughout the transaction process—from preparing a company for market and identifying qualified strategic and financial buyers to negotiating transaction structure, managing diligence and coordinating the many parties involved through closing.

For business owners, the right exit or growth strategy begins long before a transaction takes place. Whether you are considering a full sale, strategic partnership or simply beginning to think about what comes next, understanding your options is an important first step.

Considering the future of your business?
Talk with a Transworld Business Advisor about your goals and the options available to you.