Strategic Manufacturing Business Sold in DLI-Facilitated Transaction

We recently facilitated the successful sale of a specialist South African manufacturing business in the commercial kitchen and refrigeration space. The transaction highlights the power of strategic fit, a trusted advisory relationship and a streamlined, relationship-driven M&A process.

A Niche Manufacturing Business with a Strong Reputation

The business in question is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality commercial kitchen and bar refrigeration equipment, primarily servicing the hospitality, supermarket and food service sectors. Known for its bespoke manufacturing capabilities and precision-focused design team, the company regularly partners with leading supermarket chains and food distributors across South Africa and into Africa.

What sets the business apart is its ability to conceptualise, design and manufacture large-scale, custom equipment solutions – a capability not commonly matched by competitors in the region.

A Clear Seller Objective and an Aligned Process

The shareholders were looking to exit the business in order to focus on other ventures and diversify their interests. We were appointed to manage the process and identify the right buyer; one that would not only offer a fair value but also ensure continuity, growth and strategic alignment post-transaction.

Leveraging our deep relationships in the investment community and experience in the manufacturing sector, we identified a well-matched acquirer from our existing network. The buyer had prior success in the manufacturing space and was actively seeking complementary acquisitions to support portfolio growth.

Focused Strategy, Efficient Execution

Rather than taking the deal to the broader market, we ran a focused and highly efficient process with a clear target in mind. We had a strong sense from the start that this buyer would be a great fit. Our long-standing relationship with them allowed us to move quickly, align expectations early and deliver an outcome that made sense for both parties.

The process was structured to allow flexibility, but the strong fit meant a broader market search wasn’t necessary. Both sides were able to progress with confidence, knowing the transaction would offer meaningful value and long-term growth potential.

Empowering the Next Generation

As part of the transaction, the acquiring firm offered the business’s senior management team an opportunity to buy into the company, aligning interests and securing leadership continuity. A long-standing operational leader in the business increased his stake and will play a key role in driving the next growth phase.

This type of structure, where operational leadership shares in the ownership, creates the kind of alignment that benefits everyone. It’s a model we’re seeing more of, and in this case, it made perfect sense.

A Smooth, Cooperative Close

The deal progressed smoothly through due diligence, with both parties focused on reaching a fair structure. The success of the transaction came down to a meeting of minds and a shared willingness to collaborate throughout the process.

From day one, this was a deal marked by mutual respect and alignment. Having a motivated buyer and seller, plus a trusted advisor in the middle, helped everything fall into place.

The Deal Leaders Difference

This transaction exemplifies the strength of our approach: combining deep sector knowledge, a powerful network and a clear process to unlock optimal outcomes. Both parties expressed their appreciation to DLI for the guidance, transparency and efficiency that helped get the deal across the line.

In a complex and competitive environment, we continue to prove that getting the right deal done requires more than just finding a buyer. It requires insight, alignment and trusted relationships.

About Deal Leaders International

Deal Leaders International (DLI) is a boutique M&A advisory firm specialising in helping business owners and executives, with a business EBITDA between R20 million and R300 million per year, engineer their growth-to-exit journey.  

We go beyond traditional advisory services, partnering with our clients to design, execute and optimise strategies that achieve maximum value when selling their businesses.  

Our mission is to empower our clients to achieve outcomes that align with their financial, professional and personal goals while positioning their businesses as highly attractive to the right buyers.  

As the Africa representative of the Pandea Global M&A Network, we offer our clients both local and international expertise and experience. With 69 offices in 34 countries, and over 2500 successfully completed transactions with a combined deal value over €30 billion, DLI offers deep market insights, practical expertise and a results-driven approach to prepare and successfully execute on business growth and exit strategies.