Canopy Capital Partners Announces New Platform Acquisition – Guardian Logistics Solutions

Tampa, FL, June 11th, 2024 — Canopy Capital Partners (“Canopy” or “CCP”), a Tampa-based private equity firm focused on the lower-middle market, is pleased to announce that it, along with other co-investors, has acquired an equity stake in Guardian Logistics Solutions, Inc. (“Guardian Logistics Solutions” or “Guardian”).

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Guardian Logistics Solutions is an asset-light transportation and logistics services platform offering comprehensive logistics solutions, facilitating the seamless movement of goods from ports/airports to doorsteps within the Carolinas and points beyond. Guardian’s core service offering includes a mix of local Pickup and Delivery, Container Freight Station Services, Warehousing and Freight Brokerage. Guardian operates through their network of six warehouse facilities across the Carolinas. Founded in 2020 by industry veterans Brent Smith and Randy Ferrell, Guardian has quickly established its position in the market and developed a reputation for their commitment to communication, custom solutions and customer service. Both Brent Smith and Randy Ferrell will continue to lead the business as CEO and President, respectively.

“Partnering with Canopy presents an incredible opportunity for Guardian to continue to expand our footprint and enhance our service offering, all while continuing to provide our customers with quality service” commented Brent Smith, co-founder of Guardian.

“Canopy’s investment in Guardian will help us execute our strategic growth plan, both organically and through add-on acquisitions,” added Randy Ferrell, co-founder of Guardian.

“We are thrilled to partner with two industry veterans in Brent Smith and Randy Ferrell. We believe Guardian possesses a compelling value proposition for its customers and is well positioned for its next phase of growth” added Scott Long, Managing Partner at Canopy.

Canopy Capital Partners partnered with Plexus Capital on the transaction and was represented by Holland & Knight LLP.

About Canopy Capital Management, LLC

Investing since 2015, Canopy Capital Partners (“Canopy”) is a private equity investment firm based in Tampa, Florida. Canopy partners with management teams and companies experiencing generational ownership transfers in lower-middle market management buyouts, recapitalizations and growth equity investments.  Canopy invests in companies with at least $10 million of revenue and $2 million of pre-tax earnings.  For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.CanopyCP.com.