Guardian Capital Partners (“Guardian”), an operationally-focused private equity firm specializing in control investments in the lower middle market, is pleased to announce the formation of its North American Door & Dock platform, with the initial acquisition of American Overhead Door & Dock, LLC (“American” or “AODD”). North American Door & Dock is focused on scaling commercial- and industrial-focused door, dock, and related services and equipment, through a buy-and-build strategy.

American (www.docks-doors.com), founded in 1989 by Joe Swope Jr. and headquartered in Levittown, PA, has grown to be one of the leading commercial door and dock companies in the tri-state area, currently serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and select other geographies. AODD offers sales, installation, service, repair, and maintenance for doors, loading dock equipment, and safety and related products for a diverse customer base across commercial, industrial, cold storage, distribution, pharmaceutical, and other end markets.

“We are extremely impressed with American’s industry reputation and track record of outstanding service in the region,” said Damien Gresko, Principal at Guardian. “We are thrilled to welcome AODD into the Guardian family and are committed to executing our North American Door & Dock strategy through expansion across markets and capabilities, investments in people, infrastructure, and M&A.”

Joe Swope Jr. stated, “Guardian’s operator-first culture and thesis to build a preeminent platform in the space is why we believe this is a great partnership for American. We are proud of the reputation we have built over the years and are excited for the next chapter of growth for the company.” Joe Swope III and Devon Swope, second generation owners and executive leaders of the business, said, “We are honored to carry on the American legacy, and we know that Guardian is the right partner to stand beside us as we work to accelerate growth and further entrench ourselves as the preferred supplier in the region.”

Ryan Northington, Partner at Guardian, added, “The North American Door & Dock vision, informed by our thematic Guardian Priority Sectors (“GPS”) program within facility services, is compelling. American’s relationships and knowledge, comprehensive service offering, and exceptional quality and customer service provides us with a tremendous first step towards what we are building together. We look forward to growing organically and welcoming other great businesses onto this platform.”

Guardian was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP. For more information, please contact Ryan Northington (rnorthington@guardiancp.com) or Damien Gresko (dgresko@guardiancp.com).

About Guardian Capital Partners

Guardian Capital Partners (www.guardiancp.com) is an operationally focused private equity firm based in suburban Philadelphia. Guardian makes control investments in lower middle market consumer, niche manufacturing, and specialty business services companies. Guardian partners with management teams to provide equity capital to fuel the growth of privately held businesses. Guardian believes the private equity experience and complementary skill sets of the Guardian team provide a unique combination of operating and finance capabilities resulting in certainty of execution and meaningful long-term value creation for its portfolio companies.

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