OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL – August 5, 2025 – Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Prairie”), a leading middle-market investment bank, acted as financial advisor to Buckeye Boxes, Inc. (“Buckeye Boxes” or “Company”) in its transition into an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) company. Prairie acted as exclusive financial advisor in this transaction to Buckeye Boxes and its shareholders and was led by Harsh Patel and Tim Jamison of Prairie. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Buckeye Boxes is a third-generation, family-owned packaging company based in Columbus, Ohio. Since 1966, it has delivered custom corrugated and flexible packaging solutions with a focus on speed, quality, and customer-first service. Operating from a 100,000 sq. ft. facility, the Company has invested over $6.0 million since 2021 to expand capacity and automation. Buckeye Boxes helps customers optimize packaging systems and reduce costs through a proactive, solutions-driven approach. The Company remains committed to continuous improvement and building long-term value for its customers and partners.
Prairie worked closely with the leadership team and sellers, providing ESOP advisory expertise, and managing the preparatory, due diligence and negotiation phases of the ESOP transaction, as well as structuring the financing for the transaction.
“This successful ESOP conversion marks a defining moment in our company’s history, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and tireless effort of our incredible team,” said Chris Pieroni, President of Buckeye Boxes, Inc. “From legal and financial intricacies to seamless internal communication, every challenge was met with unwavering commitment. I am deeply proud and grateful for the collaboration that brought this vision to life, ensuring a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone who makes this company what it is,” continued Pieroni.
Harsh Patel, Vice President at Prairie, commented, “It was a pleasure working with Chris and his team on this important transaction. From the start, it was clear that Chris had a strong vision for Buckeye Boxes’ future and a deep commitment to the people who make it successful. Transitioning to an ESOP not only secures the Company’s legacy but also provides long-term financial benefits and ownership opportunities for its employees. We’re excited to see the team continue to grow and lead in the packaging industry.”
“When I first met Chris, I was struck by how he had a deep desire to do what was best for his employees,” added Tim Jamison, Director at Prairie. “Chris really explored all his options, including selling the Company to another company or to a private equity group to achieve a great outcome from the sale, but he constantly came back to wanting to do right by his employees. He asked a lot of questions over the course of a few months before he decided to implement an ESOP. We really enjoyed working with Chris and bringing employee ownership to his company. All the employees of Buckeye Boxes will reap the rewards of Chris’s decision for years to come.”
About Prairie Capital Advisors
Prairie is a leading financial advisory firm specializing in creating and executing ownership transition strategies for middle-market companies nationwide. In 2023, Prairie was named ESOP Investment Bank of the Year by M&A Atlas. For more information, visit www.prairiecap.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Wendy Gugora, Director of Marketing
Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
630.413.5574
wgugora@prairiecap.com
