OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL – September 30, 2024 – Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc. (“Prairie”), a leading middle-market investment bank, acted as financial advisor to Wojo’s Greenhouses & Farm (“Wojo’s” or “Company”) in the transition of the company into an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). Prairie acted as exclusive financial advisor in this transaction to Wojo’s and its shareholders and was led by Tim Jamison, Shaun McGehee, and Joseph Labetti of Prairie. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Wojo’s Greenhouses & Farm began their journey in 1983 with a modest roadside stand at the intersection of Oakwood and Hadley Roads in Ortonville, MI. What started as a small produce venture has grown into over 275,000 square feet of greenhouse space, offering a diverse array of homegrown plants, including annuals, perennials, trees, and vegetables. Committed to environmental responsibility, Wojo’s shares knowledge to help guests create and maintain beautiful gardens.
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.
“With the transition to an ESOP, we look forward to empowering our dedicated team and ensuring Wojo’s legacy continues generations to come. We are deeply grateful for Prairie’s guidance and expertise during our transition,” said Joe Wojciechowski, Owner of Wojo’s Greenhouses & Farm.
“It was a pleasure to work with Joe and his management team on the ESOP transaction. Joe has built a phenomenal business and provides great quality plants, flowers and service to so many in the area. We appreciate the trust he placed in our team throughout the process”, said Tim Jamison, Director at Prairie. Shaun McGehee, Director at Prairie, also added, “The ESOP will help ensure Joe’s vision of keeping Wojo’s independent and community focused. The company has all the essential characteristics to be a very successful ESOP company.”
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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Media Contact
Wendy Gugora, Director of Marketing
Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.
630.413.5574
wgugora@prairiecap.com
