Investment date : June 2018

Champlain Financial Corporation is pleased to announce its acquisition of Baxters Canada Inc. (BCI), a leading manufacturer of canned soups and sauces in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, alongside Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, Fondaction and Investissement Québec.

Business description

BCI was the Canadian subsidiary of Scotland-based Baxters Food Group Ltd., the leading player in the Canadian market for private label products. Still one of the largest soup manufacturers in Canada, BCI is now once again in Québec hands.

BCI serves a broad range of consumers with its three product lines (Aylmer, Primo and Baxters), and private label and industrial products. The company also strives to innovate in packaging, recipes and health positioning in order to be responsive to consumer tastes.

Website : http://www.primoheartysoups.ca/

Groupe Must Société is a Canadian company specializing in contemporary furniture and accessories for both interior and exterior spaces. Established in 2015, the group brings together several renowned brands, including Maison Corbeil, Jardin de Ville, La Galerie du Meuble, MUST, and Home Société. Each brand contributes its unique expertise, offering a curated selection of high-quality products that blend local and international design. Groupe Must Société serves a diverse clientele, providing furnishings that cater to various tastes and lifestyles. The company is committed to fostering creativity and innovation within the design industry, supporting professionals through its trade program. With multiple locations across Canada, Groupe Must Société continues to expand, aiming to inspire and assist customers in creating personalized and comfortable living environments.

Investment date : January 2012

Quebec’s largest distributor of school supplies, founded in 1946 and serving the Quebec and Ontario markets.

Business description

• Quebec’s largest distributor of school supplies, founded in 1946 and serving the Quebec and Ontario markets
• Counts over 4,000 customers with 8,000+ active products
• Products include arts & craft supplies, educational games, scholastic aids and classroom infrastructure products
• Customer segments include daycares, elementary schools and high schools with a small retail presence

Investment rationale

• Chronically undermanaged company with a dominant market share and very stable market demand
• Market presents high barriers to entry for new competitors
• Fragmented industry in Eastern Canada with a consolidation opportunity
• Diversified revenue source across multiple market segments
• Favorable demographic trends amongst school age children

Value creation opportunities

• Implementing performance management practices and revamping customer interface IT systems
• Financial engineering from stable cash flow profile
• Market consolidation opportunity from fragmented competitor base

Website : https://bb.ca/en/

Investment date : July 2011

Groupe JLD Lague operates one of the largest Canadian networks of John Deere equipment dealerships with 16 locations throughout Eastern Ontario and Quebec. In May 2019, Groupe JLD Lague acquired Transdiff Inc and JDH adding 5 Peterbilt locations serving the central region of the province of Quebec.

Investment Highlights:

Highly fragmented industry in Eastern Canada with OEMs actively supporting the consolidation of their dealer networks. Company presents a strong consolidation platform with a solid management team. Diversified revenue source across multiple market segments.

Business description

• The JLD-Laguë Group operates one of the main Canadian networks of John Deere equipment dealers, with 16 branches across eastern Ontario and Quebec. It includes the Green Tech banner in Ontario and Maltais & Ouellet in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. In addition, there are 5 branches under the TransDiff and JDH banners that distribute Peterbilt trucks.
• The Company sells and offers after-sales service on a complete range of John Deere equipment. It serves the agricultural, commercial, residential and compact construction markets. The TransDiff and JDH division sells and services Peterbilt brand products. It specializes in transmissions, differentials, engines, drive shafts, parts and mechanical services.
• For more information about the JLD Group, please visit our website at: jldlague.com and transdiff.com

Investment date : August 2005

Business description

• Design, develop, manufacture and sell high-end wheel chairs and other seating products with a 40% share of the Quebec market
• The company operates from its headquarters in Quebec City and also operates a network of service centers across the Province of Quebec

Investment rationale

• Positive industry characteristics, including increased market penetration potential resulting from private insurance companies assuming the cost of the wheel chair purchase
• Established 6-person research & development team
• Direct to consumer model, with a strong after-market service component
• Leader in the high-end wheel chair segment, with a 40% market share in Quebec

Value creation opportunities

• Currently in negotiation to acquire new distribution channel in Quebec and Ontario
• Implementing new reporting procedures and assisting the CFO in banking duties
• Recruited EVP from major global healthcare manufacturer to support existing management team

Website : http://www.orthofab.com/english/