Kentucky companies honored at ACG Kentucky Deal of the Year awards event

ACG Kentucky ceremony honors winning Deal of the Year companies and executives

LOUISVILLE (Oct. 13, 2020) -  Which companies and growth transactions deserve to be named ACG Kentucky Deal of the Year?

The answers were confirmed in today’s virtual awards ceremony. Judges chose three finalists - and from among them, the Deal of the Year - from more than 60 qualifying transactions that closed during calendar 2019.

“We’re pleased to honor these amazing companies and their executives, who each found ways to grow and prosper,” said Matt Berrian, president of ACG Kentucky. “Their accomplishments underscore ACG's focus on corporate growth and the ecosystem of professional advisors who are integral in their success.” 

A judging committee comprised of M&A, capital markets and transaction professionals chose to honor  companies based on community impact, the extent of transformative corporate changes and key metrics such as employment and financial impact.

The companies honored were:

Deal of the Year -- D.D. Williamson’s acquisition of DuPont’s Natural Colors Business

D.D. Williamson & Co., Inc. (The Color House) is a global manufacturer of natural and caramel colors that global food and beverage industries use to color more than 2 billion servings of foods and beverages every day.

Led by long-time CEO Ted Nixon, DDW acquired the Natural Colors business from DuPont's Nutrition and Biosciences Division in June 2019, adding manufacturing operations in England and Chile and expanding technical and manufacturing capabilities in new core natural colors.

“The acquisition will significantly increase our revenues, particularly in Europe, and position us for considerable growth,” he told an industry publication.

More than 75% of DDW’s sales are outside the U.S. The company operates plants in the U.S., Brazil, Chile, Ireland, United Kingdom, Swaziland, China and Malaysia.

Finalist - Rabbit Hole Distillery partnership with Paris-based spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard

With a goal of creating innovative spirits and an attraction to bourbon, Kaveh Zamanian left a twenty-year psychology practice in 2012 to create Rabbit Hole Distillery. With unique whiskey recipes made 100% in Kentucky, he built a distillery in the heart of Louisville to make good on his promise.

In 2019, Paris-based Pernod Ricard purchased a majority stake in the company. Pernod Ricard has a portfolio of brands which include Absolut Vodka, Chivas Regal and Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. Zamanian continues to manage Rabbit Hole's operations.

Finalist - 3DR Labs acquisition by Accumen, Inc.

After an illustrious career as a corporate executive, consultant and entrepreneur, David Ferguson retired in 2005 only to invest in another startup, 3DR Laboratories. Under his leadership, 3DR became the nation's largest, independent post-processor of 3D medical images, serving hundreds of hospitals, imaging centers and radiology practices.

Ferguson led the transaction in 2019 in which 3DR became an integrated part of Accumen, Inc.'s clinical services organization, and today, as President of 3DR Labs, he is responsible for strategy development, marketing, technology and operations of the company. 

Sponsored and presented by Frost Brown Todd, the ACG Kentucky Deal of the Year is in its fifth year, underscoring ACG's focus on Middle Market corporate growth and the professional advisors integral in planning, executing and completing those deals.  This year’s event was rescheduled from March as a result of the pandemic.

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About ACG Kentucky:

As part of the global Association for Corporate Growth network, ACG Kentucky focuses on corporate growth by fostering regional support ecosystems comprised of M&A, finance, accounting, risk management and legal professionals. The group provides insight on capital formation trends and important local and national issues, and connects members through a monthly speaker series, the Mid-South ACG Capital Connection and special events. More information is available at acg.org/Kentucky.

Contacts:

Terry McWilliams | Chapter Executive | acgkentucky@gmail.com | 502.410.2113

Matt Berrian | President | ACG Kentucky | mberrian@bkd.com | 502-581-0435

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