Boxwood Partners advises SMARTBOX on acquisition of Big Box
Strategic acquisition combines two members of Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® and creates a leading platform in the portable self-storage and moving industry.
RICHMOND, VA (JANUARY 8, 2009) — Boxwood Partners, LLC is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Big Box Storage Franchising, Inc. (“Big Box”) by SMARTBOX Portable Self-Storage, LLC (“SMARTBOX”), one of the fastest-growing portable storage and moving companies in the United States. Both SMARTBOX and Big Box were recently named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, an annual ranking of the top 500 franchises in the world. In addition, SMARTBOX landed at No. 49 on Entrepreneur’s list of Top New Franchises. Boxwood Partners acted as the exclusive advisor to SMARTBOX with respect to the transaction. Terms were not disclosed.
Based in Richmond, Virginia, SMARTBOX is a leader in the portable self-storage industry, offering individuals and businesses affordable and convenient storage and local and long-distance moving solutions. The acquisition of Big Box adds key complementary markets to the SMARTBOX franchise network and will greatly enhance its long-distance moving platform. SMARTBOX’s portable storage solutions are now accessible by more than 90 million people across 43 markets nationwide and its long-distance moving services by more than 135 million people across 65 markets.
“The Big Box franchises are well-established in their respective markets and will greatly help SMARTBOX expand our reach and further strengthen our business,” said SMARTBOX President Mike Lowe. “We look forward to working together with the Big Box franchisees to capitalize on the many exciting opportunities to grow our business across the United States.”
SMARTBOX enables residential and commercial customers to pack and load their belongings at their convenience in containers that sit at ground level. Customers can keep their Smartboxes at their home, office, or jobsite, or have SMARTBOX pick them up and deliver them for storage in one of its secure warehouses or move them to another location – across town or across country – through the company’s SMARTCARE service.
About SMARTBOX:
SMARTBOX is a leader in the portable self-storage industry, offering individuals and businesses affordable and convenient storage and local and long-distance moving solutions. Based in Richmond, SMARTBOX has franchise locations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Fredericksburg, VA, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Raleigh, Richmond, San Antonio, and West Palm Beach. For a complete list of locations, please visit www.smartboxusa.com.
About Big Box:
Big Box is a leader in the portable self-storage industry, offering individuals and businesses affordable and convenient storage and local and long-distance moving solutions. Based in San Diego, Big Box has franchise locations in Chantilly, VA, Denver, Las Vegas, Passaic, NJ, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Ventura, CA. For a complete list of locations, please visit www.bigbox.com.
About Boxwood Partners, LLC:
Boxwood Partners, LLC (www.boxwoodpartners.com), together with its affiliate Boxwood Capital Partners, is an integrated mid-market investment banking and private investment management firm based in Richmond, Virginia. Boxwood Partners combines a unique blend of senior-level transaction advisory, business operating experience, and proven process execution skills to give its clients a distinct advantage in the market. The firm’s extensive relationships within the global capital and buyer communities (including U.S. and international private equity groups, corporations, hedge funds, and lenders) and other important transaction-related service providers such as consultants, attorneys, and accountants ensure that the firm’s clients receive the attention and service they deserve.
Contact: Patrick Galleher
Phone: (804) 343-3441
pgalleher@boxwoodpartners.com