Eagle Merchant Partners Makes Play in Commercial Roofing Market with Eskola Roofing & Waterproofing Investment

Atlanta-based private equity firm Eagle Merchant Partners announced it has invested in Eskola Roofing & Waterproofing, a commercial roofing contractor with four Tennessee locations, Knoxville, Nashville, Morristown, and Memphis, and a fifth location in Lexington, Kentucky.

Founded in 1972 by their father and operated by brothers Jon Eskola and Ben Eskola, Eskola is a leading provider of reoccurring commercial roofing and waterproofing services with a diversified customer base centered on education, infrastructure and healthcare in a coveted region of the country. Jon Eskola and Ben Eskola will remain in their leadership positions, carrying on the company’s rich history while overseeing the continued growth throughout the Southeast.

“Eagle has been researching the roofing industry for several years and looking for the right opportunity,” said Brady Sumner, Vice President of Eagle. “We were attracted to Eskola for its strong customer relationships, exceptional growth record and commitment to safety. As we spent additional time with the senior leadership, we knew this was the team Eagle wanted to partner with to help expand its commercial roofing and waterproofing services throughout Southeast U.S.”

“It is humbling to partner with such a trusted and valued partner as Eagle Merchant Partners,” said Jon Eskola. “We are very excited about the knowledge and expertise Eagle brings to the Eskola team. We look forward to working together to navigate the next steps of executing our growth strategy. Eagle aligns well with our culture and the values that have defined us for several generations. We truly feel blessed to have them partnering with us.”

Ben Eskola added, “Over the previous several months, we have been searching for a partner who will assist us in our growth strategy while staying true to our core values: Safety, Quality and Customer Service. With the Eagle Merchant Partners team and their track record, I sincerely believe that we will be successful in this endeavor.”

As a part of this partnership, Eskola is excited to announce that Carl Franseen is moving from an interim financial role with the company to Chief Financial Officer.

“I am honored to team up with my long-time friends at Eskola and excited for the future growth opportunity facilitated by the partnership with Eagle,” said Franseen.

Focusing on lower middle market businesses, Eagle seeks established and successful management teams in the multi-unit consumer and industrial services sectors. Over the past two years, it has invested in the auto collision repair market; premium express car wash market, childhood enrichment industry, and the commercial cleaning services industry.

Earlier this month, Inc. magazine named Eagle to its annual Founder-Friendly Investors list for the second consecutive year, which honors private equity and venture capital firms with the best track records backing entrepreneurs.

ABOUT EAGLE MERCHANT PARTNERS

Eagle Merchant Partners is an Atlanta-based private equity firm focused on investments in founder-owned companies with unique growth opportunities. The partnership is one of the region’s most experienced private equity investors, investing in seventeen companies with more than $1.5 billion in revenues. Eagle Merchant Partners is currently investing out of Fund I. For more information, visit eaglemerchantpartners.com.