Victor Capital Partners Partners with B-O-F Corporation to Propel Growth and Innovation in the Retail Shelving Industry
Victor Capital Partners, a prominent middle-market private equity firm with a reputation for working alongside branded businesses in the industrial technology, specialty consumer, and business services sectors, has announced its latest investment in B-O-F Corporation. This strategic partnership, which also involves the senior management team of B-O-F, aims to drive growth and foster innovation within the retail shelving industry.
B-O-F Corporation, a well-established leader in the design and manufacturing of beverage and specialty shelving solutions, offers highly customizable and innovative products tailored to meet the evolving needs of grocery, convenience, mass merchant, and other retail sectors. Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, B-O-F was founded in 1953 and has since become a trusted partner for retailers across North America. With a dedicated team of around 70 employees, B-O-F is recognized for its unwavering commitment to improving store labor efficiency and optimizing product displays, which are essential for enhancing the customer shopping experience.
A Legacy of Innovation and Industry Leadership
B-O-F has built a reputation over its more than seven decades of operation as a consistent innovator in the specialty retail shelving market. By focusing on solutions that enhance both the efficiency of store operations and the effectiveness of customer-facing product displays, the company has firmly established itself as an industry leader. Its products, particularly its gravity flow and specialty shelving systems, are designed with the modern retailer in mind—offering features that address the challenges of labor management and product visibility, two critical aspects of retail success.
“At Victor Capital, we have always looked for opportunities to partner with businesses that exhibit a strong track record of innovation and have a clear path to future growth,” said Matt McLain, Partner at Victor Capital Partners. “B-O-F’s consistent success over the years is a testament to its deep understanding of the retail space and its ability to create products that truly make a difference for its customers. We believe that B-O-F is poised for even greater success, and we look forward to working alongside the leadership team to accelerate the Company’s growth across North America.”
Victor Capital Partners is committed to helping B-O-F scale its operations, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. By leveraging its deep industry expertise and financial resources, the private equity firm plans to help B-O-F expand its footprint in the retail shelving market, driving further innovation in product design and customer service.
Strengthening B-O-F’s Position as an Innovator in Shelving Solutions
B-O-F’s commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of its diverse customer base has been a central tenet of its business philosophy since its inception. Over the years, the company has maintained a focus on delivering high-quality, customizable shelving products that enable retailers to optimize store layouts and improve customer engagement. The company’s gravity flow shelving solutions, in particular, are designed to ensure seamless product replenishment, reduce labor costs, and enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
“Our mission at B-O-F has always been to provide innovative shelving solutions that help our customers succeed in a highly competitive retail environment,” said Howard Topping, Chief Executive Officer of B-O-F. “Through our partnership with Victor Capital, we now have the resources and expertise to not only expand our business but also to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the retail shelving space. With their support, we are confident that B-O-F will continue to be a leader in the industry, delivering cutting-edge products and services that set the standard for retail shelving.”
As part of the partnership, Victor Capital will provide B-O-F with the capital and strategic guidance needed to enhance its product development capabilities and expand its reach into new markets. This collaboration will allow B-O-F to continue its growth trajectory while ensuring that its offerings remain at the forefront of innovation in the retail shelving sector.
Expanding North American Presence and Pursuing Strategic Acquisitions
The investment from Victor Capital Partners positions B-O-F to pursue new opportunities for growth and expansion. The partnership is expected to enhance B-O-F’s ability to scale its operations, both by increasing its manufacturing capabilities and by extending its reach to new regions across North America. Additionally, the collaboration is designed to strengthen the company’s ability to explore strategic acquisitions that can further enhance its product portfolio and market presence.
B-O-F’s leadership team is enthusiastic about the future prospects of the company and the potential for continued innovation and market leadership. With Victor Capital’s backing, B-O-F is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality, customizable shelving solutions in the retail space. The company plans to continue building on its legacy of excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth in the years to come.
“We are excited to partner with Victor Capital and leverage their expertise in scaling businesses and executing strategic acquisitions,” said Topping. “This collaboration will provide us with the resources we need to continue expanding our product offerings and strengthen our position in the marketplace. We are confident that together, we will continue to drive B-O-F’s success and bring innovative shelving solutions to even more retailers across North America.”
A Strong Team of Advisors and Partners
The transaction was supported by a team of experienced legal and financial advisors. Blank Rome LLP served as legal counsel to Victor Capital Partners, ensuring that the transaction was executed smoothly and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. On the financing side, Capital Southwest Corporation led the senior credit facility, with co-lender Main Street Capital Corporation also providing support. For B-O-F, Lincoln International served as its financial advisor, while Barclay Damon LLP provided legal counsel.
The combination of Victor Capital’s investment expertise and B-O-F’s strong leadership team creates a powerful partnership that is poised to continue driving innovation in the retail shelving industry. With the backing of Victor Capital, B-O-F is well-equipped to execute its growth strategy, enhance its product offerings, and expand its presence in the North American market.
