Mergers & acquisitions
KCS acquires Azure line of sport boats
Oconto, Wis.-based KCS International Inc., the parent company of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, announced during a media event at the Miami International Boat Show that it has acquired all of the assets of Azure, a line of sport boats.
The acquisition means KCS now carries a full product line with vessels from 18 to 56 feet, including bow riders, sport decks, sport cuddies and the Cruisers Yachts lineup.
"This is an exciting time for our company. We are sending a message to our dedicated employees that KCS intends to be in the boat business for a long time," said Mark Pedersen, president of KCS. "It is paramount that our reputation of quality product continues to be carried over to the new sport boat line, and we look forward to showcasing our superior workmanship and unique product development as the line matures under the first-class manufacturing team in Wisconsin."
QPS Employment Group acquires Iowa staffing firm
Brookfield-based QPS Employment Group, a staffing and recruiting firm, has acquired USA Staffing, a recruiting firm based in Ames, Iowa.
USA Staffing focuses on industrial, skilled trades and clerical staffing.
QPS will take over 10 locations in Iowa, covering the majority of the state. USA Staffing was acquired from owner and president Steve Risius, who will stay on as a consultant.
The employees of USA Staffing who are currently working on assignment at local companies will be retained and moved to QPS’ payroll. The USA Staffing name will not be retained, as the operations and internal staff will be folded into QPS’ business.
With the acquisition, QPS will grow its business by an estimated 11 percent and will be increasing its number of branch locations by 50 percent.
“We’re excited about this acquisition, which allows us to expand our geographical reach outside of Wisconsin and Illinois,” said Dan McNulty, QPS’ chief operating officer. “This acquisition is the first step in our plan to increase our presence throughout the Midwest.”
QPS has made six acquisitions since 2006.
Michels acquires Gillen division
An affiliate of Brownsville, Wis.,-based Michels Corp. has completed the acquisition of the foundations business of the Edward E. Gillen Company of Milwaukee.
The new Michels business is named Gillen Foundations, Inc.
“Expanding our construction services into the foundations and sheet piling business was part of our strategic growth plan. We are excited that this opportunity presented itself now and look forward to integrating the new employees and business into the Michels organization. During these tough economic times, we are also pleased that we are able to preserve a longtime Wisconsin business and, in the process, retain over 100 Milwaukee-based jobs,” said Patrick Michels, president of Michels Corp.
Gary Jackson, president of Edward E. Gillen Company, said, “We are proud of the great work our Gillen foundations leaders and crews have delivered over the many decades. We thank our dedicated team for all that they have accomplished as a part of Edward E. Gillen over the years. I know that they are going to be able to achieve ever great things as a part of Michels. Michels is world class organization and leader in the construction industry so I know that our employees and our many long term customers are in excellent hands.”
The Michels acquisition does not include the Edward E. Gillen Company’s marine-construction business assets.
