Sloan Capital Facilitates Acquisition of Dallas-based AC Horn Manufacturing by German-based PROBAT
Two Family-Owned, Century-Old Companies Join Together to Broaden Market Penetration of Coffee and Snack Foods Processing Industries
DALLAS — March 28, 2024 — Sloan Capital LLC announces it has facilitated the acquisition of Dallas-based AC Horn Manufacturing by German-based PROBAT.
AC Horn Manufacturing, founded in 1907 in Dallas, is a producer of premium food and snack processing equipment. PROBAT, founded in 1868 in Germany, is the global market and technology leader in coffee processing machinery, holding roughly three-fourths of the world’s market share in commercial coffee roasting machines and equipment.
According to John Sloan, President of Sloan Capital, PROBAT’s acquisition of AC Horn will bring market strength to both companies and boost their competitive advantage through access to new sales channels and markets. In addition, by combining technological expertise and unifying processes, the combined entities offer a unique value proposition that will accelerate penetration of the global food market.
"This is a significant acquisition in the food processing equipment industry, and one we have carefully facilitated for the last nine months," said Sloan. “PROBAT and AC Horn are both 4th-generation, family-owned companies, so there was an immediate connection and understanding of the commitment it takes to keep a 100+-year business going and growing. That synergy is part of what makes this acquisition unique, and it will help position them for growth in the future.”
Originally a small sheet metal business founded by A.C. “Butch” Horn, Sr. the great-grandfather of General Manager, Michael Horn, AC Horn Manufacturing has developed into a leading global supplier of food processing equipment for nuts, nut butters, and popcorn. With PROBAT's expertise in equipment for coffee and food products that require hot air processing, the acquisition of AC Horn complements its existing capabilities, and extends PROBAT’s offering throughout its global locations in the U.S., Brazil, Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands, India, and Canada.
“When I took over AC Horn in 2014, I was excited to continue to build on my father’s, grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s legacies, but always had the goal of selling the company to increase our capabilities and market share,” said Horn. “Though my team and I have worked hard to build a strong brand, we were eager to take it to the next level, so as soon as we were introduced to the PROBAT management team by Sloan Capital, I knew we had found an ideal partner. PROBAT is the right home for this company that my family has built over the last 117 years, and I look forward to the new opportunity.”
About Sloan Capital LLC
Sloan Capital is a boutique investment firm founded by John Sloan and based in Dallas. It is involved in selling, buying and financing businesses on behalf of privately owned companies. Transactions involving family-owned businesses require special considerations, to achieve the goals of all family members. Specialties include companies engaged in the oil field service sector, recreational boating, retailing, consumer products, telecom, construction and others. Companies in these sectors are typically involved in manufacturing, service or distribution functions. Numerous financings have been completed with major international banks, public and private debt funds, private equity funds, high-net-worth individuals and family offices, on both a domestic and international basis. The relationships developed over years of successful transactions provide a broad universe of investors suited for the most demanding financial requirements. Learn more at sloancapitalllc.com.
About A.C. Horn
A.C. Horn is a world leader in food processing equipment, renowned for quality design, reliability, integrity, and durability. Its product range includes high-quality nut roasters, dryers, nut butter mills, popcorn poppers and caramelizers, offering stand alone machinery to turn key processing lines The company is an invaluable partner to food manufacturers around the world. Countless manufacturers big and small rely on its outstanding expertise and unparalleled offering, as do some of the industry's largest companies.
About PROBAT:
PROBAT has been developing pioneering solutions for the coffee industry for more than 150 years. The company is the world market and technology leader in coffee processing plant and machinery. Its range of services includes the development, design, and construction of roasters and grinders as well as the planning and implementation of industrial production facilities. Machine and plant controls, environmental technologies, and comprehensive services also make up part of PROBAT's product portfolio. Together with subsidiaries in Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands, and the USA, PROBAT has approx. 1,200 employees. In addition, representatives in more than forty countries ensure that PROBAT's many years of experience and know-how are available worldwide.