Riverarch Equity Partners Invests in Metal Supermarkets
Investment aimed to accelerate growth and bolster support for the established franchise network
December 19, 2024 | Toronto, Ontario – Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, announced today that a private equity fund managed by Riverarch Equity Partners (“Riverarch”) has acquired a majority interest in the company. The prior shareholders, including several additional members of the management team, retain a minority interest in the company.
Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Metal Supermarkets is known as the convenience store for metal, providing solutions to customers’ metal needs in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer categories. With a diverse product base and no-minimum order quantity, Metal Supermarkets has earned long-lasting relationships with customers by delivering a world-class customer service experience through offering 8,000 types, shapes and grades of metal, cut to customers’ exact specifications and ready fast.
Riverarch is partnering with the 40-year-old, 130-unit franchise brand to support accelerated growth and continued expansion across Canada and the United States.
“We are thrilled to be joining Riverarch’s portfolio and believe their experience, particularly with franchise businesses, will be a huge asset as we look to grow Metal Supermarkets,” said Stephen Schober, President & CEO. “After meeting with the Riverarch team and working through the diligence process, we believe they will further help position Metal Supermarkets as an industry leader, which will allow us to better serve our franchisees and customers.”
“We were attracted to Metal Supermarkets because of its strong foundation, well-operated model and well performing franchisees,” said Andrew Wiechkoske, Managing Director at Riverarch. “Riverarch understands the importance of the company’s profitable partnerships philosophy and is committed to supporting franchisee success. We saw an opportunity to further build on Metal Supermarkets’ momentum and propel the network toward even greater sales and growth.”
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Riverarch Equity Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that invests in market-leading businesses where it can partner with management to support accelerated growth. Riverarch is currently investing from its fourth fund, a $1 billion private equity partnership.
Baird acted as the Company’s financial advisor for the transaction.
ABOUT METAL SUPERMARKETS
Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, has 130 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom with 8 franchise locations in development. Known for its speed and convenience, Metal Supermarkets sells a wide variety of metals including Aluminum, Hot-Rolled Steel, Cold-Rolled Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Galvanized Steel, Tool Steel, Brass, Bronze and Copper. With highly specialized staff, customers can get the metal they need in a size that is convenient for them. Metal Supermarkets is the best place to purchase metal in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Additional information can be found at metalsupermarkets.com.
