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Demers Braun Crestline announces the acquisition of Medix Specialty Vehicles

Transaction further strengthens DBC’s strong leadership position as number 2 ambulance manufacturer in North America, while accelerating rapid international growth

Van Wert, Ohio – April 13, 2021 – Demers Braun Crestline (DBC) a subsidiary of Demers Braun Ambulance manufacturer, today announced that it has recently completed the acquisition of Medix Specialty Vehicles, a full line final stage ambulance manufacturer headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, for an undisclosed financial consideration. The transaction is not subject to further regulatory approvals.

Through this transformational transaction, DBC further strengthens its global market leadership position in ambulance manufacturing, now employing over 1140 talented individuals working across 12 different production and service center sites across North America.

“With today’s acquisition, we continue to make significant strides towards our vision of being the partner of choice for the Emergency Medical Services providers across the United States and the world, offering the very best in vehicles and customer care across all market segments,” said Kim Braun, President, U.S. Operations. “I wish to extend a very warm welcome to each of the nearly 200 new colleagues joining DBC and look forward to working very closely with Greg Rusk, the entire Medix team, and the Medix dealer network to better support our customers towards the achievement of their objectives – and most importantly, saving lives.”

“I am sincerely delighted with this transformational acquisition. The Medix addition expands and reinforces our brand portfolio while increasing our competitive position and reach among ambulance manufacturers across North America and in the over 40 countries we now serve,” said Alain Brunelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Demers Braun Crestline. “As a natural next step following the merger between Demers and Braun in early 2018 and the Crestline acquisition in Western Canada later that same year, today’s transaction reaffirms our position as the reference for ambulance innovation in the market. This acquisition could not have happened without the continued support from our financial partners at Clearspring and CDPQ and I wish to thank them for their vision and commitment.”

“On behalf of our employees, clients and partners from around the world, I would like to thank Alain, Kim and the entire DBC leadership team. We take great pride in combining forces and joining an organization with such an extraordinary legacy, reputation and recognition for excellence. This is a winning transaction for our customers and employees alike,” said Greg Rusk, Chief Executive Officer of Medix Specialty Vehicles.

About Demers Braun Ambulance manufacturer and Demers Braun Crestline
Through its strong and diversified portfolio of Demers, Braun and Crestline brands, the Company operates six production and service centre sites across North America and employ close to 1000 people. Each year, Demers Braun Crestline combined brand sales position the company as the second largest ambulance manufacturer in North America. Its offering of ambulance products ranges from the price-conscious value ambulance to the very highly customized specialty vehicle. To learn more about how Demers, Braun and Crestline can help you save more lives, visit www.Demers-Ambulances.com, www.BraunAmbulances.com, and www.CrestlineCoach.com.

About Medix Specialty Vehicles
Medix Specialty Vehicles is an industry leader in the manufacturing of Type I, Type II, and Type III ambulances serving both the private and fire service side of the industry. Since 2001, Medix grew rapidly and today employs over 190 people, operates five manufacturing plants, dedicating over 127,000 sq ft to modular production, paint, R&D, special projects and efficient Type II production. Medix Specialty Vehicles commercializes some of the highest quality, best valued ambulances in the industry. To learn more about Medix Specialty Vehicles, Inc. visit www.medixambulance.com.

About Clearspring Capital Partners
Clearspring Capital Partners is a leading Canadian private equity firm that invests in and acquires medium-sized companies through buyouts, growth and acquisition financings, going private transactions, industry consolidations, recapitalizations and other types of transactions. Clearspring has raised nearly 600 million dollars in capital since it was founded in 2002. Clearspring focuses on established and stable industries, such as the food industry, and companies with strong market positions and skilled management teams. The Clearspring team works out of its offices in Toronto and Montreal in close collaboration with the management teams of its portfolio companies in order to ensure the creation of added value. For more information, visit www.cscap.ca.

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For more information, multimedia materials and interview requests, contact:

Benoit Lafortune
Executive Vice-President
blafortune@demers-ambulances.com
450-467-4683, extension 272

 


 

FAQs

Q: Why did Medix decide to sell?
A:
As Medix contemplated future growth plans, they wanted to align themselves with another three successful brands with similar core beliefs and values.  Medix has grown successfully over the last years and this represents the natural next step in their growth aspirations, increased ability to innovate and better positioning/increased resources to grow in North America and International.

Q: Why did Demers, Braun, Crestline decide to acquire Medix?
A:
DBC strategy has always focused on growth in the U.S. and growth internationally…Medix was the clear choice for us in making that next move.  DBC aims to accelerate its growth in North American and International markets by offering a product line-up that meet the needs of all customers, by increasing production capacity, and by offering superior customer service.

Q: Will DBC and Medix brands become one product or sell under one name now?
A:
While we may select a corporate name, all four brands will continue to be separate, and they will all continue to offer products and services to their customers. We may share select features that directly improve the safety and quality of ambulances for our customer, but we will retain each brand’s DNA.

Q: Do you plan to integrate the four brands?
A:
Demers, Braun, Crestline and Medix will remain separate, selling within their own segment of the market.

Q: Will we have issues getting service and parts going forward?
A:
We will ensure full, service continuity.  We will share service best practices to improve the customer’s overall experience.