Granite Creek Capital Partners LLC, a private investment firm based in Chicago, has made an investment supporting the management buyout of Global Animal Products (GAP), a manufacturer of feed additives for the beef, dairy and poultry markets. Granite Creek’s investment in GAP leverages its animal health and nutrition experience, expanding its growing portfolio of companies in the agribusiness sector.
As part of the transaction, Granite Creek and GAP founder Ken Ridenour worked together to recapitalize the business and provide financial support to enable existing management and employees to buy into the company’s ownership. After the closing, Ridenour will step back from active management, retaining a minority stake in the company and a role on the board of directors. GAP CEO Ben Tarr will continue to lead the company with strategic support from Granite Creek and its operating partner, Mike Ray.
“Ken has created and fostered a company with a high-quality product and a remarkable customer-centric culture,” said Granite Creek partner Jim Clark. “We believe that GAP has all the necessary attributes for continued success and look forward to working with Ken, Ben, and the rest of the management team to propel GAP into its next phase of growth while maintaining its core values and product reputation.”
Granite Creek’s investment will further scale the organization, accelerate product development and expand the facility to support market opportunities domestically and internationally. The management team of GAP has a pipeline of business development initiatives that it looks forward to implementing in 2025 and beyond.
“We are excited to partner with Granite Creek in our management buyout,” said GAP CEO Ben Tarr. “Beyond providing capital, Granite Creek has a strong track record of working in agribusiness and brings a great operating partner in Mike Ray who knows our products and customer markets. With Mike’s support, we believe that we can accelerate the growth of GAP.”
Granite Creek’s Jim Clark and Mike Ray will join Global Animal Product’s board of directors.
