Oct 5, 2021   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Rainier Partners Portfolio Company Calpine Containers Acquires JS Ag Packaging

Rainier Partners (“Rainier”), a private equity firm based in Seattle, WA, today announced the acquisition of JS Ag Packaging (“JS Ag”) by Calpine Containers (“Calpine”), a Rainier portfolio company. Headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, JS Ag provides packaging distribution, labeling, and design services primarily to agricultural customers throughout California. Calpine is one of the largest West Coast packaging distributors serving the agriculture industry.

Jeff Smith, founder of JS Ag, will join Calpine and oversee inner packaging sales for the combined business. “My team and I are thrilled to join the broader Calpine organization. Our two businesses have a long history of mutual respect. This combination enables us to provide a single source for all our customers’ packaging needs, while maintaining the same focus on customer service and dependability that has allowed both companies to flourish independently.”

“JS Ag’s product offerings and customer service ethics will allow us to provide even more extensive products and services to our customers,” said Walt Tindell, Chief Executive Officer of Calpine. “I’ve worked alongside Jeff and his team in this industry for decades and have great respect for the business they’ve built. I am excited to join forces and work together to capitalize on our shared vision for growth.”

Commenting on the transaction, Alex Rolfe, Managing Partner of Rainier, said: “Calpine and JS Ag fit together remarkably well. The combined platform stands to benefit from significant cross-selling, product expansion, and geographic expansion opportunities.”

“Since our partnership with Calpine began earlier this year, the leadership team and company have exceeded our expectations,” added Jon Altman, Managing Partner of Rainier. “We look forward to continuing to support Calpine’s growth for years to come.”

ABOUT JS AG PACKAGING, INC.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, JS Ag provides high-quality packaging products and exceptional customer service to growers of fresh fruit and produce worldwide. JS Ag offers full-service solutions to help agriculture businesses build their brands and convey their messaging through standard, custom, or unique packaging. www.jsagpackaging.com

ABOUT CALPINE CONTAINERS, INC.

Founded in 1895 and headquartered in Clovis, CA, Calpine distributes innovative and quality packaging while serving customers as partners. From bags and boxes to pallets and strapping, Calpine supplies products that will protect customers' produce from field to market. Calpine’s footprint of 11 locations throughout key West Coast agricultural regions enables it to serve a customer base of more than 500 fresh produce growers and marketers. www.calpinecontainers.com

ABOUT RAINIER PARTNERS

Rainier Partners is a private equity firm that invests in lower middle-market businesses. Rainier’s principals have deep experience profitably growing businesses within business services, financial services, industrial services, and consumer services. Rainier’s approach is to partner with owners and management teams and offer an open, collaborative form of communication that promotes alignment and clarity in working toward a shared vision. www.rainierpartners.com