, based in Conrad, Iowa, offers a wide range of advanced livestock watering solutions for the beef, dairy, equine, and other livestock sectors. With more than 100 years of operating history, Ritchie has earned its reputation as a leader in animal health, known for pioneering innovation, exceptional quality, and unmatched reliability. Ritchie waterers are engineered to be durable, energy-efficient, and dependable, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, clean water to cattle, horses, and other livestock, even in the harshest climates. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions, Ritchie products are trusted across all 50 U.S. states and are used in over 20 countries worldwide.

Rob Amundson, CEO of Ritchie commented, “Working with Prairie throughout this process has been an exceptional experience. Their deep industry and ESOP knowledge, attention to detail, and strategic insight were invaluable in helping us navigate this important transaction. We are grateful for their guidance and support, which played a key role in bringing us together with Granite Creek and Rural American Fund while positioning Ritchie for continued growth and success.”

“We are proud to have helped bring together Ritchie and Granite Creek as this partnership opens an exciting new chapter for Ritchie. I am confident that with Granite Creek’s expertise and resources, Ritchie will continue to lead the industry in innovation and quality. A particularly rewarding aspect of this deal is the successful outcome for Ritchie’s employee-owners, whose dedication has been key to the Company’s success. It’s been a privilege to work with the Ritchie team, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth,” said Anthony Dolan, Managing Director at Prairie.

Maxx Zomick, Associate at Prairie stated, “This transaction marks another successful engagement for Prairie’s Investment Banking group, highlighting our continued commitment to supporting middle-market and ESOP-owned businesses.”

Granite Creek Capital Partners, is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on providing capital and operational resources to lower middle market companies engaged in manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and agribusiness. With an experienced team of investment professionals bringing expertise in private equity, banking, operations, and business development, Granite Creek has a successful track record of investing in and supporting its portfolio companies. Granite Creek has been named to Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investors list for five consecutive years, honoring the private equity and venture capital firms with the best track record of success backing entrepreneurs. For more information on Granite Creek, visit www.granitecreek.com or call 312-895-4500.

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Ritchie Industries produces livestock watering tanks that are insulated, heated, and free flowing to supply continuous fresh water to livestock. The company’s products are suitable for beef and dairy cattle, hogs, horses, sheep, goats, and exotic livestock. Products range from a single stall waterer to fountains that accommodate 500 head of cattle. Some products are built to attach to a stall or fence line while others are free standing.

Thomas Ritchie, an Iowa farmer, invented an automatic animal watering system in 1921 for the purpose of keeping his own livestock supplied with fresh water. His invention became popular among the farmers in the area, so he patented the concept and sold it to farmers around the state. C. D. Wilson, Sr. purchased the business in 1943 and moved it to Conrad, Iowa. In 2004, Clifford D. Wilson, Jr. sold the Company to the Ritchie Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Exporting represents over 22 percent of Ritchie’s sales, with products being exported to Canada, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Most of the sales to Canada, Europe and Asia are for larger units that are used in cattle and dairy operations. Exports  are responsible for creating 17 jobs through exporting.

In recognition of the small business community’s contributions to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. Scheduled for the week of April 30th this year, Small Business Week 2023 will honor the more than 30 million small businesses in America.

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