Discover the latest reports by Harrison Co., media recognition, corporate assets, and information on media inquiries.
We are an unapologetic advocate for founder-run businesses. We combine intense focus and deep industry knowledge with a consultative, data-driven approach, to provide private business owners with the advantage they need to make the best possible strategic, M&A, and financing decisions. Our focus on the healthy living sector is driven by our uncompromising values and personal commitment to better-for-you consumer products, from farming to food to fitness.
Consumer companies are constantly evolving to get ahead of the competition and better serve their customers’ changing needs. We do the same.
Owner-operated and founder-run businesses, which are the lifeblood of our country, are often at a disadvantage in M&A transactions, and they deserve an advocate to defend them during the most important financial transaction of their careers.
The partners at Harrison Co. bring decades of experience and best practices from our diverse backgrounds in investment banking, consulting, financing, accounting, and operations, which makes us better at what we do; advising our clients on complex financial transactions.
Harrison Co. exists to advise and advocate for owners and operators that have created successful companies, to ensure they maximize the value of their life’s work when selling their business, raising capital, or deciding to grow their company with strategic acquisitions.
Over the past 125 years, California’s average annual precipitation has remained relatively unchanged – about 22 inches. For California to remain an agriculture powerhouse, we must invest in additional infrastructure and water-storage solutions that can capture and store intense but sporadic rainfall, and manage water in a way that looks beyond the headlines.
Agriculture and Ag-Tech January 3, 2023
The agriculture industry is in the midst of a transformative new era, reshaped by digital technology, automation, and machine learning that is delivering history-making results.
Agriculture and Ag-Tech November 24, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a deluge of virtual restaurants – a category that is here to stay – and opened the gates for an influx of food-delivery orders. In a field that is becoming more competitive by the day, virtual restaurants that follow the lead of successful digitally native brands and build meaningful customer relationships will have staying power.
Restaurants November 7, 2022
In this report, we share our research and insights into trends permeating the VMS market, with a particular focus on the mushroom supplement segment. We also provide a real-time perspective into factors influencing valuation in the public and M&A markets.
Wellness & Nutrition October 25, 2022
Sustainable apparel has become a significant focus across the fashion industry fueled by a consumer movement that is unquestionably on the rise. Fashion is a universal and timeless industry, and key to its endurance through economic and societal ebbs and flows is the remarkable ability to evolve.
Apparel July 19, 2022
Although restaurants are in the early stages of adapting and modernizing their menus, they are expected to continue to add plant- based options to capitalize on the growing demand and revenue opportunities they provide.
Food and Beverage October 22, 2021
If the point of a compass was centered on Fresno, California, and a 100-mile radius was drawn, the circle formed would reach across the most vital and productive growing region in the world. Although this 100 Mile Circle covers less than 1% of the total land mass of the U.S., it produces nearly one-half of its fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts – more than 250 different crops rich in the vitamins and nutrients essential to human survival.
Agriculture and Ag-Tech March 14, 2021
Consumers have long sought out healthier food, but our understanding today is better than at any point in history due to our growing knowledge, which is readily available to consumers, of the hormonal and metabolic causes of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other related disorders.
Food and Beverage February 17, 2021
The U.S. Fitness industry, like most other industries, has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This report presents a summary of the state of the industry and the trends that have emerged as the result of the pandemic – some of which are expected to become a new permanent reality.
Active Lifestyle February 15, 2021
COVID-19 created a shock felt across virtually every industry and institution. Clubs and studios pivoted as best they could. Many used platforms such as Zoom to deliver at-home streaming content as much to maintain customer relationships as to supplement income. Not everyone was caught flatfooted. In December 2020, Harrison Co. orchestrated an in-depth survey on U.S. fitness patterns before and during the COVID crisis. The findings of this study are presented in this report.
Active Lifestyle February 10, 2021
For centuries, labor has been treated as a commodity, with an abundant supply of immigrants coming to America every year. Labor was always plentiful and available whenever needed, much like turning on a water tap. However, just as we can no longer take water for granted in many parts of the U.S., we can no longer rely on labor as an unlimited resource.
Agriculture and Ag-Tech January 25, 2021
Today, breakfast has transcended its traditional daypart and become a more prominent and creative staple on restaurant menus, which is a significant achievement during a challenging time for the restaurant industry overall. While the industry is struggling with declining foot traffic and samo-store sales, the thriving breakfast segment continues to defy industry trends.
Food and Beverage October 11, 2020
The findings of the most recent survey, which are summarized in this report, offer an inside look into how COVID-19 is recasting the competitive landscape as well as the technology and trends that will be steering the fitness industry today and in the years ahead.
Active Lifestyle July 15, 2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck full force in the spring of 2020, it delivered a blow that reverberated across every corner of the restaurant industry. State after state, legislative restrictions mandated restaurants to close, compelling thousands of operators to lay off employees. More dramatic consequences for both operators and employees included shutting restaurant doors permanently.
Food and Beverage June 10, 2020
Amazon and Agriculture: Changing the Landscape of Food Distribution is the first issue of our multi-part Point of View series that analyzes the trends having the greatest impact on the food-supply chain – from farm to table.
Agriculture and Ag-Tech May 19, 2020
2020 has not been good. The understatement of the year. There is an overwhelming amount of negative news, shocking data, and economic predictions that feel like we are living a bad dream. The pandemic has systematically impacted companies and their employees across industry size, sector and location. Despite the incessant negative news, we set out to identify positive data and actions (upcoming report) that can be taken to strengthen business operations during this economic recession.
eCommerce May 15, 2020
Purple hired Harrison Co. in 2017 to explore strategic alternatives, including raising capital, selling their company, or going public. Throughout the process Harrison Co. helped Purple raise debt capital, equipment financing and provided recommendations for board members of the new public company. The additional capital and liquidity provided the necessary resources to fuel and fulfill Purple’s ambitious growth plans.
eCommerce February 20, 2020
BUFORD, GA, February 21,2023 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising founder and family-owned businesses, today announced it advised Firefly Buys (“Firefly” or the “Company”), a high-growth, full-service eCommerce accelerator and one of the largest North American Amazon sellers, on its sale to reCommerce Brands (“reCommerce”), a Topspin Consumer Partners portfolio company and global strategic partner to consumer brands selling through Amazon.
Harrison Co. February 21, 2023
Santiago, Chile, 2/8/2023 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm focused on the agriculture and ag-tech sectors, today announced it advised WiseConn Engineering (“WiseConn” or the “Company”), a leading provider of precision irrigation and fertigation automation systems, on its equity investment from Morningside Group (“Morningside”). The investment will be primarily used to support WiseConn’s expansion into new geographic markets including Australia and Europe.
Harrison Co. February 9, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 1/9/2023 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to the health, wellness and fitness sectors, and Relentless Consumer Partners (“Relentless”), which invests in high-potential consumer brands that empower people to live better lives, have formed a strategic partnership. Harrison Co. is not only a strategic investor in the firm but will also be an investor in Relentless’s investments, acquisitions and funds. Together, Harrison Co. and Relentless will bring unparalleled experience and expertise guiding brands to maximize their full potential through different phases of growth.
Harrison Co. January 10, 2023
Huntington Beach, CA, 1/6/2023 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising founder- and family-led businesses, today announced it advised Aire Rite Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Inc. (“Aire Rite” or the “Company”), a leading technical solutions provider, on its strategic sale to Florida-based Nextech Mechanical Services, a portfolio company of Audax Group, a Massachusetts-based private equity firm.
Harrison Co. January 6, 2023
The combination of Intellibed and Purple will create tremendous synergies, a leader in both the value and luxury gel segments, and consolidate gel production IP under one roof.
Harrison Co. November 28, 2022
Bill Harrison, Managing Partner of Harrison Co., joins PBS Tapped Out II to talk about water and agriculture in California.
Harrison Co. October 27, 2022
Harrison Co. advised Britz Farming on its sale of SunWest Fruit Company to Fowler Packing, Ag Partners Capital and British Columbia Investment Management. This 10,000 acre grower-packer-shipper is one of the largest citrus and stone fruit operations in North America.
Harrison Co. October 26, 2022
Water. Supply chain. War in Ukraine. Climate Change. How does it all impact Ag in the 100-mile Circle of Central CA? Jump in the truck and find out in this episode of American Grown!
Valley PBS Apr 12, 2022
Salt Lake City, UT – April 5, 2022 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising entrepreneur-led businesses in the health and wellness sector, today announced it advised Inspire Fitness (“Inspire”), a leader in home fitness equipment, on its merger with Centr, a personalized digital health and fitness platform curated by Chris Hemsworth, and concurrent sale to HighPost Capital (“HighPost”).
PR Newswire Apr 5, 2022
Creve Coeur, Missouri, April 1, 2022 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising entrepreneur-led businesses in ag-tech and the food supply chain, today announced it advised Aker Technologies (“Aker” or the “Company”), a pioneer in sensor-based data aggregation and analytics for agriculture, on its equity raise from an undisclosed family office investor.
Harrison Co. Apr 1, 2022
Arvada, CO, February 9, 2022 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising founder and family-run digitally-native and home goods brands, today announced it advised Global Web Horizons (dba Slumber Cloud) (“Slumber Cloud” or the “Company”), a leader in temperature regulating technology in the bedding industry, on its strategic growth investment from Brush Creek Partners (“Brush Creek”), a Denver-based private equity firm and Outlast Technologies GmbH (“Outlast”), the Company’s strategic technology partner.
Harrison Co. Mar 25, 2022
San Francisco, CA, January 22, 2022 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm that advises founder and family-run businesses across high growth sectors, today announced it advised ClipperCreek on its sale to Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH). ClipperCreek is a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) charging and one of North America’s leading suppliers of Level 2 EV charging stations.
Harrison Co. Mar 25, 2022
Fresno, CA, December 23, 2021 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising family-owned and founder-run businesses in the food and agriculture industries, today announced it advised Delano Farms Company (“Delano” or the “Company”) one of North America’s leading table grape grower-packer-shippers on its sale to Sun Pacific.
Harrison Co. Mar 25, 2022
Hanford, CA, December 11, 2020 – Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising family-owned businesses in better-for-you consumer product categories, today announced it advised Warmerdam Packing (the “Company”), a leading producer of specialty fruit in California using controlled environment technology, on its strategic investment from private equity firm, Fiera Comox.
Harrison Co. Mar 25, 2022
Despite the pandemic, 2020 was a big year for Ag-Tech M&A activity.
Sean Deson, Partner at Harrison Co., shares his observations on the state of Ag-Tech with The Food Institute.
The Food Institute Oct 5, 2021
Modern wellness trends could finally be headed to a medicine cabinet near you. This experiment is worthy of Wall Street’s attention.
Wall Street Journal Sep 15, 2021
Harrison Co. partner Nancy Ervin shares her perspective on the water crisis affecting farmers in the 100-Mile Circle, and the implications it has on our nation and our food security.
Fox May 29, 2021
Denver, CO, January 6, 2021–Harrison Co., an investment banking firm dedicated to advising family-owned businesses in better-for-you consumer product categories, today announced it advised Feel The World, Inc. dba Xero Shoes (“Xero” or the Company”) a leader in natural movement footwear, on its strategic investment from a private equity firm, TZP Group.
Harrison Co. Jan 6, 2021
Wilfred Valenta opened his first “micro-gym” almost two years ago, repurposing a 580-square-foot office space in downtown Montreal and renting it out by the hour to fitness trainers and small workout groups.
Harrison Co. Dec 22, 2020
Tailwinds are firmly behind the plant-based food industry and investors are gobbling up shares of the leading players fast. One company they should be sure to meet is Tattooed Chef, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTCF), which can already be found on the shelves of club stores like Walmart Inc.’s Sam’s Club and is poised for big gains by ushering in the trend of farm-to-table for the masses.
Yahoo! Finance Dec 2, 2020
PARAMOUNT, Calif. and DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ittella International, a plant-based food company with a broad portfolio of innovative products, and Forum Merger II Corporation (“Forum”)(Nasdaq: FMCI), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that they have completed their business combination to form Tattooed Chef, Inc. (“Tattooed Chef”).
Nasdaq Oct 15, 2020
Ittela International, a plant-based food business in the US, is to go public, with a new name, after a transaction with an acquisition vehicle.The vehicle, Forum Merger II, located in Delray Beach, Florida, has a listing on the Nasdaq exchange in New York.
just food July 13, 2020
Casper Sleep Inc., the company credited with popularizing the bed-in-a-box trend, lowered the price range for its planned initial public offering on Wednesday, in a sign that investors are pushing back against the loss-making company.
Market Watch February 7, 2020
Fitness clubs rocked by Covid-19 closures face a swell of bankruptcies with more than $10 billion of revenue wiped out as clients ditch memberships, according to investment bank Harrison Co.
Bloomberg May 26, 2020
Apple plans to reopen about 100 U.S. stores, mostly with curbside pickup but some with walk-in service, the company said on Tuesday.Apple shuttered stores worldwide as the coronavirus pandemic spread but has slowly opened them based on local health data. Earlier this month, the company reopened a handful of stores in Alaska, Idaho and Alabama.
The Washington Post May 26, 2020
Bill Harrison, founder of Harrison Co., discusses the results of the investment bank’s survey of 1,000 fitness club users. In the survey, more than a third said they have canceled or plan to terminate existing memberships. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Vonnie Quinn and Sonali Basak on “Bloomberg Markets.”
Bloomberg May 26, 2020
Paramount, California and Delray Beach, Florida, June 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ittella International (the “Company”), a plant-based food company with a broad portfolio of innovative products available both in private label and the Company’s “Tattooed Chef” brand, and Forum Merger II Corporation (Nasdaq: FMCI) (“Forum”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced a definitive agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) to combine the Company and Forum as Tattooed Chef, Inc. (“Tattooed Chef”).
Intrado GlobeNewswire June 12, 2020
24 Hour Fitness announced Monday the company is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after having to close more than 130 gym locations around the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Fox Business June 15, 2020
Plant-based foods company Ittella International, which offers both private label and Tattooed Chef branded products, is expected to go public in the third quarter of 2020 upon merger with special purpose acquisition firm Forum Merger II Corporation, with an anticipated enterprise value of $482 million.
Forbes June 15, 2020
24 Hour Fitness announced Monday the company is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after having to close more than 130 gym locations around the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Yahoo! Finance June 15, 2020