Ocean Park Advises CIE on Sale to CC Industries
Sale of global specialty alcohols producer enhances Ocean Park’s position as a leading food and agribusiness advisor
December 23, 2021 – CC Industries, Inc. (“CCI”) announced that it has acquired CIE, one of the largest producers of grain based, high-quality, specialty alcohols in the United States. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ocean Park acted as exclusive financial advisor to CIE on the transaction.
“Ocean Park did an exemplary job in evaluating our strategic alternatives and executing on a comprehensive sale process that generated interest from numerous parties. We are excited to partner with CCI, our new family ownership group,” said Ryan Drook, CIE president and chief executive officer. “Ocean Park’s expertise in M&A transactions, industry knowledge and deep relationships with financial and strategic parties contributed to this successful transaction.”
Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, CIE operates a world-class, commercial-scale distillery, which serves customers from Fortune 500 spirit, food, and fragrance brands to niche artisan craft distilleries.
“We are extremely pleased to have reached this important milestone for CIE,” said Mark Fisler, Ocean Park managing director. “This landmark transaction further solidifies our position as a leading advisor in the food, agribusiness and AgTech sectors.”
“We are proud to apply our expertise toward the dynamic high-quality alcohols industry,” added Eric Ouyang, Ocean Park managing director. “Through Ryan’s exceptional leadership and steadfast vision, CIE has built an extraordinary business that is poised for continued growth under CCI’s ownership.”
CIE is a global leader in grain-based, high-quality, specialty alcohols. CIE serves customers from Fortune 500 spirit, food, and fragrance brands to niche artisan craft distilleries. Headquartered in Marion, IN, CIE has global reach through its extensive network of owned, leased, and shared distribution terminals. CIE has 88 employees and was founded in 2004 by the Berry Family.
CC Industries is the Chicago-based holding company for the Crown family’s privately-held companies, including: GILLIG, Great Dane Trailers, J.L. Clark, Miracapo Pizza Company, Provisur Technologies, Riverside Rail, Selig, Southern Devall Group, and Trail King Industries. The Crown family has a long history of owning and growing industrial businesses. The family enterprise dates itself to 1919 when Henry Crown and his brothers started Material Service Corporation.
Ocean Park is a leading boutique investment bank focused on the renewable fuels, energy, food, AgTech and agribusiness sectors. The Ocean Park team has significant operational and transaction experience, including advising on mergers and acquisitions, financings and restructurings. Since its founding in 2004, Ocean Park has successfully completed over 80 transactions and client engagements. Its professionals are based in Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis and Omaha. For more information, please visit oceanpk.com or call (310) 670-2093.
