The Company
CANALTA BUSINESS BROKERS INC. was formed by two of the former senior partners of one of Western Canada’s oldest business brokerage firms. CANALTA specialises in handling the sale of companies involved mainly in the areas of Manufacturing, Wholesaling, Industrial Service & Supply and the Oilpatch.
We have been active in handling business transactions for the past 40 years.
The Team
Brian Hornby
Principal
After graduating university in 1972 Brian joined the Royal Trust Co. as an Investment Administrator. He was responsible for providing investment advice to a large number of clients, estates and trust accounts.
In 1976 Brian was transferred to Edmonton as an Investment Officer to handle portfolio investment matters for all manner of accounts including both corporate and union pension funds.
In 1978 Brian joined Duane Bohne in the business of assisting people in the sale/purchase or valuation of private companies. While the majority of Canalta’s work has been in the Edmonton area, Brian has completed transactions in Valleyview, Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Drayton Valley, Calgary, Brooks and Regina.
Ken Leeson
Senior Associate
Ken Leeson is an entrepreneur, former franchisee and corporate franchise manager. He has developed independent and franchised businesses. Ken specializes in the buying and selling of businesses and collaborating with advisory specialists to assist business transition and growth strategies.
At the core of Ken Leeson’s experience is having learned to overcome setbacks and never allow failure to be an option. His approach is personalized and integrates business services from start-up to exit. Ken focuses on identifying the client’s specific buying and selling needs and involves key collaborative specialists and their diverse areas of expertise to provide workable solutions for transferring, acquisition and exiting businesses.
Senior Associate, Ken Leeson is also the the principal of a firm, Leeson Associates Inc which specializes in the sale of Mainstream Businesses.
Selling a Business
CANALTA BUSINESS BROKERS INC. has developed a proven method of evaluating, packaging and marketing your business which utilizes the following format:
- An initial confidential meeting with the business owner.
- A professional valuation of your business to determine the fair market value.
- Preparation of a corporate profile of your business for presentation to serious purchasers and their financial advisers.
- Marketing your business on a confidential basis to prevent your employees, suppliers and competitors knowing of your intentions.
- Potential purchasers are screened, qualified and then cleared through you prior to release of information to them.
- Any advertising of your business is done on the basis of ‘blind ads’ to assure confidentiality.
- CANALTA will arrange, as required, all meetings between buyer and seller and their advisors.
- CANALTA will assist, when necessary, in negotiations concerning price, financing and other terms of the sale.
- In summary, CANALTA is totally involved in the sale of your business from day one until the deal is closed.
Canalta Business Brokers works with Leeson Associates to represent sellers and buyers of Mainstream Businesses with net operating earnings before tax of up to $500,000. If you own a mainstream business and are looking to sell, please visit Leeson Associates for more resources and information specifically tailored to your business size.
Buying a Business
CANALTA BUSINESS BROKERS INC. has developed a successful ACQUISITION SEARCH PROGRAM to assist the corporate purchaser in the following ways:
- Ascertaining the purchaser’s acquisition parameters and financial resources.
- Researching and identifying the industries that will meet the purchaser’s requirements.
- Selecting and targeting potential acquisition candidates in those industries.
- Initiating contact with the principals of the targeted companies.
- Preliminary investigation and evaluation of potential acquisitions.
- Preparation of a corporate profile for the purchaser to review.
- Assistance in negotiating and structuring the final acquisition or merger.
In summary, through our ACQUISITION SEARCH PROGRAM, we will act on behalf of the purchaser to identify, negotiate and finalize a targeted acquisition.
Canalta Business Brokers works with Leeson Associates to represent sellers and buyers of Mainstream Businesses with net operating earnings before tax of up to $500,000. If you are looking to purchase a business in this category or are looking for buyer and seller resources specifically tailored to this business size and category , please visit Leeson Associates website.
Business Valuations
What is my company worth?
Over the course of time business owners may ask themselves this question many times. In most cases the value of the company represents the greatest portion of an owner’s “Pension Plan”. Establishing a value and executing a successful exit strategy takes time-it’s not something you want to do at the last minute.
The Partners of Canalta Business Brokers Inc. have over 40 years experience in the sale/acquisition and valuation of privately held business interests. We have helped many of our clients go on to realise their retirement aspirations.
The first step to selling your business is to understand what it’s actually worth in the current marketplace. We have provided Real Market valuations for a large number of clients over the last forty years.
Reasons for Valuation:
- What is My Company Worth
- Potential Sale
- Banking/Financing Arrangements
- Shareholder Disputes
- Merger/Acquisition Considerations
- Potential Offers (unsolicited)
- Employee Buyouts
- Succession Planning
- Ongoing Business Plan
No matter what your concerns are we can help you and give you advice. We understand the real marketplace and have the track record to prove it.
Businesses for Sale
List Your Business Here
We are in contact with several individuals as well as Private Equity Groups (PEG’s) who are seriously pursuing acquisitions in Alberta that fit their criteria.
If you are considering selling your business, please contact Canalta Business Brokers to learn more …
Utility and Oilfield Construction
This 20 year old business supplies Gas Line installation services to major gas transmission utilities as well as Fluid Hauling and Light Tower Rentals to select energy companies. Annual revenue of $13,000,000 with EBITDA of $2,000,000. Owner retiring and asking $4,600,000 for the shares.
Commercial Fencing
This 20 year old Commercial Fencing Company services central and northern alberta. Products and services include Chain Link, Ornamental and Wood Fencing. Annual revenue of $1,800,000. owner is retiring and asking $425,000 for the assets and business.
Excavation Contractor
Excavating and Trenching contractor with a strong reputation in the house building industry. Revenue of $8 million with EBITDA of $2.4 million. Underlying asset value of $4.5 million.
Electrical Motor Sales & Repairs
Located in the center of the “Industrial Heartland” of Strathcona County, Fort Saskatchewan, Redwater and Bruderheim. The business is engaged in electrical motor sales, rewinding, repairs, alterations, pump and industrial fan repairs and field services.
The client base is diverse and includes petrochemical, manufacturing, mining, lumber and commercial real estate. Facility of 7000 sq. ft. located on 1.6 acres of land. Significant room for expansion of plant capacity. Vendor is retiring and is asking $525,000 for the operating assets and business. This includes equipment, inventory, and work in progress. Land and building can be leased or purchased.
Oilfield Equipment Rentals
This 30 year old business supplies oilfield equipment rentals and services to the oil patch. Annual revenue of $6 million, with $1 million plus EBITDA . The owner is retiring but has complete management team in place. The assets and rental equipment recently appraised at $7,775,000. Land and buildings can be purchased or leased if required.
Heavy Industrial Repairs
Located in Fort McMurray for over 30 years, they are involved in heavy equipment repair, precision machining, welding and fabrication services etc. Annual revenue of $3 million, $450,000 EBITDA. Owner is retiring and asking $1,750,000 for the shares. Land and building can be purchased or leased.
Heavy Industrial Machining & Field Services
Established over 25 years. Company provides machining, repair & field services to large oilsands, petroleum, refining and public utility customers. Revenue of $7,000,000 with EBIDA of $1,300,000. Asking $11,500,000 for operating assets & business, as well as real estate. (Real estate appraised at $6,200,000)
Security Fencing Business
This long established company fabricates, assembles and installs a wide range of fencing and enclosure systems. Annual revenues of 2.7 million with EBITDA of $400,000. Owner retiring and asking $1,300,000 for the assets and business.
Utility and Oilfield Construction
This 20 year old business supplies Gas Line installation services to major gas transmission utilities as well as Fluid Hauling and Light Tower Rentals to select energy companies. Annual revenue of $13,000,000 with EBITDA of $2,000,000. Owner retiring and asking $4,600,000 for the shares.
Businesses Wanted
We are in contact with several Private Equity Groups (PEG’s) and individuals who are seriously pursuing acquisitions in Alberta that fit their criteria.
In broad terms, their acquisition parameters are as follows:
- Business should be involved in Industrial Sales & Service, Product Distribution, Manufacturing, and/or Oilfield Services.
- Must have management in place, or owners willing to remain with the company for a period of time.
- Some PEG’s will entertain a partnership with the current owners and will inject funds, and will provide outside expertise to expand and ensure future growth.
- The usual requirement is that the business should be generating an EBIDA greater than $250,000 annually.
Completed Transactions
SOLDAN FENCE AND METALS (2009) LTD.
Has acquired
1399317 ALBERTA LTD. o/a AVALON FENCING
GOLF WESTERN LTD.
(Cold Lake, Alberta)
Have been acquired by
WOLVERINE GROUP INC.
(Edmonton, Alberta)
EXTREME EXCAVATING & BACKHOE SERVICES LTD.
has been acquired by a
Private Equity Group
STURGEON REWIND LTD.
(Fort Saskatchewan)
has been acquired by
Private Investors
RIG SERVICE TOOL LTD.
and
RIG SERVICE RENTALS LTD.
Have Been Acquired by
Private Investors
BARTAN MACHINE & WELDING CO. LTD.
(Fort McMurray)
Have Been Acquired by
Athabasca Chipewyan
Empire Industrial Services Ltd.
KING STAMP & SIGN
Have Been Acquired by
Private Investors
FIELDCO MFG. LTD.
Z.L. ENTERPRISES LTD.
have been acquired by
Private Investors
PRINTING IMPRESSIONS
& GRAPHICS LTD.
has been acquired
A Private Investor
Northern Crane Services Inc.
has acquired
PARKLAND CRANE SERVICE LTD.
PARKLAND SALES & SERVICE LTD.
TANKS-A-LOT INC.
Have been purchased by a Private Equity Group
DALMAC ENERGY INC.
(a public company)
has aquired
NORTH END OIL INDUSTRIES LTD.
Client Testimonials
Golf Western LTD. – Cold Lake AB.
Mr. Brian Hornby
Canalta Business Brokers Inc.
To Whom It May Concern:
About 15 years ago, I was given the name of Brian from Ted Fox of Scotia Macleod. At that time, Brian did an evaluation of our company and provided us with an estimate of Fair Market Value. We sat on this for approximately 12 years, and in 2013 we re-contacted Brian and asked to re valuate our business. In September of 2014, he had an interested party and requested permission to show our information to this potential buyer. Two weeks later, he set up a meeting with the buyer and they presented us with an offer. We negotiated and closed the sale of the Business on April 1/2015
Without Brian’s help and dedication to this sale it would have never materialized. He also introduced us to a top tax lawyer who handled the sale for us. He stayed with the Purchase and worked out the glitches that arose right up until closing.
I would recommend Brian Hornby and Canalta Business Brokers to anyone that was contemplating on selling their business.
Thank you in advance,
Don Ollenberger, Manager
Sturgeon Rewind (2013) LTD.
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Canalta Business Brokers
Attn: Brian Hornby
Wanted to thank you for your assistance in purchasing Sturgeon Rewind, we appreciate the assistance in completing the transaction with the vendor. It was a very difficult and trying time for us during this acquisition. Your professionalism, tenacity and ethics are what helped us through this time and really why anyone purchasing a business or looking to sell a business should be in contact with you.
In closing thank you for your support, excellent communication and guidance during the entire process. Working with you was a real pleasure and would recommend you and Canalta Business Brokers to all.
Best regards,
Rob Kipling
Rig Service Tools LTD
Edmonton AB.
January 31 , 2013
Dear Mr. Hornby:
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation for your professional conclusion of the sale of my sixty-one year old Canadian company, which I have owned for the last thirty-five years.
Due to the niche specialty of most of the assets that are oilfield service related, you were required to have extensive understanding of who might be a possible purchaser. You were able to successfully match purchaser and vendor concluding a deal with two satisfied parties.
It is very satisfying to me that the entire management team and all field employees are retained in the deal which makes it a complete win for them as well.
Having met Brian Hornby with Canalta Business Brokers Inc. some thirty years ago and partner Duane Bohne later, I have total respect for their efforts above and beyond required business standards. I have high regard in recommending them for future business transactions.
Best regards,
Lyle Abraham – President
KING Stamp & Sign
Edmonton, Alberta
April 16, 2011
Canalta Business Brokers
Attn: Brian Hornby
I would like to express my gratitude for your assistance with my purchase of King Stamp & Sign.
Your perseverance, dedication and continued support was critical in closing the deal.
Your professionalism went above and beyond required standards for business brokers during the tense and frustrating periods of the deal.
I would not hesitate to call on you again for my next business venture.
Regards,
Randall Flaman – President
Parkland Crane Services LTD.
September 1, 2008
Dear Brian;
We would like to thank you for the excellent service you have provided in facilitating the sale of our business. We appreciate your professionalism and support in handing all the arising issues as well as the numerous phone calls and inquires. Your experience and advice regarding the rental agreement issue was invaluable. We are pleased with the outcome of the sale and would not hesitate to recommend your company to others.
Sincerely,
Barbara and James Robinson
Groupe Transcontinental G.T.C. ltee
Montreal, Quebec
October 7th, 1985
To whom it may concern,
We have recently had the opportunity of dealing with Mr. Brian Hornby , business broker. We initially had retained his services to do an exhaustive search of printing firms in Western Canada that could possibly be acquired. In a second phase, we asked Mr. Hornby to get in touch with a limited number of potential candidates among those he had identified and to attempt to obtain a mandate to sell from
their current owners.
We are happy to report that, in great part due to Mr. Hornby’s work and efforts, we have successfully completed one such acquisition. Throughout our dealings with him, we have found that Mr. Hornby adhered to the highest standards of professional behavior. Consequently, we have no reservation whatsoever in recommending Mr. Hornby very highly .
Remi Marcoux, c.a.
President and Chief Executive Officer
