Granite Creek Capital Partners LLC, a private investment firm based in Chicago, Ill., announced its investment supporting the management buyout of Global Animal Products (GAP), a manufacturer of feed additives for the beef, dairy and poultry markets. Granite Creek’s investment in GAP leverages its animal health and nutrition experience, expanding its growing portfolio of companies in the agribusiness sector.

Founded in 1995, GAP is a family-owned, vertically integrated company that manufactures and distributes high-quality complexed trace minerals for livestock, with a focus on liquid applications. The company is headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, and operates distribution facilities in Garden City, Kan., and Queretaro, Mexico.

As part of the transaction, Granite Creek and GAP founder Ken Ridenour worked together to recapitalize the business and provide financial support to enable existing management and employees to buy into the company’s ownership. Following the closing, Ridenour will step back from active management, retaining a minority stake in the company and a role on the board of directors. GAP chief executive officer Ben Tarr will continue to lead the company, with strategic support from Granite Creek and its operating partner Mike Ray.

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“Ken has created and fostered a company with a high-quality product and a remarkable customer-centric culture,” said Granite Creek partner Jim Clark. “We believe that GAP has all the necessary attributes for continued success and look forward to working with Ken, Ben and the rest of the management team to propel GAP into its next phase of growth while maintaining its core values and product reputation.”

Granite Creek’s investment will help further scale the organization, accelerate product development and expand the facility to support market opportunities domestically and internationally, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to partner with Granite Creek in our management buyout,” Tarr said. “Beyond providing capital, Granite Creek has a strong track record of working in agribusiness and brings a great operating partner in Mike Ray, who knows our products and customer markets. With Mike’s support, we believe that we can accelerate the growth of GAP.”

Clark and Ray will join the GAP board of directors.

Founded in 2005, Granite Creek is focused on providing capital and operational resources to lower middle market companies in manufacturing, business services, health care and agribusiness. Its team of investment professionals bring expertise in private equity, banking, operations and business development.

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