In a significant development for the steel fabrication industry, Fredericksburg Machine & Steel, LLC, operating as Viking Steel Fabricators, has been acquired by SRF, LLC, known as Chesapeake Bay Steel, Inc. The transaction was successfully facilitated by Benchmark International, a global mergers and acquisitions firm.
Viking Steel Fabricators, founded in 1950 and based in Fredericksburg, VA, has established a strong reputation over its 70-year history. The company specializes in the fabrication and installation of structural and miscellaneous steel, ornamental iron, and custom stairs and handrails. Additionally, Viking Steel offers steel and miscellaneous metal sales, catering to a wide range of client needs. A unique aspect of their service portfolio is their dedication to historic preservation, providing expert restoration and repair services for historical structures.
Chesapeake Bay Steel, operating since 1962 in Norfolk, VA, brings its own extensive experience in steel fabrication and erection to the table. The company has built a solid reputation in the Tidewater area, specializing in framing, joist, decking, stairs, railings, and metal fabrication projects. This acquisition aligns with Chesapeake Bay Steel’s strategic growth plans, significantly expanding their service offerings and geographical reach.
The merger of these two long-standing companies is expected to create a powerhouse in the steel fabrication industry. Viking Steel’s strong customer relationships in the private, public, and government sectors, coupled with Chesapeake Bay Steel’s established presence in the Tidewater area, positions the combined entity for substantial growth and market expansion.
Sean Fechtmann, Transaction Director at Benchmark International, highlighted the strength of Viking Steel’s business model, noting, ‘Viking Steel President Christopher ‘Luke’ Breivik and his team have built a great business with strong customer relationships in the private, public, and government sectors. The quality of their work speaks for itself, with approximately 80% of customers being repeat customers and more than 70 years in operation.’
This acquisition is particularly noteworthy for several reasons. First, it combines two companies with deep roots in their respective communities, each bringing decades of experience and expertise to the table. Second, the complementary nature of their services – Viking Steel’s focus on fabrication, installation, and historic preservation, and Chesapeake Bay Steel’s strength in erection and various fabrication projects – creates a more comprehensive service offering for clients.
Furthermore, the retention of Viking Steel’s leadership team as part of the deal ensures continuity and leverages their expertise for future growth. This strategic move is likely to enhance the combined company’s ability to tackle larger and more complex projects, potentially opening up new market opportunities.
The steel fabrication industry plays a crucial role in construction, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. This consolidation could lead to improved efficiencies, increased innovation, and potentially more competitive pricing for customers. It also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the industry, as companies seek to expand their capabilities and geographical reach to better serve a diverse client base.
As the construction and infrastructure sectors continue to evolve, with increasing emphasis on sustainable and innovative building practices, this merger positions the combined entity to better address these emerging market demands. The preservation of historical structures, a specialty of Viking Steel, aligns well with growing interest in urban renewal and heritage conservation projects.
For more information about Benchmark International and its services, interested parties can visit https://www.benchmarkintl.com/. The firm has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries and has been recognized as the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network.
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