NAVIGATION CAPITAL PARTNERS ACQUIRES JAMES BROWN CONTRACTING
May 12, 2008
Navigation Capital Partners, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that invests in lower middle
market niche manufacturing and services businesses, today announced the acquisition of James Brown
Contracting, Inc. and its subsidiaries Brown Trucking Company and JBT Brokerage, Inc.
(collectively, "Brown"). Navigation and VVS Capital, another Atlanta-based private equity
firm, formed James Brown Holdings, LP as part of the transaction.
Founded in 1976 and based in Lithonia, Georgia, Brown is the premier dedicated freight
carrier in the southeastern United States with strategically placed terminals located in the
Southeast and Mid-South. With 500 trucks and more than 3,000 trailers, Brown is the leading
dedicated freight transportation provider to the paper and packaging industry. Brian Kinsey
will become Brown's chief executive officer and founder James W. Brown will continue in an
executive role with the Company.
"Along with the industry-leading performance of our employees and drivers, the resources
Navigation provides will serve as a key element of our plan to grow the company while preserving
its successful structure," said founder James W. Brown. "We're excited to welcome Brian to
this experienced management team and look forward to the continued growth and success of the Brown
brand."
Kinsey is a nationally recognized trucking executive with experience in several other leading
companies including Landstar System, CarrierPoint, Bennett Motor Express, Dobbs Houses and North
American Van Lines. Through his leadership of these organizations, Kinsey established himself
as a leading expert on effective safety programs and owner operator trucking operations. He
is a graduate of Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School.
"The capital and operating expertise provided by Navigation will elevate the excellent
platform that Brown represents to a new level as it continues to provide premium service to its
customers," said Kinsey. "The firm recognizes the incredible potential of Brown and the value
created by its standing as the best trucking company in the Southeast. With access to
Navigation's resources and the support of our great employees, owner-operators and customers, we
will continue to build and grow Brown into a world-class freight logistics provider."
"Brown exemplifies Navigation's strategy to create productive partnerships where our
resources can accelerate and support solid growth," said David Panton, partner at Navigation
Capital Partners. "As the newest core company in our portfolio, we anticipate continued
success for Brown as we work with the knowledgeable management team and Brian to help the Company
reach its full potential."
Financing for this transaction was provided by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and John Hancock Life
Insurance Company, its affiliates and affiliate-managed funds. Navigation was represented by
Joseph B. Alexander, Jr., Daniel P. Rollman and Kevin Hull from Hunton & Williams LLP.
VVS was represented by Stuart C. Johnson from Powell Goldstein LLP. Brown was represented by
David A. Flanigan, Jr. and Timothy M. Silvis from Miller & Martin PLLC and advised by Miller
Welborn of Transportation Capital Partners, LLC. John Hancock was represented by Nicole L.
Rives and Megan Smiley of Sullivan & Worcester LLP. Wells was represented by Edgar C.
Snow, Jr. and Lindsey R. Arnold from Burr & Forman LLP.