On January 15, 2025, GHY International, a leading North American trade compliance and customs brokerage firm headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, announced the closing of a majority investment by SeaFort Capital, a Halifax-based private equity firm. The transaction includes both Geo. H. Young & Co. Ltd. and GHY USA Inc., positioning the 124-year-old company for long-term growth and leadership succession. The transaction value was not disclosed, but it is supported by SeaFort Capital Fund II, with committed capital of approximately CAD 189 million.

The deal also features a co-investment from Jessiman Family Investments Inc. (JFII), another Winnipeg-based firm. GHY’s senior executive team—including Co-CEOs Richard Riess and Chris Bachinski—will remain in place, with Riess retaining a significant equity interest. The investment supports a generational transition while preserving GHY’s commitment to market-leading client service and compliance expertise.

SeaFort Capital was advised by Stewart McKelvey, with due diligence provided by Deloitte and KPMG. The Bank of Montreal supplied senior credit facilities for the transaction. GHY International was advised by James Ferguson, K.C., a partner at MLT Aikins LLP, who led the legal counsel through the transaction’s completion.

The deal closed and was announced on January 15, 2025, marking a new phase of organic growth and strategic acquisition opportunities for GHY International.