Terra Firma, Dowd & Guild, and Northspec Chemicals Create Partnership

Terra Firma announced its next step in delivering a truly “bespoke” specialty chemicals distributor providing comprehensive sales coverage to the entire United States and Canada.

Dowd & Guild (based in Laguna Hills, CA) and Northspec (based in Toronto, Canada) have joined Terra Firma through a partnership recapitalization. The principals of all three firms remain heavily invested through this recapitalization ,which allows for a joining of forces, zero management exits, and no consolidation of offices.

In addition, the assistance of its newest financial partner, Goldner Hawn, one of the nation’s oldest private investment firms, helps it move forward. The combination of Terra Firma, Dowd & Guild, and Northspec further enhances their abilities to remain focused on our customers’ formulary and logistical needs, helping to drive their growth objectives and success in the marketplace.
 
Terra Firma continues to grow organically by offering supply partners options, not ultimatums, and knows it remains important to offer choices when it comes to their channel partners.

“As distinct companies, Dowd & Guild, Northspec, and Terra Firma each have earned excellent market reputations through our technical focus and service-oriented approach that deliver value to our customers and suppliers,” said Tim Fetters, CEO of D&G. “By bringing together our complementary cultures, expertise, strategies, and specialty chemical focus, we are creating a premier North American specialty chemical distribution company that collectively has over 140 years of industry experience and longevity. I am excited for the next chapter of this combined firm and the growth opportunities it brings to employees, suppliers, and customers.”

“The creation of this new partnership signifies our collective commitment to growth while preserving the market-focused specialty business model that has made each company in this partnership successful,” Northspec CEO Noel Shahnazarian added. “There is a shared understanding between Terra Firma, Dowd & Guild, and Northspec on what it takes and what is required to truly be a specialty chemical distributor. We are delighted to be part of this new partnership and we look forward to further expanding our value proposition this synergy will offer the market.”

“Joining forces brings us all to the next phase of our collective evolution while simultaneously demonstrating our commitment to this industry,” noted David Behan, CEO of The Terra Firma Company. “We made this decision carefully; recognizing how critically important it is to maintain the unique DNA that our suppliers and customers have come to depend.

“With Goldner Hawn, we have found the perfect partner who shares a long-term horizon and fully supports our commitment to true organic growth,” added Behan. “This new chapter builds on the meaningful dedication all three businesses have given to our industry and at the same time secures our place in the future. We endeavor to never lose sight of the past and those who made our success possible.”