Preserving Kemper’s legacy of high-quality products and service was its owner’s top priority. CLA helped navigate the transaction with those objectives in mind.
Minneapolis — January 16, 2017 — In the recent sale of Kemper Valve & Fittings to Caterpillar Oil & Gas, CLA Wealth Advisors acted as Kemper’s trusted financial advisor as the sellers navigated the complex transaction.
Kemper is a leading manufacturer of a complete line of high- and low-pressure flow iron to the oil and gas industry. As owner Joe Kemper sought to exit his business after more than 50 years at its helm, he had many options to evaluate. Joe’s priorities were to provide continued opportunities for his employees and to preserve his legacy of high-quality products and customer service.
CLA Wealth Advisors helped Joe negotiate the sale of his business to Caterpillar while keeping all of his objectives and concerns in mind. Ben Axelrod led the transaction in tandem with a multi-disciplinary team of CLA professionals and Kemper’s legal advisors at Kelly, Olsen, Michod, DeHaan & Richter, LLC. Together they guided Joe through the entire process, helping his company smoothly join the world-class, global organization.
“Over the years, we’ve developed strong product lines and a good management team, and we constantly employ a skilled, hard-working, and loyal workforce,” says Joe. “After working with CLA for over two decades, they understood what we wanted to accomplish when it came time to hand off ownership of my business. Taking care of my people and products was essential to me, and I can ultimately leave my company knowing they are in good hands.”
CLA Principal Cathy Schweigel had worked with Joe and his wife, Sharon, for over 20 years, bringing them the assurance, tax, and planning services they needed for their business and themselves. “Their success was personally important to me, especially after knowing Joe and Sharon for so long,” says Cathy. “Working with them through this transition was so gratifying because our team and I were able to see their goals for the future materialize. To help make that happen is what it’s all about for us at CLA.”
Kemper manufactures and sells high- and low-pressure pipe unions and related oilfield fluid control products. The company has been in operation since 1965 from nine facilities across the U.S and Canada. Kemper's team of professional sales and service representatives provide high-touch service to the oil and gas industry all over the world. Products include manifolds, hammer unions, plug valves, swivel joints, pup joints, hose loops, check valves, pressure relief valves, and additional high-pressure fittings.
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CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.