G.F. Gay Le Breton and Mitch Murray, Chaffe & Associates Inc.//March 31, 2026
Backed by financial sponsor Summit Park, New Orleans-based G.T. Michelli Company continued its acquisition momentum with two additional transactions in March. This brings the company’s total to four deals so far in 2026 and eight deals since partnering with Summit Park in 2023. The company is executing a national buy-and-build strategy in the industrial weighing and measurement services sector.
In March, Michelli acquired Florida Industrial Scale Company (FISC), a provider of industrial weighing services to manufacturing and industrial clients. The partnership with FISC expands Michelli’s footprint into Florida and leverages FISC’s local expertise to increase Michelli’s Southeast regional presence.
Michelli also acquired Industrial Scale & Measurement, a Houston-based provider of scale service, calibration, and equipment solutions, to strengthen its presence across Texas and the Gulf Coast. Just weeks earlier, the company completed the acquisition of Boise, ID-based Total Scale Service, Inc., expanding its footprint into the Pacific Northwest and adding further technical capabilities and customer reach.
Bobby Feigler, CEO of Michelli, said, “These organizations demonstrate strong alignment with our commitment to service quality, technical excellence, and long-term customer relationships. These partnerships strengthen our ability to support customers nationwide while preserving the local expertise that has made each business a successful and trusted provider in their respective markets.”
Michelli now has service areas in 18 states throughout the U.S., and services customers in a variety of end markets including transportation, recycling & waste, food & beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Chouest expands into offshore decommissioning with CES acquisition
In the offshore energy sector, Edison Chouest Offshore expanded its service offering by acquiring Champagne Energy Solutions (CES), a Houma-based provider of decommissioning, plug-and-abandonment, and environmental services in the Gulf of Mexico.
The transaction marks Chouest’s entry into the offshore decommissioning market, a growing segment driven by aging infrastructure across the Gulf. CES adds capabilities in subsea intervention, pipeline installation and removal, and marine logistics, supported by a fleet of dive support vessels and pipelay assets.
“We see decommissioning as one of the most important and fastest-growing segments of the offshore energy market,” said Dino Chouest, Executive Vice President of the Chouest Group.
The acquisition positions Chouest to deliver end-to-end lifecycle services across offshore assets while capitalizing on a multi-billion-dollar global decommissioning opportunity. The company plans to pursue additional strategic acquisitions as it builds a fully integrated platform in the space.
Sazerac adds the Dirty Shirley brand
Also in March, Sazerac Company announced the acquisition of Dirty Shirley, a ready-to-drink cocktail brand known for its cheeky vodka-spiked take on the classic Shirley Temple.
“We are excited to make the Dirty Shirley brand a part of the Sazerac family,” said Jake Wenz, CEO of Sazerac. “The brand has carved a unique space in the RTD category with their bold cocktails and distinct personality, and we’re looking forward to continuing to build on the solid foundational work done by the brand to-date.”
The acquisition comes as the Shirley Temple makes a major comeback, fueled by consumers craving their favorite childhood nostalgia drink. Other trendy brands offering a twist on this classic, but without a grown-up upgrade, are Bloom Pop and Stiller’s Soda.
Dirty Shirley joins Sazerac’s robust, global spirits portfolio including BuzzBallz, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Traveller Whiskey, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, SVEDKA Vodka, Wheatley Vodka, Myers’s Rum, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey and others.
Bally’s expands Shreveport presence with casino acquisition
In the gaming and hospitality sector, Bally’s Corporation announced an agreement to acquire Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino Shreveport from Boyd Gaming Corporation, further expanding its presence in Shreveport.
Located adjacent to Bally’s existing Shreveport property, the asset includes a 29,000-square-foot casino, a 514-room hotel, and multiple dining and entertainment venues. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
“We see meaningful opportunities to reinvest in the market and further strengthen Shreveport’s position as a premier destination for gaming and entertainment,” said Soo Kim, Executive Chairman of Bally’s.
The acquisition reflects Bally’s continued strategy of building density within existing markets, allowing for operational efficiencies and enhanced customer engagement across its regional portfolio. Bally’s also owns two casino’s in Baton Rouge.
G.F. Gay Le Breton is managing director for Chaffe & Associates Inc., responsible for the corporate finance activities of the firm. Mitch Murray is a corporate finance analyst with the firm. Investment banking services are provided by Chaffe Securities Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. For more information, visit http://chaffe-associates.com.