Private equity firms buy James Brown

Atlanta-based private equity firms Navigation Capital Partners and VVS Capital have acquired James Brown Contracting, Inc. and its subsidiaries Brown Trucking Company and JBT Brokerage, forming James Brown Holdings LP as part of the deal. Terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1976 and based just outside of Atlanta in Lithonia, GA, James Brown Contracting is a dedicated freight transportation provider to the paper and packaging industry. Its subsidiaries operate a fleet of some 500 trucks and more than 3,000 trailers.

Brian Kinsey is set to become Brown’s CEO, with company founder James W. Brown continuing in an executive role with the carrier. “Along with … 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 Brown. 

“We plan to continue to build and grow Brown into a world-class freight logistics provider,” added Kinsey, a veteran trucking executive with stints at Landstar System, CarrierPoint, Bennett Motor Express, Dobbs Houses and North American Van Lines under his belt. He noted that Navigation and VVS plan to focus on building up the carrier’s presence in the southeastern and mid-south areas it currently serves.