News & Insights

Wilkerson Crane Rental ("Wilkerson" or the "Company"), a leading provider of crane rental, rigging, and heavy lifting solutions serving customers across the Midwest and central United States, today announced a strategic investment by NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane. The investment will support Wilkerson's continued growth, including fleet and geographic expansion, enhanced service capabilities, and strategic acquisitions.

Founded in 2013 by Diana and Jeff Holt and headquartered in Bonner Springs, Kansas, Wilkerson Crane Rental has built a strong reputation for safety, reliability, and technical expertise in lifting and transportation solutions. The company provides operated and bare crane rentals, heavy hauling, rigging, and related services to customers across the construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Diana and Jeff Holt will retain a significant ownership stake and remain actively involved with the business, partnering with NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane to support Wilkerson's next phase of growth.

"We started Wilkerson with the goal of building a company defined by safety, integrity, and exceptional service," said Diana Holt, co-founder of Wilkerson Crane Rental. "As the business has grown, we've been thoughtful about finding the right partners for the next chapter. NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane share our long‑term vision and bring valuable experience that will help us continue expanding while preserving the culture and values that make Wilkerson special."

Wilkerson has grown steadily through a combination of organic investment and targeted acquisitions, expanding its geographic footprint and capabilities across the Midwest. Today, the company operates a diversified fleet supporting a wide range of lifting applications, from routine service lifts to complex infrastructure and industrial projects.

"Wilkerson is an exceptional platform in the crane rental and lifting services sector," said John Nelligan, Co-Founder and Partner at NewMile Capital. "Diana, Jeff, Larry and the entire Wilkerson team have built a business distinguished by operational excellence, strong customer relationships, and an unwavering commitment to safety. We are excited to partner with them and Haywood Lane to support continued fleet investment, geographic expansion, and strategic acquisitions that further strengthen Wilkerson's leadership in the region."

Haywood Lane, a Dallas‑based investment firm led by Managing Partner Lance Gurley, co‑led the investment alongside NewMile Capital.

"Wilkerson has established itself as a trusted partner to contractors and industrial customers across the Midwest," said Lance Gurley, Managing Partner at Haywood Lane. "We are excited to partner with the Holts, the management team, and NewMile Capital to help scale the business, invest in its people and equipment, and pursue strategic opportunities that broaden Wilkerson's capabilities and market reach."

Larry Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilkerson Crane Rental, added: "This partnership marks an exciting milestone for our company. With the support of NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane, we will continue investing in our team, equipment, and operational capabilities so we can deliver even greater value to our customers while maintaining the safety and service standards that define Wilkerson."

TM Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Wilkerson Crane Rental. Crown CFO served as an advisor, and Lathrop GPM LLP served as legal counsel to Wilkerson. Aviara Partners and KKAP Advisors served as advisors to NewMile Capital, and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP served as legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Haywood Lane.

Haywood Lane Capital Management, LP ("Haywood Lane"), a Dallas-based private investment firm focused on long-term investments in middle market private equity, announced today a significant capital commitment from DGRJ Ventures, an investment subsidiary of the Rees-Jones family office. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The investment was made through Haywood Lane Evergreen Holdings, LLC ("Evergreen Holdings"), the permanent capital investment vehicle managed by Haywood Lane. Evergreen Holdings serves as the firm's principal platform for acquiring and operating private businesses over an indefinite time horizon.

Founded on the principles of long-term and partnership-oriented investing, Haywood Lane will pursue control private equity investments and significant-minority investments in North American middle market companies, where patient ownership, operational excellence, and thoughtful strategic planning can unlock compounding value. The partnership with DGRJ Ventures marks an important milestone in Haywood Lane's mission to build a differentiated, permanent capital platform for founders, families, and management teams seeking a long-term home for their companies.

"We are deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of DGRJ Ventures," said Lance Gurley, Managing Partner of Haywood Lane. "Their reputation for integrity, disciplined investing, and a generational perspective aligns perfectly with Haywood Lane's values and long-term vision. We're excited to embark on this partnership, supporting management teams with the resources and patience required to build enduring enterprises."

"We are proud and excited to partner with the Haywood Lane team," said David Rees-Jones, Founder and President of DGRJ Ventures. "Their permanent capital model and focus on building lasting businesses align closely with our long-term perspective and investment values. We look forward to supporting Haywood Lane's growth as an anchor partner for years to come."

DGRJ Ventures' capital commitment provides meaningful, permanent equity capital to support Haywood Lane's growth initiatives and portfolio expansion. Together, the firms intend to pursue investments in established, cash-flow generative, middle market companies across select sectors where continuous improvement, long-term thinking, and thoughtful capital allocation can drive compounding returns.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Haywood Lane, while Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advised DGRJ Ventures.

Alta Arbor Holdings has expanded into South Texas with the acquisition of Landscape Wholesale Distributors (LWD), now operating as Newton Nurseries San Antonio.

Founded in 2017, LWD has built a strong reputation for quality plant material and dependable service, serving professional landscapers, contractors, and designers across the greater San Antonio area. The business operates from the northwest side of the city, where it has established itself as the primary wholesale plant supplier for landscape professionals in the region.
‍
"We are excited to welcome Newton Nurseries San Antonio into the network," said Philippe Joubert, CEO of Newton Nurseries. "San Antonio is a market we have had our eye on for some time, and we look forward to putting Newton's resources and supplier relationships to work for this team and their customers.”

The acquisition marks Alta Arbor's entry into San Antonio and Newton Nurseries' sixth location, extending the network into one of Texas' largest and most active landscape markets.

Alta Arbor Holdings has expanded its presence in Central Texas with the acquisition of Circle D Nurseries' Leander location, now operating as Newton Nurseries Leander.
‍
Founded in 2008, Circle D has built a strong reputation for quality plant material and dependable service among professional landscapers and contractors in the North Austin market. Operating from a five-acre site in Leander, the business supplies trees, shrubs, perennials, native succulents, and bedding plants to a customer base that complements Newton Nurseries' existing Austin presence.

"This location fits naturally into what we are building at Newton," said Philippe Joubert, CEO of Newton Nurseries. "North Austin is an area we have wanted a stronger presence in, and we are looking forward to growing alongside a team that knows this market well."
‍
The acquisition marks Newton Nurseries' fifth location and second Austin-area site, strengthening coverage across Central Texas and supporting growing demand in one of the state's most active residential and commercial markets.

Alta Arbor Holdings has expanded into the wholesale distribution market with the acquisition of Newton Nurseries, a premier supplier of trees, plants, and supplies to professional landscapers.

Founded in 1978, Newton Nurseries has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for landscapers across Texas. With four locations—three in Houston and one in Austin—the company provides a wide selection of trees, shrubs, and specialty plants, backed by a dedicated team.

"Newton Nurseries has set the standard for excellence in wholesale distribution," said Randy Luck, President of Alta Arbor. "Their commitment to quality and service aligns perfectly with our vision. We look forward to expanding their reach while preserving what makes them a trusted partner."

The acquisition enhances Alta Arbor’s ability to support landscapers with improved supply chain efficiencies and expanded product offerings, creating new opportunities for growth while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Lance Gurley, Executive Chairman and Founder of Alta Arbor, highlighted the strategic value of the deal: "Newton Nurseries’ strong operations and market position provide a key step in building a company that better serves industry professionals."

Newton Nurseries will continue operating under its established name, with CEO Philippe Joubert continuing to lead the company through this next phase of growth.

Alta Arbor Holdings has expanded its footprint in Texas with the acquisition of Plant Odyssey, the premier Texas grower of finished plants for the retail market.

Founded in 1979, Plant Odyssey has built a strong reputation for premium plant quality and operational efficiency. Operating from a 40-acre facility in Kyle, Texas, the company has a long-standing partnership several Texas grocers, supplying top-tier plants to meet growing consumer demand.

"Plant Odyssey has set the standard in the retail growing space," said Randy Luck, President of Alta Arbor. "Their relationships with customers and commitment to quality make them a great addition to our portfolio. We look forward to supporting their continued growth while maintaining the incredibly high standards that have earned them the industry's trust.

"Plant Odyssey will continue to operate under its established name and with its established leadership team remaining in place to oversee operations and ensure a seamless transition.

With this acquisition, Alta Arbor strengthens its role as a leader in the horticulture industry in Texas.