#Canada #Calgary #Oakcreek Golf #Toro Equipment #Midwest Turf

Oakcreek Golf & Turf's Strategic Acquisition

In an exciting development in the turf equipment industry, Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP has announced its acquisition of two prominent entities: L.L. Johnson Distributing Company, Inc. and Midwest Turf Irrigation. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Oakcreek, known for being a premier distributor of Toro commercial turf equipment in Western Canada.

The move, which was made public on May 23, 2025, highlights Oakcreek's ambition to strengthen its position within the commercial turf maintenance market across the United States. L.L. Johnson, located in Denver, Colorado, and Midwest Turf in Omaha, Nebraska, have both cultivated a reputation for excellence over the last five decades. They have become leading distributors of commercial turf and irrigation products in the U.S. Rockies and Midwest regions, serving various customers including golf courses, sports complexes, municipalities, and residential sectors.

The terms of the transaction, however, were not disclosed, leaving industry experts speculating about the deal's financial impact on both parties. Patrick Nolan, the CEO of Oakcreek Golf & Turf, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to welcome LL Johnson and Midwest Turf into the Oakcreek family. Their industry knowledge, customer relationships, and talented team are a perfect fit with our long-term vision of becoming a best-in-class distributor to our OEM partners. Together, we look forward to delivering even greater value to our customers."

Jim Johnson, CEO of Pattlen Enterprises, Inc., which includes both L.L. Johnson and Midwest Turf, shared his positive sentiments regarding the acquisition. Acknowledging the legacy of his business established over many decades, he commented, "I'm very pleased to see our business, built over many decades by an exceptional team, being acquired by Oakcreek. Oakcreek's customer-first mentality aligns perfectly with our own. I'm confident that this partnership will lead to continued success for the decades ahead."

The acquisition has caught the attention of analysts and investors, including Simon Gélinas, Managing Director at Banyan Capital Partners, who remarked on the exceptional foundation laid by Jim Johnson and his team at L.L. Johnson and Midwest Turf. He emphasized, "Jim has built a wonderful business in LL Johnson and Midwest Turf and we are privileged to support the next phase of its journey. Banyan is committed to building industry leaders, and we believe this is an ideal fit."

In terms of operations, both L.L. Johnson and Midwest Turf will continue to function under their well-established names, ensuring minimal disruption during the integration process. Employees, customers, and partners can expect a smooth transition, as the focus will remain on retention and enhancement of their collective offerings. The integration is anticipated to be finalized over the next few months, reinforcing Oakcreek’s dedication to maintaining high standards in customer service.

Overview of the Companies Involved

Pattlen Enterprises, Inc.: This full-service distributor of Toro commercial equipment is made up of the two entities, L.L. Johnson in Denver and Midwest Turf in Omaha. Established in 1976, L.L. Johnson started as Barteldes Seed Company and quickly grew in prominence. By 1980, Midwest Turf had also made its mark, and the two entities later combined under Pattlen Enterprises.

Oakcreek Golf & Turf LP: Known for its expansive operations, Oakcreek serves as a full-service distributor of Toro Commercial Turf Care Equipment, golf irrigation solutions, Yamaha Golf Cars, and snow grooming equipment. With its headquarters in Calgary and facilities across Western Canada, Oakcreek has successfully expanded into the southwestern U.S., particularly following its 2017 acquisition of Simpson Norton Corporation.

Looking Ahead

The acquisition of L.L. Johnson and Midwest Turf represents a crucial step in Oakcreek's growth strategy, emphasizing its commitment to influencing the turf care industry positively. By integrating these well-established distributors into its operations, Oakcreek is strategically positioning itself for continued success and expansion within the market.

In a landscape where customer service and product quality are paramount, Oakcreek is set to leverage both L.L. Johnson's and Midwest Turf's existing relationships and industry knowledge, making it a formidable competitor in the turf distribution space. As they move forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how this partnership unfolds and its impact on the overall market dynamics.