Kanbrick

Kanbrick

Long-term investor acquiring, improving businesses

Overview

Kanbrick partners with founders and business owners to acquire consumer and industrial companies with strong competitive moats and untapped potential. It operates as a long-term investment partnership that combines investing and hands-on operating experience to improve performance and grow value over time. The company’s approach relies on taking a patient, equity-led ownership stake and implementing practical operational changes to unlock growth, efficiency, and resilience. What sets Kanbrick apart is its blend of investment and hands-on operations, offering a differentiated, long-term home for businesses and a compelling option for founders seeking enduring support rather than a quick exit. The goal is to compound long-term returns by building durable companies with durable competitive advantages.

Significant Headcount Growth

About Kanbrick

Simplify's Rating
Why Kanbrick is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consulting

Industrial & Manufacturing

Consumer Goods

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

Growth Equity (Non-Venture Capital)

Total Funding

$220M

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Kanbrick added Depatie Fluid Power on February 24, 2026, expanding industrial reach.
  • Keep Supply's February 2026 acquisition brings 62% average annual growth and 125 employees.
  • Laboratory Testing Inc. and Alchemy Analytical Group deepen mission-critical services and recurring demand.

What critics are saying

  • Kanbrick's $220 million war chest limits scale against larger consolidators and sponsors.
  • Depatie, Keep Supply, and LTI concentrate capital in niche industrials and testing.
  • A weak integration at AMG, Marine Concepts, or Keep Supply damages portfolio-wide credibility.

What makes Kanbrick unique

  • Tracy Britt Cool's Berkshire Hathaway pedigree and Brian Humphrey anchor Kanbrick's operating model.
  • Kanbrick targets $5-$50 million EBIT family businesses, unlike traditional buyout firms.
  • The Kanbrick Business System emphasizes people, operating systems, and growth across holdings.

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Funding

Total Funding

$220M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Growth Equity Non VC funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Growth Equity Non VC Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

17%

1 year growth

17%

2 year growth

17%
Business Wire
Feb 24th, 2026
Kanbrick Announces Growth Partnership with Depatie Fluid Power Group

Kanbrick announces growth partnership with Depatie Fluid Power Group. CHARLOTTE, N.C. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Kanbrick, the long-term investment partnership focused on investing in and growing family-owned businesses, announced a minority partnership with Depatie Fluid Power Group, a leading manufacturer, distributor, and service provider of fluid power components and automation systems. Kanbrick will provide long-term strategic support to accelerate the company's next phase of growth. "Depatie's expertise in mission-critical fluid power applications, combined with its comprehensive engineering services, uniquely positions the company for expansion. We're excited to partner with this exceptional team to unlock new growth opportunities." Share For 70 years, Depatie has been a differentiated provider of products, equipment, and best-in-class engineering services for motion control and automation. Led by second-generation owner Ryan Thomas, the company has diversified through strategic acquisitions, including Am-Dy-Nic, Great Lakes, Hose & Automation, Hydraulic Systems Inc., International Fluid Power, J.E.M. Fluid Power, and West Michigan Hydraulics. In 2026, Depatie and its subsidiaries were incorporated into the American Motion Group (AMG) family of companies, which includes CKC Automation, a full-spectrum automation provider, and Threadcraft Inc., a ball screw manufacturer. "I've had the chance to get to know the Kanbrick team over the past two years, and we're excited to partner with a group that shares our passion for our team members and the customers we serve," said Ryan Thomas, President and General Manager of Depatie. "As technology continues to evolve across our industry, this long-term partnership gives us the resources and strategic support to stay at the forefront of motion control and automation." Kanbrick will work closely with Ryan and the AMG companies to expand capabilities and services. "Depatie's expertise in mission-critical fluid power applications, combined with its comprehensive engineering services, uniquely positions the company for expansion," said Tracy Britt Cool, Co-Founder of Kanbrick. "We first met Ryan two years ago through our Kanbrick Community and have been impressed with Depatie's legacy, global platform, and deep customer relationships. We're excited to partner with this exceptional team to unlock new growth opportunities." Depatie joins Kanbrick's family of companies including JM Test Systems, Marine Concepts, Laboratory Testing (LTI), Alchemy Analytical Group (AAG), and Keep Supply. About Depatie Fluid Power Group Founded in 1956, Depatie Fluid Power Group is a leading provider of hydraulics, pneumatics, and fluid connector parts and equipment, known for best-in-class engineering services for their clients in the aerospace, medical, automotive, mining, and agriculture industries. Depatie is part of the American Motion Group (AMG), a family of companies that includes Am-Dy-Nic, CKC Automation, Great Lakes, Hose & Automation, Hydraulic Systems Inc., International Fluid Power, J.E.M. Fluid Power, Threadcraft Inc., and West Michigan Hydraulics. Together, they have 12 locations in the U.S., serving thousands of customers worldwide. For more information, visit: depatie.com. About Kanbrick Kanbrick is a long-term investment partnership founded by Tracy Britt Cool and Brian Humphrey that is focused on buying, building, and growing great businesses. Kanbrick partners closely with CEOs, founders, and owners, taking a hands-on approach to empower people and companies to reach their full potential. Kanbrick supports family- and founder-owned companies through its Kanbrick Community and programs like Build with Kanbrick. For more information, visit: kanbrick.com.

Business Wire
Feb 4th, 2026
Kanbrick Announces Acquisition of Industrial Refrigeration Parts Provider Keep Supply

Kanbrick, the long-term investment partnership focused on investing in and building founder- and family-owned businesses, today announced a strategic partner...

Business Wire
Apr 23rd, 2025
Kanbrick Acquires Laboratory Testing Inc. in Partnership with McVaugh and Hiller Families

Kanbrick, the long-term investment partnership focused on investing in and building founder- and family-owned businesses, today announced a strategic partner...

Financial Post
Apr 2nd, 2025
JM Test Systems Acquires ASI

JM Test Systems, a provider of test equipment solutions, has acquired Alabama Scale & Instrument, Inc. (ASI) to expand its testing and calibration capabilities in the Southeast. This acquisition aligns with JM Test's mission to simplify test equipment for customers and follows its recent acquisition of BHD Instrumentation. JM Test, acquired by Kanbrick in 2023, aims to grow by acquiring businesses that share its commitment to quality and reliability.

Business Wire
Feb 24th, 2025
Kanbrick Announces Growth Partnership with Alchemy Analytical Group

Kanbrick announces growth partnership with Alchemy Analytical Group.

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