New Orleans area-based Michelli Weighing & Measurement announced two acquisitions in September: Perry Scale Company Ltd., a full-service scale distributor, and Southern Industrial Scales LLC, an on-site scale testing and calibration company. These acquisitions mark a significant expansion for Michelli, a leader in the weighing and measurement industry since 1947. The merger will enhance Michelli’s service footprint and strengthen its industry presence in the Houston, Georgia, and South Carolina markets. Terms of these transactions were not announced. Michelli has accelerated its growth strategy since it partnered with Summit Park LLC, a private equity firm, in January 2024. At that time, Bobby Feigler, CEO of Michelli, said that their leadership team views the relationship with Summit Park as an accelerant for their growth objectives, which include enhancement of internal operations, expansion into complementary service offerings, and growth though greenfield and acquisition. Michelli now has 37 service areas across 15 states. Just eight months prior to its majority recapitalization with Summit Park, it had operations in over 30 locations across 11 states. Michelli’s first acquisition after the Summit Park partnership was in May 2024, when the company purchased Pioneer Scale, expanding its service footprint across Arkansas, Texas and Colorado. Also in September, Twist Brands LLC, the parent company of Painting with a Twist, announced the acquisition of Pinot’s Palette, a similar art and wine concept with 69 studios across the U.S. and Canada. This move further solidifies Mandeville-based Twist Brands as the leader in the arts and crafts entertainment sector. Twist Brands was formed in 2020 when Painting with a Twist acquired Color Me Mine, a contemporary paint-your-own ceramics concept, Chesapeake Ceramics, a global ceramics supplier, and later TD Art Supply, a niche arts and craft supplier. Houston-based Pinot Palette extends the Twist Brands portfolio, and also ensures operational synergies and supply chain efficiencies across all studios. Todd Owen, CEO of Painting with a Twist, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition. “By acquiring Pinot’s Palette, we’re not only bringing two leading forces in the industry together, but we’re also furthering our dominance in the space,” Owen said. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We’re elated to welcome another paint-and-sip concept into the Twist Brands family,” said Cathy Deano, founder of Painting with a Twist. “This acquisition expands our ability to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences that foster creativity and connection to even more customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.” Painting with a Twist was launched in 2007 by Deano and co-founder Renee Maloney as a means to provide people an escape after Hurricane Katrina. It now has 230 studios open or in development in 37 states and guests have painted more than 10 million paintings at studios throughout the country since its inception. Another company growing by acquisition in September is AAC Enterprises, doing business as ORACLE Lighting. ORACLE, located in Metairie, is a leader in the automotive lighting aftermarket, known for its innovative LED solutions. ORACLE purchased California-based Trigger Control Systems, a company specializing in wireless control systems for vehicle lighting and accessories. The purchase is expected to enhance ORACLE’s product portfolio and accelerate its growth. The transaction is seen as a natural fit, with both companies sharing a vision for growth and excellence in the automotive lighting market. “We quickly recognized that Trigger’s products offered exceptional features and quality that set them apart from the competition,” said ORACLE Co-Founder and CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein. ORACLE’s co-founder, Justin Hartenstein, praised the robust engineering of Trigger’s products, highlighting the potential for enhanced customer experiences and expanded market reach. Trigger‘s 12-volt power distribution systems integrates seamlessly with ORACLE’s existing products.   G.F. Gay Le Breton is managing director for Chaffe & Associates Inc., responsible for the corporate finance activities of the firm. Liam Norton 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.