NAPLES (Oct. 23, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), a U.S.-based, family-owned firm, today announced the acquisition of Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, the premier waterfront destination in Naples known for its luxury amenities, concierge marina services, and one of Florida’s most advanced boat storage facilities.
Founded in 2008, Hamilton Harbor features a prime location adjacent to Rookery Bay, an elegant clubhouse, waterfront dining, and a state-of-the-art boathouse that has helped establish the club as a leading destination for boating enthusiasts on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It also offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via Naples Bay.
“Given our investments in Southwest Florida, combined with our hospitality and marine portfolio, this was an incredible opportunity that we couldn’t pass up,” said Greg Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ Real Estate arm. “Hamilton Harbor is one of the true gems of Naples, and we are extremely proud to take ownership of this special property.”
The club’s state-of-the-art boathouse, the first of its kind in the region, accommodates up to 325 vessels and was built using tilt-wall concrete construction, providing superior strength and durability over conventional metal structures. Engineered to withstand winds of up to 150 mph, the facility also features interior concrete firewalls between boat bays for enhanced safety. In addition, Hamilton Harbor offers 25 floating wet slips with dockside pump-out service, shore power, and private dock boxes.
“We take the stewardship of everything we acquire seriously,” said David Hoffmann, Founder and Chairman of HF Companies. “Hamilton Harbor is no exception, and we’re honored to take up the reins of this cherished, legacy club.”
Hamilton Harbor’s goal is to maximize members’ time on the water while minimizing the work of boat ownership. Members call ahead, and staff wash, fuel and prep the boat for launch, with on-board catering available on request. At day’s end, members hand the boat off dockside and head to the clubhouse, while staff handle cleaning, maintenance and storage.
“Like all Hoffmann Marine properties, Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club is committed to delivering a first class, welcoming experience while upholding the exceptional quality and service synonymous with the Hoffmann name,” said Jenny Gezella, CEO of Hoffmann Marine. “The club’s experienced team takes pride in providing personalized attention and outstanding service to every member.”
The news follows several significant developments for the Hoffmann family across Southwest Florida. Most recently, Oberweis Ice Cream announced plans to open locations in Cape Coral and Bonita Springs, marking the beloved Midwest dairy brand’s first stores in Florida since the Hoffmann family acquired the company in 2024. Earlier this spring, family matriarch Jerri Hoffmann opened a second location of The Augusta Clothing Company on Fifth Avenue South, a milestone that coincided with several strategic real estate acquisitions by the family in the area. The summer also brought the groundbreaking of Pandion Club, the family’s newest golf club venture, which joins an impressive portfolio that includes Old Collier Golf Club, one of Florida’s most respected private clubs.
Perhaps most notably, the family acquired the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins in May. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that the Florida Everblades, the family’s ECHL franchise, would become the Penguins’ official ECHL affiliate, further strengthening the Hoffmanns’ growing presence in professional sports.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 30,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 600 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: [email protected]
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Oct. 22, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), a U.S.-based family equity firm known for its long-term investment philosophy and diversified portfolio, today announced the acquisition of Champion Coach (“Champion”), a leading transportation provider serving customers nationwide.
Champion was founded in 1998 by Craig Dance and his wife, Hazel, who began the company with four white motorcoaches and a vision of providing superior transportation service to sports teams. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Champion has since grown into one of the most trusted names in sports and corporate transportation across the United States, with a modern fleet ranging from Mercedes Sprinter vans to 56-passenger executive motorcoaches.
Today, the company serves clients across nearly every major professional and collegiate league — including the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and World Champion Seattle Seahawks of the NFL; the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves of MLB; and Atlanta United FC of MLS — along with collegiate programs such as the University of Georgia, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. This week Champion Coach will be servicing both competing teams in the 2026 World Series. The Tampa Rays will use Champion in Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Brewers will use Champion in Tampa for their trips to the World Series.
Champion has also provided transportation for marquee events including the Super Bowl, multiple MLB All-Star Games, the College Football Playoff and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and counts corporate clients such as BMW, Michelin and Lockheed Martin among those who rely on its service. Beyond transportation, Champion’s design team produces custom motorcoach wraps and branding for teams, sponsors, Christian ministries, and political candidates — work that has included fleets customized for the College Football Playoff National Championship and clients such as CBS Sports and Lowe’s Home Improvement.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome the Dance family into Hoffmann Transportation,” said Tim Rose, President of Hoffmann Transportation. “For nearly 30 years, Champion has earned the trust of some of the biggest names in professional and collegiate sports with a level of professionalism, safety and hospitality that’s unrivaled in our industry. That track record, combined with their innovative approach to fleet branding and design, makes them an ideal fit within our transportation vertical.”
“Joining HF Companies marks an exciting new chapter for Champion,” said Craig Dance, CEO of Champion Coach. “Hazel and I built this company one relationship at a time, starting with four motorcoaches and a commitment to getting it right for every team we served. Hoffmann’s ‘Family Equity’ approach means that same commitment — to our clients and to our team — will only be strengthened as we grow.”
HF Companies’ Aviation & Transportation vertical has experienced rapid expansion. Today, the division offers a broad spectrum of services — including luxury ground transportation, medical transport, valet operations and more — across more than 350 cities worldwide. With a growing international footprint and a reputation for premium service, the vertical continues to deliver exceptional experiences to a diverse and discerning customer base.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 200 global brands and employs 28,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries across more than 600 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information:
Rachel Berkowitz | [email protected]
Veteran Washington Nationals executive continues the Hoffmann Family’s front-office build as the 2026-27 season gets underway
PITTSBURGH (Oct. 20, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), the U.S.-based, family-owned firm and owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, today named Ted Towne the team’s new Chief Financial Officer.
Towne joins the Penguins from the Washington Nationals, where he spent nearly two decades and most recently served as Chief Financial Officer. In that role, he oversaw the club’s financial planning, analysis and operational strategy and advised ownership and the Board of Directors. In 2025, he also took on interim Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer responsibilities, which expanded his oversight to 12 operating departments, including business strategy and analytics.
Towne played a key role in negotiating a landmark 20-year lease extension for Nationals Park in 2025. He worked with Nationals leadership, the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the D.C. Council and the Mayor’s Office on the deal. The agreement is the single largest investment the District of Columbia has made in any one facility. Projected funding exceeds $1 billion over the life of the extension and will pay for new premium areas, better concessions experience and a full exterior renovation.
He also closed some of the club’s most significant revenue agreements. In 2023, he renegotiated the Nationals’ long-term concessions agreement with Levy Restaurants, which brought about stronger service standards. In 2024, he negotiated a retail partnership with Fanatics that funded new retail locations throughout the ballpark and a rebuild of the main team store, which grew to 10,000 square feet. He also helped close significant corporate partnerships with Anheuser-Busch, FIS and PNC Bank, along with the club’s jersey patch partnership. Most recently, he has led the Nationals’ move to a new enterprise resource planning platform and a modernized procure-to-pay process.
From 2014 to 2022, Towne served as Assistant General Manager and Vice President, Finance, a role Nationals ownership created to bring financial discipline to baseball operations. He supported player acquisition and contract negotiations and contributed to the club’s 2019 World Series championship. He also led the Nationals’ winning bid to host the 2015 NHL Winter Classic at Nationals Park, supported the 2018 MLB All-Star Week and oversaw the on-time, on-budget build-out of the club’s spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Towne began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Forrester Construction Company and Lerner Enterprises. He serves on the Alumni Advisory Board of Maryland’s Sports Management Program and teaches as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
“Ted has spent nearly two decades building the financial foundation of a championship organization, and he knows how to turn complex deals into lasting value for a team and its fans,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Chairman and Team Governor. “His blend of finance, operations and revenue experience makes him the right leader to help us invest in the Penguins’ future and deliver for our fans and Pittsburgh.”
“I’m honored to join the Penguins at such an exciting time,” said Towne. “The Hoffmann family has shown a real commitment to this team and the city of Pittsburgh. I look forward to working alongside Geoff, Marcel and the entire organization as we build a financial foundation that supports and ensures the Penguins’ success both on and off the ice, as well as in our community.”
Towne’s appointment follows the recent hiring of Marcel Braithwaite as President of Business Operations. Braithwaite joined the Penguins from the Houston Astros, one of Major League Baseball’s premier franchises.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 200 global brands and employs 28,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 600 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: Rachel Berkowitz, [email protected] | Jen Bullano Ridgley, [email protected]
Hire marks key addition for Hoffmann Family as they begin first season at the helm of the storied NHL franchise
PITTSBURGH/CHICAGO (Sept. 14, 2026) — Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), the U.S.-based family-owned firm and owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins announced the appointment of Marcel Braithwaite as the team’s new President of Business Operations.
Braithwaite joins the Penguins from the Houston Astros, one of Major League Baseball’s premier franchises, where he spent 14 years, most recently as Senior Vice President, Business Operations. As part of the Astros’ Executive leadership team, Braithwaite led the franchise through multiple ballpark renovations, ensuring the business maximized revenue opportunities while delivering a best-in-class fan experience.
Braithwaite also directed the development and operations of the Astros Spring Training complex, successfully ensuring that all public and private stakeholders were served well. A seasoned leader, with multiple championship experience, Braithwaite brings both local, national and international sports experience to the city of Pittsburgh.
“I am very happy to welcome Marcel to this iconic franchise,” said Geoff Hoffmann, Chairman and Team Governor. “He’s a results-driven executive that has led through a variety of projects from fan engagement to real estate development. Marcel will be joining a talented, dedicated and hard-working team across the Penguins and PPG Paints Arena and I am confident he will help us reach new heights as an organization.”
“It’s an honor to join the Penguins at such an exciting time under new ownership,” said Braithwaite. “I am grateful to the Astros and look forward to serving the employees, fans and city of Pittsburgh by bringing a winning culture to this franchise alongside Geoff, Kyle and the rest of this talented Front Office.”
Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Braithwaite is fluent in Dutch and has lived in a number of locations across North America and Europe, including Canada, Seattle, and Southern California, before landing in Texas. He and his wife will relocate to the Pittsburgh area near the start of the 2026-27 season.
Greg Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ Real Estate arm; Kyle Dubas, General Manager & President of Hockey Operations of the Pittsburgh Penguins; and David Hoffmann, Founder & Chairman of HF Companies, each serve as Alternate Governors.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 200 global brands and employs 28,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 600 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: Rachel Berkowitz, [email protected] | Jennifer Bullano Ridgley, [email protected]
Spotlighting Jason’s rise from deckhand to President, and what two decades on the water taught him about leading Shepler’s.
Every portfolio company has a story worth telling—one built on innovation, resilience, and lasting impact. In our series ‘From Vision to Value,’ we typically spotlight the businesses within the Hoffmann portfolio, bringing their journeys, challenges, and successes to life in a way that captures their unique contributions.
This offshoot of the series flips the lens to the people building that value from the inside. At Hoffmann Family of Companies, we invest in talent from the ground up — and many of our leaders started at the beginning, forging their own path to the top through Hoffmann’s investment in their growth.
First up: Jason Wiley, President of Shepler’s, who’s spent more than 20 years working the docks. He’s proof of what’s possible across our portfolio when hard work meets belief in the vision.
GEOFF:
Jason, I love your story, and I want others in the portfolio to be inspired by it. Take us back to the beginning. How did you end up at Shepler’s?
JASON:
I joined Shepler’s in 2005, while I was still in high school. My plan was to get my captain’s license, go to college for education, teach for nine months, and boat for three. I did that for about a year and a half. Then a position opened up at Shepler’s for off-season projects, and what started as seasonal work gradually grew into something more — boat captain, organizational projects, reviewing systems, building structure. I stayed on that path through 2022.
GEOFF:
What was it like when Hoffmann Family of Companies came into the picture in 2022?
JASON:
Talk about a big moment in my career. What set this relationship apart from the start was that it wasn’t a traditional private equity transaction—it was a family putting their own capital and their own name behind the investment. That mattered, because 2022 was a challenging season going in. Post-COVID, we had watched other businesses on Mackinac Island go through private equity transactions and seen leadership cleared out overnight…people we had worked with for years, just gone. So, there was natural hesitancy. But we quickly realized that wasn’t going to be the case here.
We got to know your family, kept our jobs, and you instilled confidence in our team from the start. Four years later, not one outside hire has come into tell Shepler’s who we need to be. The same people who have been here for 20 years are the ones running the company today.
GEOFF:
How has the investment changed Shepler’s day-to-day?
JASON:
HF Companies came in committed to letting Shepler’s be Shepler’s. Outside of continuous upgrades and quicker repair times on the boats, honestly, you don’t notice much change, and that’s intentional. What you do notice is the support behind the scenes: insurance expertise, IT resources, financial and governance guidance, and a corporate team that helps you solve problems you didn’t even know you had.
They’ve simply given us better tools and a broader perspective — one that comes from being part of a portfolio of companies that have collectively seen just about everything. For example, we’ve developed mobile pay technology and rolled out a streamlined virtual ticketing system with QR code scanning that’s cut boarding wait times. We’ve also made substantial investments in both security and infrastructure upgrades to improve guest experience across the board.
I think people get frustrated when we enforce rules that maybe were bent or overlooked in the past. But I wish they understood that everything we do is in the interest of providing safe, reliable transportation. Gas is expensive, and inflation has hit the whole island. What I can tell you is our staff loves their job and loves being on the water. We love this island, and we love still being able to serve our guests here.
GEOFF:
You were recently named President of Shepler’s. What does that mean to you?
JASON:
This past January, Chris Shepler stepped into the CEO role and I stepped into the presidency. But what makes that meaningful isn’t the title; it’s that everyone around me has grown within the company too. We’re the same people who’ve spent years building this place together, and now we’re leading it together.
GEOFF:
What do you want people to know about working at Shepler’s, or working within HF Companies?
JASON:
When I started, the path forward was limited. What’s changed is that being part of the Hoffmann portfolio opens up an entire network of industries, resources, and people that simply didn’t exist for us before. We’re not just hiring for a season or a position; we’re building careers. The 2025 Family Equity Summit in St. Louis made that real for me. Getting into a room with leaders from across the entire portfolio, I finally understood the full scope of what HF Companies is. When you’re connected to something this size, your options are endless.
GEOFF:
Thanks, Jason. I loved being on the water with you today!
JASON:
Thanks for coming out, Geoff.
Family-Owned Firm Continues Manufacturing Expansion with Acquisition of Precision Metal Stamping Leader
HIGH POINT, N.C. (July 13, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), a U.S.-based, family‑owned firm, today announced the acquisition of Allred Metal Stamping Works (“Allred”), a privately held U.S. manufacturing company specializing in custom metal stamping and fabrication.
Headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, Allred has built a decades-long reputation for precision, reliability, and customer loyalty across a broad range of industrial markets.
Founded in 1946, Allred began as a metal stamping supplier to the furniture industry—a cornerstone of the High Point region—before diversifying into a multi-industry supplier serving automotive, appliances, medical equipment, hand and power tools, sporting goods, fitness equipment, and more. The company has expanded its facilities nine times over its history, reflecting sustained demand and consistent operational growth.
Allred offers end-to-end production capabilities, including metal stamping, tool and die design and fabrication, and finishing services. The company’s in-house tooling capabilities and full-service model distinguish it from commodity stamping operations, enabling custom, high-volume production.
“This investment was a natural fit for HF Companies,” said Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ private equity arm. “Allred is a high-quality, family-influenced manufacturer with a strong legacy, consistent growth, and a loyal customer base that has endured through changing market conditions. We’re thrilled to welcome Mickey and the Allred team to the HF family and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
“This is a defining moment for Allred and our future,” said Mickey James, CEO of Allred. “Hoffmann’s strong manufacturing platform and deep commitment to each company’s customers and employees made it clear they are the ideal partner for our next chapter.”
To explore more of Allred’s capabilities, visit www.allredmetal.com.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: [email protected]
Combination strengthens in-house metal fabrication and finishing capabilities for SWFL customers
NAPLES (July 8, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), a U.S.-based, family‑owned firm, today announced the acquisition of Naples Powder Coating, Collier County’s largest production powder coating facility, and its integration into Sunmaster of Naples (“Sunmaster”), HF Companies’ Naples-based manufacturer of custom awnings, ornamental metal products, and storm protection systems since 1969.
Naples Powder Coating serves customers across marine, automotive, architectural, and residential markets — from T-tops and rod holders to gates, railings, and patio furniture. Led by husband-wife duo Audrey and Kyle Hogg, the company is known for its state-of-the-art Nordson equipment and for being home to Collier County’s largest curing oven. It also recently added in-house sand blasting on raw materials, a natural upstream complement to its powder coating work.
“Today’s news of our acquisition of Naples Powder Coating underscores our deep commitment to Naples and its business scene,” said David Hoffmann, Chairman & Founder of HF Companies. “There’s a real void in the market for a reliable, high-end powder coating partner, and pairing that capability with a brand of Sunmaster’s quality is exactly how we plan to fill it.”
Naples Powder Coating’s capabilities are highly complementary to Sunmaster’s existing metal fabrication business, which produces awnings, custom railings, staircases, gates, fences, pergolas, and the Titan Screen® line of motorized retractable screens. Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate has also acquired the entire building housing the powder coating operation — of which Naples Powder Coating currently occupies only one-third — signaling a commitment to expanding coating capacity and delivering a complete, full-service offering to existing customers and new ones alike.
“Naples Powder Coating fills a gap we’ve long wanted to close. Bringing finishing under our umbrella means faster turnaround and tighter quality control for every piece of metal that leaves our shop — and for outside customers, too,” said John Wilkinson, CEO of Sunmaster. “Our plans include updating outdated equipment and reviewing all procedures to ensure they’re in line with our standard of quality. As an end user for over 50 years, we know what our customers expect, and making that our No. 1 priority is exactly how we’ll approach this new addition to the Hoffmann portfolio.”
HF Companies’ Naples portfolio spans more than 30 local companies, from Sunmaster to Naples Princess to The Augusta Clothing Company, Jerri Hoffmann’s new fashion boutique on 5th Avenue South. The family’s Midwest dairy business, Oberweis, is also coming to Southwest Florida, with its first location opening in Cape Coral in 2027.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
ST. LOUIS (June 29, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”) today announced the proposed acquisition of six radio brands in St. Louis from Audacy, Inc. (“Audacy”), including KMOX (1120 AM / 104.1 FM), widely known as the “Trusted Voice of St. Louis.” The transaction remains subject to FCC approval.
“This is a deliberate step to accelerate the expansion of our media platform and establish it as one of the largest print and digital news organizations in the United States,” said David Hoffmann, Founder and Chairman of HF Companies. “We are building a scaled, multi-platform network that combines print, digital, and broadcast to deliver trusted journalism and meaningful community connection. Talk radio is a natural extension of that vision and a powerful driver of our long-term growth.”
Hoffmann’s media portfolio has expanded significantly, establishing a broad, coast-to-coast presence. Collectively, his media assets now operate in 30 states, producing 154 newspapers in 154 cities. The addition of the six radio brands marks his initial expansion into broadcast, with plans for continued growth in the sector.
Today, the portfolio operates under two primary platforms: Lee Enterprises (Nasdaq: LEE), where Hoffmann serves as Chairman and holds a controlling stake, and Hoffmann Media Group.
- Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information and a major subscription and advertising platform, with daily and weekly newspapers and rapidly expanding digital products serving 114 markets across 25 states.
- Hoffmann Media Group complements this scale with a portfolio of 40 publications across six states, focused on delivering trusted reporting, compelling storytelling, and hyperlocal content that reflects the unique character of the communities it serves.
Hoffmann added, “With our planned acquisitions, combined with our existing portfolio of 154 newspapers and our expansion into radio, we expect to become the second-largest media company in the United States by year-end.”
The Audacy deal comes at a pivotal moment for Hoffmann’s media portfolio. Last month, Hoffmann entered into a management agreement with Lee Enterprises to bring Hoffmann Media Group under the Lee umbrella, effectively aligning and integrating the two platforms.
As part of Audacy’s portfolio, KMOX has a long and storied history in sports broadcasting and serves as the flagship station for both the St. Louis Cardinals; KYKY broadcasts St. Louis City SC games. As part of the proposed transaction, Hoffmann has also brought back Becky Domyan as Market President for the Greater St. Louis brands.
Domyan was previously with Audacy, serving as SVP/Market Manager of Audacy St. Louis and Wichita. During her tenure, she earned recognition as a Missouri Athletic Club “Woman of Distinction” and KMOX received a National Murrow Award for News Excellence. In 2025, during KMOX’s 100th anniversary year, she led the expansion of the station onto FM distribution. She also successfully negotiated and secured the company’s sports play-by-play contracts that are still in place today, including the partnerships with the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis City SC.
Hoffmann’s acquisition includes the following stations:
- 104.1 FM KMOX (KMOX-FM/KMOX-AM) – News/Talk
- 97.1 FM Talk (KFTK-FM) – News/Talk
- Y98 (KYKY-FM) – Hot Adult Contemporary
- 102.5 KEZK (KEZK-FM) – Adult Contemporary
- 96.3 R&B (WFUN-FM) – Urban Adult Contemporary
- Hot 98.7 (WHHL-FM) – Hip-Hop/R&B
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
About Audacy:
Audacy is a leading audio content and entertainment company. As champions of audio, we connect with people in the moments that matter — delivering trusted local news, passionate sports and your favorite music across 220+ radio stations, premium podcasts, live events and digital experiences that reach more than 200 million listeners every month.
We create compelling content, foster deeply engaged audiences and deliver outcomes that matter for advertisers. Learn more at www.audacyinc.com and join the conversation on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
For More Information: [email protected]; [email protected]
Family-Owned Firm Officially Adding Iconic NHL Franchise to Growing Portfolio
PITTSBURGH/CHICAGO (June 23, 2026) — Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”), the U.S.-based family-owned firm, today announced it has received unanimous approval from the NHL Board of Governors to acquire the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the National Hockey League’s most storied and celebrated franchises. The transaction is expected to close imminently; financial terms were not disclosed.
Geoff Hoffmann, CEO of HF Companies’ Private Equity arm will serve as Governor. Greg Hoffmann, CEO of the firm’s Real Estate arm; Kyle Dubas, General Manager & President of Hockey Operations of the Pittsburgh Penguins; and David Hoffmann, Founder & Chairman of HF Companies, will each serve as Alternate Governors.
“This is a defining moment for our family,” said Geoff Hoffmann, incoming Governor of the Pittsburgh Penguins. “The Penguins represent everything Hoffmann Family of Companies stands for — community, excellence and long-term thinking. We look forward to building on the team’s success by providing support and resources to both Kyle Dubas and the hockey operations team, as well as the established leadership group on the business side. We’re proud to represent this storied franchise and are eager to become an active, invested part of the Pittsburgh community.”
The acquisition marks HF Companies’ most significant investment to date and deepens an already-growing presence in Western Pennsylvania. The firm owns Viking Plastics, headquartered in Corry, Pennsylvania, and DHR Global, a leading executive search firm headquartered in Chicago with offices in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Founded in 1989 by family patriarch David Hoffmann, HF Companies has grown into a global enterprise spanning more than 200 brands across 400 locations in 30 countries, employing more than 27,000 people. With primary hubs in Chicago, Naples and St. Louis, the firm has completed five acquisitions in the current calendar year, a pace that reflects its ambition and financial strength.
Hockey isn’t new to the Hoffmann family — it’s personal. They also own the Florida Everblades, the five-time Kelly Cup champions competing in the ECHL. In 2022, Geoff and his wife Megan founded Type 1 Timer Hockey, the only hockey camp in the United States designed specifically for youth living with Type 1 diabetes. Inspired by their son Henry’s diagnosis at age seven, the camp has grown from 40 to nearly 150 campers and is held annually at Hertz Arena, home of the Everblades.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of over 200 global brands and employs 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: Rachel Berkowitz, [email protected] | Jennifer Bullano Ridgley, [email protected]
MILWAUKEE / CHICAGO (June 15, 2026) – Hoffmann Family of Companies (“HF Companies”) today announced its acquisition of Cedar Crest Ice Cream (“Cedar Crest”), an iconic, multi-generational dairy business with deep roots across the Midwest. Headquartered in Winnetka, Illinois, HF Companies also owns Oberweis Dairy—another beloved regional brand known for its quality and heritage.
Led for more than 50 years by the Kohlwey brothers—Ken, Robert, Bill, and Tim—the business will remain in family stewardship through the Hoffmann family. As part of the transaction, Renato DePaolis, CEO of Oberweis Dairy, will assume leadership of Cedar Crest, bringing together two heritage brands with longstanding reputations for quality.
“It’s not lost on me that Cedar Crest is a 50-year-old brand and Oberweis is approaching its 100th anniversary serving Midwest communities and families,” said DePaolis. “Together, we represent more than 150 years of rich ice cream history, which is a legacy that is both meaningful and worth celebrating as we look to the future.”
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built,” said Ken Kohlwey. “My brothers and I wouldn’t hand over the reins to just anyone. When we saw what the Hoffmann family has accomplished with Oberweis in such a short time, we knew we could trust them to continue to grow our beloved business as we enter the sweetest chapter in our lives: Retirement.”
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Cedar Crest is deeply rooted in a generational dairy tradition that began with the Kohlwey family’s parents. Its manufacturing plant and the Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor—both located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin—have become landmark destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Today, Cedar Crest offers a broad portfolio of frozen desserts, including more than 80 ice cream flavors, 10 custard varieties, six sherbets, and three dairy-free sorbets. Oberweis has experienced significant growth under Hoffmann ownership, and Cedar Crest represents another opportunity to continue expanding within the category.
HF Companies will continue to operate Cedar Crest and Oberweis as distinct brands under its broader portfolio. For more information, please visit their respective websites: cedarcresticecream.com and oberweis.com.
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About Hoffmann Family of Companies:
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm consisting of more than 200 brands, employing more than 27,000 employees with businesses located in 30 countries and 400 locations around the world. Hoffmann Family of Companies’ verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing and Real Estate. For more information, visit HFCompanies.com.
For More Information: [email protected]