J.S. Held Secures $24.4M Refinance for GRO-WELL® Brands
J.S. Held has successfully facilitated a refinancing of $24.4 million for GRO-WELL® Brands, Inc., a prominent green waste recycling company operating in the Southwestern United States. The refinancing was officially closed on August 28, 2025, with Ares Commercial Finance acting as the agent.
This significant financial maneuver allows GRO-WELL to continue its role as a leading producer of mulch and soil products. The company distributes its offerings through major retail chains in key states such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Washington. Engaging J.S. Held as a refinancing advisor, GRO-WELL appointed Michael Jacoby as the lead advisor for the transaction.
Comprehensive Financial Assessment Drives Success
The J.S. Held team undertook an extensive financial evaluation, refining GRO-WELL’s forecast model and preparing a confidential memorandum. This document was instrumental in engaging more than 80 potential financing partners. As a result of these efforts, 19 term sheets were submitted, culminating in a successful agreement with ACF.
Michael Jacoby, who leads the Strategic Advisory Practice at J.S. Held, commented on the transaction, stating, “Our team’s knowledge of today’s lending environment, combined with our expertise in preparing and validating financial forecasts, enabled us to find the right lending partner. We advocated on our client’s behalf and negotiated a loan agreement that met the needs of GRO-WELL.”
Partnerships Enhance Growth Potential
The refinancing marks a significant step for GRO-WELL, with Daniel Prawda, Founding Partner at GEF Capital Partners, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration with ACF. He noted, “The skill set J.S. Held brought to the table, along with their relationships and trust among the asset-based lending community, was exactly what we needed to complete this refinancing project successfully.”
Sridharan Kannan, Managing Director at Ares Commercial Finance, added that the firm is “pleased to support GRO-WELL with flexible capital as it continues to build on its momentum as a well-known brand.” Kannan emphasized the intention to work closely with GRO-WELL’s management and its private equity sponsor, GEF, to facilitate the execution of their strategic initiatives.
This refinancing effort not only enhances GRO-WELL’s liquidity but also positions the company to channel resources into growth initiatives, further solidifying its presence in the recycling industry.
For more details about this refinancing transaction, visit the J.S. Held case study page or contact Michael Jacoby directly.
About J.S. Held:
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that merges technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise. The firm serves as a trusted advisor to clients facing high-stakes situations requiring immediate attention and integrity. With a diverse range of services, J.S. Held helps clients navigate complex scenarios across six continents, including a significant portion of the Global 200 Law Firms and Fortune 100 Companies.
