GreatAmerica Financial Services has announced that it acquired the assets of IRH Capital LLC, a recognized leader in the franchise financing industry. The acquisition will allow Northbrook, Illinois-based IRH Capital to expand its services and add a new industry focus to the GreatAmerica business platform.
The sale was effective Jan. 1.
IRH principal Keith Rabin will lead the GreatAmerica franchise division, bringing with him more than years of experience along with the entire IRH team.
“For the last 11 years, we have enjoyed the solid and consistent support of GreatAmerica. This new beginning gives us added resources to allow us to deepen our service offering and expand our reach in the franchise market,” Mr. Rabin said. “We have very strong cultural alignment and a focus on helping our customers achieve success.”
IRH Capital has been providing financing to franchises for 20 years and is a preferred lender to many of the most recognizable franchise concepts in the country. IRH will be the cornerstone of the GreatAmerica Franchise Finance Division and will report to senior vice president and general manager Brian Bjella.
“IRH and team has deep industry knowledge and relationships with some of the healthiest franchise brands in the country,” Mr. Bjella said. “We are excited to provide additional resources to help fuel IRH’s continued growth within the franchise finance industry.”
“Our combined reputations for industry knowledge and exceptional customer service gives us an even stronger footprint in the franchise financing segment,” GreatAmerica founder and executive chairman Tony Golobic said. “Keith and IRH have a strong reputation of doing business the right way and we are proud to have them join the GreatAmerica team.”
The IRH team will continue to conduct business out of their Northbrook office.
