Byline Sponsor Finance (BSF), a division of Byline Bank, announced that it has provided financing to support Columbia Safety Services, LLC (CSS), a fire protection platform backed by The Great River Company, in its acquisition of Valley Fire Control, LLC.  Prior to this acquisition, CSS’ sole holding was Columbia Fire, LLC, since its original investment in 2021.  BSF was represented by Duane Morris, LLP in the investment into Valley Fire Control.

Columbia Fire is a provider of fire protection solutions in the greater Puget Sound area, including Seattle, from Bellingham to Olympia. The Company handles the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of a building’s fire suppression systems, specializing in fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and fire extinguisher and suppressions services. Serving a wide range of commercial clients, such as businesses, hospitals, government facilities, schools, restaurants, and organizations, as well as residential properties, Columbia Fire provides high‑quality, reliable services to ensure that homes and businesses stay safe and compliant. Learn more at www.columbiafire.net.

Valley Fire Control is an Oregon based seller and service provider of fire extinguisher and fire suppression systems. Valley’s product line includes extinguishers from top brands like Amerex Systems & Extinguishers, Kidde Fire Systems, Protex II Systems, Stat-x and Guardian Safety Solutions products. Valley Fire Control has a strong unique presence in the marine vertical, protecting engine compartments on fishing vessels from fires.  Valley also sells and installs UL-300 Wet Chemical Commercial Kitchen Systems, Dry Chemical Industrial systems, Clean Agent FM-200, Novec 1230, Inert Gas, Aerosol and CO2 Systems. Key services provided include recharging, maintenance, testing, and training/education. For more information, please visit www.valleyfire.net.

“The investment in Valley Fire Control represents a strategic step in building a formidable fire protection platform across the western United States. It expands our footprint from Washington into a broader Pacific Northwest presence while retaining high-quality people who align with our culture and values, and it positions us for disciplined growth across additional western markets over time. Byline Sponsor Finance was an excellent partner throughout the process, and their understanding of our business and long-term approach gives us confidence as we continue executing our growth strategy.”

—Aaron Dickens, CEO of Columbia Safety Services

About Byline Sponsor Finance
Byline Sponsor Finance, with offices in Chicago, IL and Charlotte, NC, provides senior secured cash flow loans to private equity backed lower middle market companies throughout the United States. BSF focuses on companies that generate EBITDA between $2 million and $10 million with products that support the acquisition, recapitalization, and growth investment efforts of private equity firms operating in the lower middle market. For more information visit, www.bylinebank.com/sponsor-finance.

About The Great River Company
The Great River Company (GRC) is a Minneapolis-based, privately held diversified holding company.

GRC’s purpose is rooted in clarity, continuity, and commitment— focused on building enduring value rather than chasing short-term gains.

GRC partners closely with its platform companies, providing strategic guidance, resources, and expertise to support organic growth and acquisitions. Its approach is grounded in stewardship and purpose, with a focus on creating lasting impact for the businesses, communities, and families it serves.

What distinguishes GRC is its long-term ownership philosophy, differentiated value-creation model, employee ownership program, talent development platform, and integrated resource network designed to support its teams.

For more information about The Great River Company, visit www.tgrco.net.

For more information please contact:

Jim Kuncl
Managing Director, Group Head, Byline Sponsor Finance
(312) 660-5751

Sunay Salievski
Director, Byline Sponsor Finance
(312) 460-3723

Daniel Bresnahan
Vice President, Byline Sponsor Finance
(312) 660-5758

Wes Oakford
Vice President, Byline Sponsor Finance
(980) 353-2991

Luke Kohler
Vice President, Byline Sponsor Finance
(502) 396-0140