The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund, the business arm of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, announced the strategic acquisition of The Berg Group by Kava Equity Partners, its direct private equity investment group.
Founded in 1967 as Berg Drywall, The Berg Group has evolved from a commercial drywall contractor into a nationally recognized specialty contractor and provider of integrated construction solutions. The company delivers complex interior and exterior building systems by combining preconstruction expertise, advanced construction technologies, and off-site manufacturing solutions. Its capabilities include design-assist services, building information modeling, prefabrication, modular systems, and industrialized construction, helping clients reduce risk, control costs, and shorten project schedules.
Headquartered in Minnesota with additional offices in Austin, Naples, and Nashville, Berg operates nationwide with a traveling workforce and specialization in high-performance environments such as advanced manufacturing facilities, data centers, cleanrooms, and other mission-critical projects.
The acquisition expands Kava Equity Partners’ portfolio into integrated, industrialized construction solutions. Berg will retain its existing management team and continue serving customers with the added resources and capabilities of Kava and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund. The companies cited alignment between Berg’s safety-first, team-based culture and Kava’s long-term investment philosophy rooted in the values of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
KeyBank Native American Financial Services supported the transaction as sole lender for the senior secured credit facilities used to capitalize the deal and support ongoing operations. Holland & Hart LLP and Maynes, Bradford, Shipps & Sheftel, LLP served as legal counsel to Kava Equity Partners. Hennepin Partners acted as financial advisor to The Berg Group, with Best & Flanagan LLP providing legal counsel.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund was formed in 2000 as part of the Tribe’s modern economic strategy and is headquartered on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Southwestern Colorado. The Growth Fund manages the Tribe’s operating businesses and investment entities across sectors including oil and gas exploration and production, carbon-neutral energy infrastructure, real estate, private equity fund of funds, and direct private equity investments. Kava Equity Partners serves as its direct private equity investment platform, targeting lower middle market businesses and partnering with management teams to build long-term value.
KEY QUOTES
“This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in companies that honor the values of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe while delivering strong long-term economic opportunity. Berg’s culture of integrity, safety, and continuous improvement make them an ideal fit for Kava and the Growth Fund.”
James Dudley, Managing Director of Kava Equity Partners
“Kava’s acquisition of Berg marks a powerful next chapter for the company, our team, and the clients we serve. Their long-term partnership mindset positions Berg to scale with discipline, pursue new opportunities nationwide, and create lasting value for our team and trusted partners.”
Jack Szmanda, CEO of The Berg Group
“By bringing Berg into the Kava portfolio, we are investing in a company at the forefront of industrialized construction, prefabrication, and technology-enabled building solutions while upholding the cultural values that guide the Tribe’s long-term investment philosophy.”
Shane Seibel, Executive Director of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund
