PE Gate buys Naylor Design and Kramer Design in one week

PE Gate LP closed acquisitions of Toronto firms Naylor Design Inc. and Kramer Design Associates in back-to-back deals on July 31, 2026, expanding its platform into architecture and wayfinding design. Both transactions included owner rollovers, signaling a succession-focused strategy for lower-mid market service businesses.

Why it matters: - PE Gate is broadening its portfolio beyond general lower-mid market services into architecture, signage and wayfinding design. - The two deals add businesses with long operating histories, recurring client relationships and exposure to sectors such as retail, hospitality, transportation and franchising. - Both transactions kept former owners involved, which can reduce transition risk and support continuity for customers.

What happened: - PE Gate LP completed the acquisition of Naylor Design Inc. and Kramer Design Associates Limited in back-to-back closings on Friday, July 31, 2026. - Naylor Design operates in conjunction with Naylor Architect Inc. and is a national commercial architecture firm. - Kramer Design Associates, or KDA, is a Toronto-based signage and wayfinding design firm. - PE Gate said the deals reflect its focus on owner-led businesses with succession plans in place.

The details: - Naylor was founded in 1999 and is licensed across nine Canadian provinces. - Naylor specializes in commercial interiors and tenant improvement projects for restaurants, quick-service food chains, hospitality, hotels, retail, automotive dealerships and airport concessions. - Naylor has completed more than 2,000 projects for national franchise brands, casual dining operators and commercial developers. - The firm focuses on multi-site rollout architecture, including adapting brand prototypes across markets, managing permitting across jurisdictions and delivering consistent execution at scale. - Tushar Negi joins Naylor as Principal Architect to lead day-to-day operations. - Founder Chris Naylor is moving into an advisory role, keeping equity in the business and continuing to support client relationships and business development. - TD Bank provided an acquisition facility and an operating line of credit for Naylor. - KDA was founded in 1967 and has more than 50 years of experience. - KDA serves clients across Canada and internationally. - KDA’s work spans sports and entertainment, mixed-use developments, residential, retail, hospitality, education, institutional, civic, transportation and transit environments. - KDA’s capabilities include signage and wayfinding, digital media architecture, environmental and experiential design, branding and street furniture. - Jeremy Kramer and the former owners retained a significant ownership stake in KDA. - Desjardins provided acquisition financing and an operating line of credit for KDA. - CIBC’s Mid-Market Investment Banking group originated the KDA transaction and led the process for the sellers.

Between the lines: - PE Gate is pairing capital with founder continuity, a common structure in succession-driven private equity deals. - The owner rollovers suggest both seller groups wanted ongoing involvement rather than a clean break. - The combination of architecture and experiential design businesses could give PE Gate more cross-sell potential across commercial development projects.

What's next: - PE Gate plans to focus on growth execution across both portfolio companies. - The firm expects to share updates as Naylor and KDA progress. - Naylor and KDA will continue operating with their existing business momentum and new financing in place.

The bottom line: - PE Gate used one week to add two design businesses with deep client ties and long operating histories, while keeping founders aligned for the next phase.