Barnes & Thornburg Transaction Wins ACG Indiana ‘Deal of the Year’

On May 7, 2026, ACG presented the award, which recognizes outstanding transactions that demonstrate unique strategic value, meaningful impact on Indiana’s business community and exceptional execution by the parties involved.

In December, the firm represented Indianapolis-based LDI in the acquisition of Dealers Wholesale, a leading diversified building products distributor. The deal brought together two Indiana organizations with deeply aligned cultures, shared long-term values and a commitment to investing people and sustainable growth. The deal also highlighted the strength of Barnes & Thornburg’s middle-market M&A practice as it was the eighth transaction led by the firm ACG Indiana has recognized in its annual awards event.

LDI, a fourth-generation family office founded in 1912, is among the top 15 largest private companies in the Indianapolis area. Its companies employ more than 1,500 people across 20 countries.

The BT team was led by partner Kep Carmichael and included Tyler Watson (lead deal associate), Otto Frenzel (junior deal associate), David Hall (debt financing), Anthony Glenn (labor and employment), Michele Alexander (tax), Joel Bowers (environmental) and Mina Amir-Mokri (employee benefits).