Peregrine Advisors backs Gallo Mechanical's deal for Cherokee Mechanical

Peregrine Advisors announced a partnership between New Orleans-based Gallo Mechanical and Cherokee Mechanical, a Northwest Georgia HVAC contractor, on Oct. 13, 2026. The deal expands Gallo’s Southeast footprint and marks Peregrine’s fourth HVAC and MEP transaction of 2026.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives Gallo Mechanical a stronger foothold in Northwest Georgia, a market tied to industrial, logistics and distribution growth along the I-75 corridor. - Cherokee Mechanical adds a local brand, commercial and industrial customer relationships, and skilled technicians to Gallo’s Southeast platform. - Peregrine Advisors said the transaction is its fourth HVAC and MEP deal of 2026, reinforcing its activity in mechanical-services M&A.

What happened: - Peregrine Advisors announced the partnership between Cherokee Mechanical, Inc. and Gallo Mechanical on Oct. 13, 2026. - Cherokee Mechanical is based in Calhoun, Georgia, and Gallo Mechanical is based in New Orleans. - Peregrine Advisors served as M&A advisor on the transaction. - The deal extends Gallo’s presence into Northwest Georgia and connects its existing markets across the Southeast.

The details: - Cherokee Mechanical was founded in 1995 and has served Northwest Georgia for three decades. - Cherokee provides HVAC systems installation, service and maintenance for commercial and industrial customers. - Cherokee is a licensed heating and air-conditioning contractor and a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. - Cherokee offers installation, replacement, repair and maintenance services, plus 24/7 emergency service and recurring maintenance agreements. - Gallo Mechanical was founded in 1945 and is now in its fourth generation. - Gallo provides HVAC and plumbing construction, retrofit and maintenance services to healthcare, hospitality, education, industrial and high-tech customers across the Southeastern United States. - Gallo is a portfolio company of Citation Capital, a Dallas-based private equity firm that backs founder- and family-led businesses.

Between the lines: - The transaction fits a broader pattern of consolidation in HVAC and related mechanical services, where regional operators use acquisitions to expand geography and deepen customer density. - Peregrine highlighted Northwest Georgia’s industrial base and access to Atlanta as part of the strategic appeal of the deal. - The cultural fit between Cherokee’s people-first approach and Gallo’s operating model appears to be part of the investment thesis, alongside the customer base and market position.

What's next: - Gallo is expected to use Cherokee as a platform to grow with Northwest Georgia’s expanding industrial base. - Cherokee’s leadership team and factory-trained technicians are positioned to support the combined company’s regional expansion. - Peregrine Advisors is likely to continue pursuing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire/life safety transactions across industrial and trade services.

The bottom line: - The deal gives Gallo Mechanical a larger Southeastern footprint and adds a long-established Georgia HVAC platform to its growth strategy.