Hoffman Family of Companies buys Naples transportation firm

The Hoffman Family of Companies has announced that, following the acquisition of a transportation firm based in Naples, it is now the largest private owner-operator of a black vehicle fleet in the United States.

The Hoffman Family of Companies has acquired Dolphin Transportation Specialists, which manages a fleet of over 165 vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans, Mercedes Sprinters, mini-buses, and motor coaches. The family-owned private equity firm, also based in Naples, did not disclose the terms of the acquisition, according to a recent article by Elizabeth King of Business Observer.

“Partnering with the Hoffmann Family of Companies marks an exhilarating new phase for our team,” states Tim Rose, co-founder of Dolphin Transportation Specialists since 1994. “We anticipate utilizing their knowledge and assets to enhance the luxury transportation experience for our esteemed clients.”

Dolphin Transportation Specialists offers exceptional transportation services tailored for large events, groups, and corporate clients. According to its website, one of its clients is ESPN. Based in Naples, Miami, Tampa/Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Marco Island, the firm broadened its scope through strategic acquisitions, such as SRQ Transportation in Sarasota in 2020 and Key Transportation in Miami in 2021.

Rose will maintain her position as president of Dolphin Transportation Specialists and will also take on the role of president of Hoffmann Transportation Enterprises, collaborating with the company’s directors to propel future acquisitions and improve customer service offerings throughout the transportation portfolio.

“We are excited to have Dolphin Transportation Specialists join the Hoffmann family,” states Randy Smith, Director of the Hoffmann Family of Companies. “Their esteemed reputation aligns seamlessly with our dedication to providing outstanding service throughout all our business endeavors.”

Hoffman Family of Companies is a family-owned private equity firm that operates across multiple sectors, encompassing over 110 global brands and employing 11,000 individuals across 30 countries and 400 locations worldwide. The sectors encompass aviation, media, and real estate.

According to the Business Observer, Hoffman Family of Companies actively pursued acquisitions in 2024, successfully buying 10 companies in the first eight months. Included in the list were two transportation companies: CTS Aspen, a high-end limousine and travel service based in Colorado, and Pure Luxury Transportation, a car service operating in California.

Hoffman’s transportation portfolio now encompasses businesses in cities including Miami, Tampa, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Marco Island; Dallas; Napa, Sonoma Valley, and San Francisco; St. Louis and Augusta, Missouri; as well as Aspen.

This article originally appeared on Business Observer