Blue River Advises Relevant Industrial on Acquisition of Controlled Fluids, Inc

March 10, 2025 – Blue River Financial Group has advised Relevant Industrial, LLC (“Relevant”), a leading provider of industrial equipment and engineered solutions and portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, on the acquisition of Controlled Fluids, Inc (“CFI”). This strategic acquisition strengthens Relevant’s position as a comprehensive solutions provider, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative, high-value services and products to industrial customers across North America.

Headquartered in Houston, TX, Relevant has emerged as a prominent value-added distribution channel catering to mission-critical applications spanning diverse industries. Relevant is an essential partner for its clients across diversified manufacturing, energy, chemical production, semiconductor, transportation, food processing, oil & gas, and municipal markets. Its product lineup spans valves and regulators, instrumentation, rotating equipment, steam and thermal equipment, purification and filtration and fluid connectors.

John Carte, CEO of Relevant Industrial, said “CFI’s deep expertise in fluid power and motion control complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer even more comprehensive, tailored solutions to our customers. We are excited to welcome the CFI team to the Relevant family and look forward to driving innovation and growth together.”

Founded in 1976, Texas-based LKCM Headwater Investments provides companies the necessary tools to build market leaders with sustainable competitive advantages.

CFI a is an industrial fluid power and lubrication systems distributor with systems design, fabrication, and component repair capabilities. Founded in 1984, CFI has built a strong reputation for technical expertise and a steadfast commitment to quality, serving key industries such as oil and gas, refining, chemical processing, and wood and paper. Through steadfast commitment to quality and on-time delivery, CFI is now one of the largest value-added distributors in North America for products such as Moog, Atos, Hy-Pro, and Atlas Cylinders.

“This transaction represents a strong strategic fit and an excellent outcome for both parties,” said Christopher Caron, Managing Director & Industrials Segment Leader at Blue River. “CFI’s reputation for technical excellence and customer commitment aligns perfectly with Relevant Industrial’s growth strategy. It was a pleasure working alongside Dan Sundby and the Relevant team to help bring this partnership together.”

About Blue River

Blue River Financial Group is a middle market merger and acquisition advisory firm. We assist corporations, private equity groups and individuals in the sale and acquisition of businesses and have completed assignments in multiple business segments. With over 20 years of experience spanning across 50 global industries, Blue River provides a suite of services to middle market clients including corporate development, private equity support, valuations, and transaction consulting, placing a premium on relationship-centered transaction counsel and client focus.

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