Blue River Advises Rensa Filtration on Acquisition of Air Filtration Co

June 19, 2025 – Blue River Financial Group has advised Rensa Filtration, leading manufacturer of advanced commercial air filtration systems and portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, on the acquisition of Air Filtration Co. The acquisition represents a continuation of Rensa’s strategic growth plan to build a national platform of high-performing regional brands with strong customer relationships and specialized technical capabilities.

“By expanding into the Iowa market, Rensa strengthens its Midwestern footprint, enhances distribution efficiency, and adds a team with decades of market knowledge and service excellence. The integration of Air Filtration Co. will support Rensa’s mission to deliver best-in-class air filtration solutions while accelerating growth through expanded geographic reach and operational synergies,” said Christopher Caron, Managing Director with Blue River.

Headquartered in Aurora, IL, with 16 satellite locations, Rensa’s team of over 1,000 dedicated professionals pursue air filtration innovation. The company’s solutions safeguard people’s health and increase equipment efficiency but also contribute to environmental conservation by minimizing energy consumption. Their expansive product range is meticulously designed to offer comprehensive filtration solutions, spanning particulate air filtration, washable particle air filtration, gas air filtration, and housing equipment.

Based in Boston and San Francisco, Audax Private Equity is a leading capital partner for middle and lower middle market companies that seeks to facilitate transformational growth. With approximately $19 billion of assets under management, over 250 employees, and 100-plus investment professionals, the firm has invested in more than 170 platforms and 1,250 add-on acquisitions since its founding in 1999. Through a disciplined Buy & Build approach, across six core industry verticals, Audax helps portfolio companies execute organic and inorganic growth initiatives that fuel revenue expansion, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value.

Air Filtration Co., Inc. was established by Carl Hagan Sr. in 1967 in Southern California as a provider of air filter products and spray booth maintenance. In 1974, the company added spray booths to their growing list of products. They continued to grow over the years by expanding their product line, customer base, and geographic reach. By the early 1980s, Air Filtration Company was becoming a significant player in both the air filter and spray booth markets.

Christopher added, “The acquisition of Air Filtration Co. aligns with Rensa’s continued focus on expanding its regional service capabilities and deepening customer relationships in key Midwestern markets. This transaction strengthens Rensa’s strategic position by integrating a high-integrity operator with a strong reputation and complementary product and service offerings, further supporting its mission of delivering innovation, reliability, and scale in air filtration.”

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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