RUNNING BUY-SIDE MANDATES

Listed below are Blue River’s current acquisition projects. If you are aware of, or represent companies that may be interested in pursuing a transaction, please contact Sara Clevenger, Partner.  All discussions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.  Blue River’s fees are paid by its clients.

BUSINESS SERVICES:

Safety and Security Services – Private equity-backed acquirer is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to build a leading platform in safety and security services. The buyer’s vision is to create a transformational, tech-enabled building safety and security equipment services provider dedicated to delivering superior customer service at the highest level of safety. Seeking companies with $5M – $15M in EBITDA, focusing on fire alarm and detection, security solutions, and maintenance services with recurring revenue. Ideal targets have strong technician retention and serve critical sectors such as schools, hospitals, and commercial facilities.

Training / Certification / Education – A renowned private equity firm is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions within the training / certification / education services sector. The buyer is committed to partnering with businesses that share its vision for excellence within the vocational training and education / certification sector. The firm offers strategic partnerships that unlock value for owners and foster growth opportunities, characterized by fair negotiations and tailored deal structures.

Association Management – A national leading Association Management Company (AMC) backed by a renowned private equity firm, is actively pursuing strategic add-on acquisitions of other association management companies or adjacent companies serving the association sector offering membership services, marketing & communications services, financial & operational services, events and meetings organization, or similar services that will diversify and enhance the company’s current offerings to meet evolving client needs. Seeking revenue of $3MM or greater based anywhere in United States.

Commercial Janitorial Services – A renowned private equity firm, is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions within the janitorial services industry. Our client is a dynamic force in the private equity landscape with a reputation for fostering growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. Our client is committed to identifying and partnering with businesses that share their vision for excellence within janitorial services and is focused on building great companies through partnership and investment.

Live Event Production – Private equity group and established industry executive are seeking to partner with leading companies within the live event production and audio-visual support industry. The ideal partners would be primarily focused on providing audio-visual equipment rental and/or production and post-production support, content development and services that produce and execute live events such as business meetings, corporate events, and association conferences. Initially looking for a platform company of scale with revenues of $15M+ and 15%-20% EBITDA.

Specialty Chemicals and Chemical Services – Premier provider of chemical cleaning services and products primarily to the Pulp and Paper industry is looking to grow through acquisition and partnership with privately owned suppliers of specialty chemicals and chemical services. Key products/services include cleaning products: degreasers, acid cleaners, sanitizers, environmentally friendly cleaners. Alternative products include: wastewater chemicals, metalworking fluids, lubricants, cooling/boiler water treatment, fleet washes. Industry verticals of high interest: Food & Beverage, Transportation, Wastewater, Aerospace, Military, Construction & Infrastructure, Heavy Industrial. Investment Size: $1MM to $10MM in annual revenues, <$2MM in EBITDA. Non-Union is preferred.

Accounting And Professional Services – Our client has deep sector expertise in accounting and professional services and seeks to partner with an accounting and/or professional services firm through equity investment. The buyer’s vision is to offer leaders long-term capital, growth expertise, and collaborative, aligned partnership to grow and scale an existing business. Our client partners with business owners interested in selling approximately 60-80% of their business and invests their own personal capital in every local partnership.

Roofing Contractors – An integrated team of investors and operators is seeking to partner with leading roofing contractors in Florida. The buyer’s vision is to build a scaled enterprise that will have the resources and capability to accelerate growth and build market share. The ideal partners have a strong presence in their local markets and are primarily focused on residential re-roofing.

Environmental Services – Private Equity-backed environmental services company specializing in heavy metals, most commonly in the form of lead, is looking to partner with other strategically and culturally aligned companies, providing complimentary environmental protection and remediation services, engineering, remediation, maintenance, construction, cleaning, and consultation. Adjacent Markets: mold, asbestos, air monitoring, remediation, water quality, underground tanks, brownfield, air quality, hazardous waste, toxins, etc. EBITDA of at least $500K.

Pest-Control Services – Private Equity-sponsored strategic acquirer in the pest-control services industry seeks to acquire and partner with other growth-driven pest control and commercial landscaping service providers while leveraging best practices and sharing economies of scale. Adjacent markets include recurring exterior maintenance services such as lawn care, weed control. Customer base: primarily residential customers in higher density MSAs. Target geographies: South and Southeastern US. Scale: >$200K EBITDA.

Special Education Services – A leading provider of special and alternative education and ABA therapy, including pediatric mental health solutions seeking to partner with outstanding providers of mental health services to alternative and special education private schools, practices providing in-district ABA therapy support, and ABA therapy centers. Buyer focuses on higher growth special and alternative education segments, IEP related services, in-district service offerings and private schools / special education out of district placement. Looking to grow their current footprint in the Northeast part of the country. Minimum EBITDA of $.5MM in existing geographies and $1MM EBITDA in new geographies.

Plants And Landscape Services – Private Equity-backed leading Seattle-based provider of interior and exterior plants and landscape services seeks to partner with companies providing complementary interiorscape and landscaping services to its existing portfolio offerings. Buyer’s vision is to become a leading national source for biophilic design, plant care urbanscape, and holiday décor with a focus on commercial, recurring interior landscaping services, and green walls to class-A facility tenants. Seeking businesses across US.

Salon Loft Owners – Private Equity-backed large salon suite rental concept business empowering independent beauty services professionals by offering top notch services suites and back-office support is looking to accelerate acquisitions of other salon suite owners across the country. Buyer sees tremendous opportunity to partner with or acquire existing owners / operators to aggressively expand into additional geographies. With their dominant market position and unmatched service offerings that will attract and retain beauty care professionals, our client is exploring opportunities in all major U.S. markets.

Managed Service Provider – Private Equity-backed leading IT Managed Service Provider for small and mid-sized businesses is looking to partner with strategically and culturally aligned providers of IT managed services across the mid-Atlantic and southern states, to achieve the next level of growth, support a broader client footprint, and leverage best practices while sharing economies of scale. Buyer is focused on value enhancement and growth, rather than cost reduction. Seller will gain access to best-in-class sales forces and offshore support capabilities, which will be used selectively to support customers more cost-effectively, providing a competitive advantage.

 

DISTRIBUTION:

Automation & Advanced Technologies – Value-added distributor catering to mission-critical applications seeks partnerships with distributors in factory automation, valves & actuation, instrumentation, and the industrial fixed gas detection space. This includes, but is not limited to advanced sensing technologies, automation, productivity enhancements, safety, and other adjacencies. The buyer’s team has grown organically and through acquisitions and is poised for additional expansion with synergistic companies. Seeking businesses in the US and Canada with $1MM to $6MM of EBITDA (can go as high as $20MM).

Utility and Infrastructure Construction – Family-owned business recognized for supplying top-quality industrial safety supplies and personal protective equipment seeks to partner with strategically and culturally aligned value-added distributors and suppliers for the Utility and Infrastructure Construction segments. The buyer is interested in partnering with strong management teams to become the #1 source for Utility & Infrastructure supplies across the USA. This collaboration offers enhanced customer service, product offerings, and geographic expansion. Seeking businesses in the Pacific Northwest (mostly OR and WA). Revenue: $2MM – $10MM, EBITDA not to exceed $2MM, no minimum. Seeking distributor with a profile similar to the buyer with key product lines as follows: PPE & Safety supplies (gloves, glasses, hardhats, fall protection, etc); Traffic Safety (cones, barrels, barricades); Site Supplies (tools, rigging, paint, signage); Geotextiles (silt fence, erosion control, etc).

Pet Health Products Distribution – Private Equity-backed Strategic Buyer looking to acquire synergistic add-on acquisitions. Of interest are companies in the US or Canada with similar product offerings (vaccines, medications, supplements, grooming, health products etc.) or adjacent markets like equine and livestock. Annual revenue in the $3MM – $50MM range.

Power Transmission Components and Bearings Distribution – Large Private Equity Group looking to acquire synergistic add-on companies for a portfolio company in the transmission and bearing distribution sector. Of particular interest are companies offering products like Drives, Brakes, Bushings, Clutches, Controls, Couplings & U-Joints, Gears, Linear Motion Devices, Motors, Seals. Industry focus: Food/Beverage, Bulk Materials, Chemical, Unit Handling, Steel, but also other specialty markets. Location in U.S., Canada, Mexico with revenue between $3MM – $75MM+ and EBITDA of approx. $500k – $15MM.

 

FOOD & BEVERAGE:

Packaging Equipment Company – Lower middle market private equity firm is looking to acquire a leading packaging equipment company with a high-quality product and aftermarket service and parts offering. The buyer is looking for a company that services across a range of attractive end markets including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care with a large installed base that drives recurring revenue streams as a result of customers’ need for maintenance and spare parts. Seeking businesses with $20-$100M Revenue and $6-$7M EBITDA anywhere in the U.S.

Premium Coffee Roaster – Leading global premium coffee roaster is looking to partner with an outstanding coffee roaster/wholesaler of coffee and tea servicing foodservice/retail or related channels. The buyer will provide competitive valuations, work efficiently and discreetely to minimize business disruptions, foster a common culture and customer service mindset, and customize a transaction to fit seller’s ambitions and needs. The partnership will provide long-term commitment, market opportunity, access to capital and networks, access to talent and other organizational resources.

 

HEALTHCARE:

Medical Equipment Service Providers – A growth-oriented private equity firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses to help scale exceptional healthcare companies, seeks to acquire prominent healthcare organizations. The buyer is looking to establish a leading platform provider offering customers a comprehensive portfolio of maintenance and repair services and high-quality consumables, parts and equipment in the biomedical or lab space. Seeking businesses in the US, with min $2MM EBITDA and $20MM – $50MM in Annual Revenue.

Clinical Trial Sites – Private equity-backed organization is actively seeking opportunities to partner with clinical trial sites focused on complex clinical trials to expand its geographic and therapeutic reach. This is an opportunity to join a leading platform and benefit from economies of scale while enhancing support and service offerings to existing clients. The buyer is focused on patient recruitment and has a growing site network, creating a unique offering in the market. 

INDUSTRIALS:

Test & Measurement Solutions – The electronic industry’s largest authorized distributor of test & measurement solutions and production supplies is seeking strategic acquisitions of premier companies that provide calibration services and test & measurement products and services. This initiative aims to empower owner-operated enterprises, accelerating growth and enhancing value through the buyer’s comprehensive support, industry expertise, and extensive resources.

Overhead Hoist & Crane – Private equity group is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to build a leading platform in the overhead hoist & crane service industry. The buyer has a tenured history of investing in the lower middle market and is known for its collaborative, partnership-driven approach to value creation. It emphasizes strong relationships, offering flexible capital and valuable resources to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Looking for businesses with $2M – $15M of EBITDA and key services such as inspection & testing, maintenance & repairs, modernization & new installation. Preference will go to targets with manufacturing capabilities.

 

MANUFACTURING:

Industrial Engineered Products – A private equity firm with an entrepreneurial focus is committed to enhancing the long-term value of thriving middle market industrial companies. The buyer is currently seeking strategic acquisitions within the industrial engineered products sector with organizations that have a strong focus on maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Our client is offering significant growth opportunities in a stable market segment. Seeking organizations with established relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who present synergistic opportunities for collaboration and expansion. The buyer adopts a collaborative partnership model, offering support to management teams through resources, strategic guidance, and capital infusion to stimulate rapid growth, value augmentation, and the establishment of enduring competitive strengths. With a proven history of successful investments primarily fueled by organic growth, our client prioritizes operating with transparency and integrity, and deeply embedded core values.

Manufacturer of Specialty High Performance Coatings – Private equity-backed manufacturer of specialty high performance coatings for industrial, OEM, and MRO market segments seeks complementary acquisitions of strategically aligned brands that share its dedication to product innovation, premium quality, and exceptional customer service. Ideal partners will complement the Buyer’s current offering or introduce new, adjacent product categories.

Material Handling and Packaging Equipment – Private Equity-backed leading designer and manufacturer of material handling and packaging systems for dry bulk materials seeks to partner with strategically and culturally aligned industrial automation companies providing engineering and manufacturing material handling and packaging equipment, system integration, and full turn-key solutions & service. Buyer is looking for manufacturers focused on mixing, blending, sorting, metering, and recipe building with a light liquid component. Seeking businesses with min 10% EBITDA and $10M – $25M in Annual Revenue.

Manufacturers of Engineered Products – Private Equity-backed holding company with four strategically aligned business units focused on precision stampings and assemblies, spherical rod end bearing assemblies, aircraft instrumentation and engineered components seeking to acquire complementary manufacturers of engineered components. Targeting end markets including Aerospace/Defense, Automotive, Medical, and Agricultural. Acquirer offers a flexible transaction structure and welcomes Owner-Operators who desire to stay on with the company. Key value drivers for acquisition candidates include accelerated growth; opportunity to reinvest in a larger platform; enhanced career paths; access to state-of-the-art tooling facility; centralized, scalable back-office & support with Finance & Accounting, HR, IT, Sales; access to cutting-edge electronic invoicing and technology; access to capital.

 

WATER TREATMENT:

Water Treatment & Filtration – A private equity group is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to establish a leading provider in the water and wastewater treatment, detection, and filtration industry. The group aims to partner with growth-ready entrepreneurs and operators to build a national platform, helping businesses accelerate revenue and earnings growth through guidance, operational expertise, and capital investment. Seeking businesses in the U.S. and Canada with $25M-$200M in revenue and $5M-$30M in EBITDA.

Water Infrastructure & Ecosystem – Private equity group is reaching out to select firms that can serve as a growth platform and become the employer of choice in the industry. This initial investment will establish a platform and brand, supporting a thoughtful organic growth plan and targeted M&A strategy to expand capabilities and geographies. The buyer is pursuing strategic acquisitions to establish an industry-leading provider of water infrastructure services.

Water Analysis / Laboratory Products & Testing Services – Private equity-backed strategic buyer looking to acquire synergistic add-on acquisitions in the value-added distribution, manufacturing of water treatment testing product and laboratory and testing services. Of high interest are companies serving the industrial water treatment, food and beverage and environmental end markets. Seeking opportunities with companies producing at least $5MM in annual revenues.

 

MULTI-INDUSTRY:

Industry-agnostic – Midwest based Private Investment Group sponsoring a seasoned executive looking to acquire a scalable company in a number of industries where professional background is of value.  Operator has significant experience in manufacturing, technology, automation, distribution and other sectors.  Seeking an opportunity where owner is looking to transition daily operations.  Ideal scenario for a company that may be distressed or simply needing professionalization and help in scaling.  Seeking companies located in the greater Pittsburgh area with at least $1MM in EBITDA.

If you are aware of any company that fits the above criteria and would be interested in a confidential dialogue, please contact Sara Clevenger: