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, Principal.  All discussions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.  Blue River’s fees are paid by its clients.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

Provider Of Wholesale Bakery Products – Private Equity-backed leading provider of wholesale bakery products to the foodservice and grocery channels is looking to partner with other bakeries of table breads, bagels, muffins, and related product categories. Interested in “Better-for-You”, dessert, ethnic and sweet baked good categories, as well as pre-sliced loaves with artisan qualities. Seeking bakeries located in the US with EBITDA between $500k-50MM.

DISTRIBUTION:

Aftermarket Replacement Parts Distribution & Manufacturing – Private Equity-backed leading non-OEM aftermarket provider of replacement parts, accessories, and kits for paint spraying equipment is looking to acquire distributors and manufacturers of aftermarket replacement parts (specifically reverse engineered parts for active, legacy, and out-of-warranty OEM equipment or aftermarket parts). Acquirer is focused on companies with a diversified product portfolio, product development growth opportunities, established channels to market, and a strong brand presence in their particular vertical(s). Customer base: diverse, selling either B2B or B2C. Seeking businesses in the US and Canada with $1.5MM to $8MM of EBITDA.

Automotive Refinish & Industrial Coatings and Supplies – Leading distributor of automotive refinish and industrial coatings and supplies, servicing collision repair centers, automotive dealerships, fleet, and multi-shop operators, is looking to acquire similar distributors in the automotive and industrial paint, refinishing industry, and adjacent segments to drive additional growth through transaction-based partnerships. Buyer is looking to expand its geographic footprint, increase market penetration, broaden service offerings and further its distribution capabilities. This is an opportunity to leverage buyer’s national coverage and reach for cross-selling opportunities, as well as access capital to further invest in organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Seeking businesses in the US with EBITDA of at least $1MM and at least $5MM in Annual Revenue.

Mechanical / Building Insulation Distributors – Private Equity-backed value-added distributor and fabricator of insulation and complementary products for the commercial, industrial, and residential markets, is looking to acquire distributors of mechanical or building insulation and related products to contractors in the commercial, industrial, and residential markets. Seeking local/regional market leadership with strong support from OEM suppliers. Seeking businesses in the US and Canada with EBITDA of at least $1MM.

Wholesale Distributor For Foodservice Industry – Private Equity-backed leading value-added wholesale distributor of equipment, parts, and services to the foodservice and commercial kitchen industry is looking to acquire wholesale distributors and equipment service providers. Seeking to partner with healthy, profitable businesses to enter new market segments and geographies, broaden products and service offerings and expand equipment and service capabilities. Seeking businesses in the US with EBITDA of at least $1MM.

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.

Water Treatment Testing / 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.

Packaging / Labeling Service – Florida based Private Equity Group looking to acquire add-on companies for a portfolio company in the packaging / labeling manufacturer and distribution sector. Of particular interest are suppliers of boxes, flexible packaging, labels and thermal transfer ribbons in OK, TX, AR, LA and surrounding geography. End market focus: Pharma, Food and Beverage, Cosmetics, Healthcare and Beauty Products, Other Consumer Product, Industrial Categories with revenue of min. $3MM, EBITDA of min. $500k.

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.

Dental Products Distribution – Large Private Equity Group looking to acquire synergistic add-on companies for a portfolio company in the dental products distribution sector. Of particular interest are similar companies supplying to dentists with a focus on general, ortho, pediatric, oral surgery, DSO or Government Specialty sub-segments. Companies selling into specialty and adjacent markets are also of interest. Location in U.S. with revenue of at least $3MM and EBITDA / operating income in excess of $500k.

 

MANUFACTURING:

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. 

Power Generation and Transmission – Private equity fund seeks to invest in a family or founder-owned company serving the power generation and transmission segment. Buyer is launching an acquisition strategy in the sector and plans to invest in and integrate complementary manufacturing, distribution, and service companies to build a best-in-class, vertically integrated platform. Of interest are companies that manufacture components or build assemblies for the power generation and transmission market, as well as value-added distribution or businesses that provide grid or related equipment repair and maintenance services. Organizations that are diversified are of high interest. Preferred geography is Midwest/Mid-Atlantic, Texas, or East Coast. Optimal EBITDA range 3MM to 15MM.

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.

Automotive Aftermarket – Manufacturing and Distribution – Leading Private Equity firm with deep experience in Automotive Aftermarket is looking to partner with manufacturers and distributors of automotive aftermarket parts across the US aftermarket including light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles. Seeking US based companies with at least $8MM in EBITDA.

Durable Medical Equipment Rentals – Private Equity-backed leading provider of durable medical equipment rental services to the hospice care segment is looking to acquire similar high-quality businesses in the durable medical equipment rental market that serve hospices or other end markets such as senior living and long term care. Acquirer seeks to partner with strong businesses with a growing customer base and excellent market reputation. Seeking businesses in CA, NV, AZ, NM, CO, UT, OR, WA with track record of consistent profitability and growth with high margins.

Engineered Components: Magnetic, Cable Assembly, RF/Microwave Components – Private Equity-backed value-added supplier of custom engineered, premium, cable and connectivity solutions for critical, high-cost, failure applications is looking to partner with engineered components suppliers in end marketing including defense, metals, industrial automation, aerospace, medical, rail & transit and other ruggedized environments. Example product categories of high interest include Transformers/Planar Transformers, Sensors, Isolators, Amplifiers, EM Shielding and other categories.

Machine Tool Metrology Equipment and Services – Leading value-added distributor and service provider for advanced machining, measuring, and automation equipment is looking to partner with distributors of goods and/or services in the Machine Tool, Metrology and Automation segments. Acquirer’s vision is to become Midwest’s leading source for quality machine tools and metrology solutions by advancing the precision manufacturing industry with knowledge and comprehensive offerings.

Provider Of Industrial Roller Coatings – Provider of elastomeric, polyurethane, ceramic and metal matrix coverings, as well as electrically heated rollers and composite shafts, cores, cylinders and sleeves, is looking to partner with strong, growing provider of industrial roller coatings and adjacent services. Acquirer has become the partner of choice for companies seeking to join a leading organization with long-lasting tradition, scale, substantial service offering, and significant resources dedicated to Capex, marketing, quality control, and ongoing business development.

 

BUSINESS SERVICES:

Clean Energy Infrastructure Services – Operationally focused private equity firm seeks to build a premier clean energy infrastructure services platform focused on serving Onshore Wind and Solar service providers. Seeking businesses that provide O&M services, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, solar specific: remote monitoring, diagnostics, and repair, for some of the largest asset owners in the country (like utility companies, Xcel Energy or BHE Renewables). Seeking companies with $20M-$100M in Annual Revenue.and min 10% EBITDA. 

Drone Services/Enterprise Drone Solutions – Private equity and special situations investor seeks to invest in a strong business offering Drone Services/Enterprise Drone Solutions. Key services include: drone services, drones-as-a-service, surveying companies, geospatial companies, platform agnostic software companies, distributor and service providers, drone-as-a-service focus industries: agriculture, insurance, chemicals, inspections, engineering, oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, entertainment, engineering, and others. Looking for companies with a minimum of $15M in Annual Revenue.

Consumer Gas Line Repair, Utility Line Repair, Erosion Repair – A market leader servicing utility and energy companies seeks to partner with growth-driven companies providing Consumer Gas Line Repair, Utility Line Repair, Erosion Repair, and related field maintenance services within the commercial and industrial infrastructure sector. Buyer is particularly interested in culturally aligned businesses providing complementary service offerings to customers in the utility, energy, and other industrial sectors, focused on profitable growth and recurring services. Buyer is looking for geographic diversity. 

Abatement, Indoor Air Quality & Environmental Services – Private Equity-backed leading abatement, indoor air quality and environmental services company on the west coast is looking to partner with other growth-driven HVAC-Indoor Air Quality Services / Restoration / Environmental / Construction Services providers while leveraging best practices and sharing economies of scale. Customer Base: Companies providing services or having relationships with: Property Managers, General Contractors, Health Care Systems/Schools, Insurance. Scale: $500K EBITDA for West Coast & $2MM EBITDA for New Territories.

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.

California-based private equity firm – A premier growth-oriented private equity firm founded in 2010 seeks to partner with exceptional founder-led and family-owned platform businesses to help them accelerate growth and achieve their full potential. The buyer is committed to providing capital as well as strategic guidance and financial support that make a genuine difference for families, founders, and management teams. Flexible terms of ownership required, can invest anywhere from 30-70% equity ownership, employ minimal leverage in partnerships and do not rely on financial engineering to drive returns. An approach to work alongside and in alignment with owner/operators, emphasizing key strengths and solidifying foundations of companies to take advantage of growth opportunities. Industry agnostic – $3MM-$15MM EBITDA.

Receivable Management Firm – Private Equity-backed large commercial B2B receivable management firm seeks to expand offerings by partnering with other world-class solutions providers of ARM and Insurance Services providers. Supported by shared leadership, operations and back-office functions creating significant benefits to scale. Buyer creates differentiated value proposition with client system integration, and offers proprietary, cloud-based technology platform that is unmatched in the industry.

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.

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.

Accounting, Tax And Valuation Firms – Leading private equity firm seeks to build a premier professional services firm serving the Office of the CFO. Its team is looking to partner with best-in-class accounting (non-audit) as well as tax and valuation firms to solve challenging client problems and accelerate growth. Focused on value enhancement and growth, not cost reduction. World-class operating executives support its portfolio companies in their growth and value-creation objectives.

Industrial Air Filtration Products – Family of leading filtration brands with innovative technologies in attractive niche applications is looking to acquire companies offering finished filter products and related products/materials and emerging technologies. Industry Focus: HVAC Filters, Commercial and Industrial systems, Medical Devices. Industries Served: Medical, Industrial, Commercial, Data Centers. Seeking businesses in the US and Canada with EBITDA of approx. $1MM.

Testing And Certification Services – Private Equity-backed leader in the healthcare compliance and testing market is seeking strategic partnerships with companies providing testing and certification services within the Controlled Environment and/or Medical Gas industries. Acquirer’s goal is to grow its presence in core geographies, further expand its footprint and enhance its service offerings and add to its team of leaders and its robust network of highly trained technicians.

Leading HVAC/R Service Provider – Private Equity-backed independent self-performing HVAC/R service provider is seeking strategic acquisitions to become the top national HVAC/R platform. Seeking to expand into adjacent service offerings to better serve new and existing clients, improve performance in the current footprint, enter new market segments and geographies, and achieve a combined reputation as a top choice employer for capable technicians. Buyer will support partners both operationally and financially.

Commercial And Residential Services Franchisors – Private Equity-backed leading franchisor of recurring commercial and outdoor residential services seeks to acquire other leading franchisors of essential services. Looking for an established brand, strong proven concept and a repeatable business model with 5+ locations. Solid unit economics and profitable franchisees. Prefer franchisors with EBITDA of at least $500k. Interested in supporting the existing entrepreneurs, their management teams, and aggressive growth plans.

Commercial Real Estate Appraisal and Assessment – National Commercial Real Estate Services firm looking to acquire additional market leaders in US geography with a focus on valuation and assessment as well as specialties in the following segments: Health Care/Hospital/Assisted Living, Retirement Facilities, Mobile Home Properties, Entertainment/Hospitality/Resort Properties, Marinas, Convenience Stores/Petro/Fuel.  Additionally seeking to add new service offerings in Asset Management, Environmental Engineering / Assessment, Construction Monitoring, Tax Appeal, and others.

Mobility Space – Trusted company in the engineering space is looking to partner with strategically and culturally aligned businesses and startup companies that shape the evolution of mobility industries and enable cutting-edge technology. Key service areas include: Certification, SaaS, Standards, Testing, Consulting in the broad spectrum of mobility space, Data Collection, Security, Accessibility, Integration, Data Storage, and Data Transmission. For-profit companies with at least $2MM in annual revenue.  Open to multi-national/global geography. 

 

OTHER INDUSTRIES:

Express Car Wash Space – Market-leading company in the express car wash space is interested in partnering with strategically aligned Car Wash Operators through acquisition and partnership opportunities to build a leading platform company in the rust belt area. The company offers a unique opportunity for value enhancement and growth. The structure is designed to help sellers offload the administrative tasks of running a business, allowing the sellers to remain in a consulting or managerial capacity.  Seeking Express Car Washes with a tunnel wash, Flex Car Washes offering both express and detailing, 24-drive car washes in PA, OH WV with at least $500,000 in annual revenues.   

 

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