Blue River
IS FOCUSED ON SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE MIDDLE MARKET
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:
Express Car Wash Space – Private equity-backed market-leading company in the express car wash space is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to grow the company’s market-leading position. Seeking partnerships with companies offering express car washes (single location tunnel & multiple locations that are not 100% tunnel), and flex car washes (offering both express & detailing). The buyer 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 them to stay on in a consulting or managerial capacity. Seeking businesses in PA, OH, WV and surrounding areas, with at least $800K in annual revenues.
Critical Power Services – Internationally known premier provider of power generation equipment and service, with the backing of a growth oriented private equity group, is actively seeking strategic acquisitions in the critical power and electrical infrastructure services industry. The buyer’s goal is to partner with growth-oriented entrepreneurs and operators to establish a leading presence in the industry, focusing on companies that offer service & sales, preventative maintenance, and repairs. Seeking opportunities with companies in North America producing at least $10MM in annual revenues.
Safety and Security Services – An industry-leading private investment group committed to building a specialized platform in fire safety and security services. This well-respected group seeks companies with $5M – $15M in EBITDA, particularly those involved in fire alarm, detection, security solutions, and maintenance services with strong recurring revenue. The acquirer values partners deeply integrated into their markets, recognized for high customer retention, technician excellence, and the ability to deliver consistent, versatile service across a range of equipment brands. Focused on leveraging advanced technology, enhancing technician capabilities, and setting new service standards, the group aims to create a market-leading platform that elevates businesses serving critical sectors like 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. Seeking businesses in the US with $3MM EBITDA.
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.
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.
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. Seeking businesses in the southeast, with $1MM EBITDA.
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 in the US with $3MM to $5MM of EBITDA.
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.
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).
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. Seeking businesses with $5MM in annual revenues.
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.
INDUSTRIALS:
Predictive Maintenance and Reliability Solutions – Private equity-backed leading provider of technology-driven fluid testing and reliability services, is seeking partnerships with outstanding businesses offering predictive maintenance and reliability solutions. The acquirer aims to strengthen its market-leading position in the predictive maintenance solutions sector by partnering with businesses that share its vision of providing exceptional, timely asset condition monitoring results. Target financial parameters include businesses with $100K–$15M in EBITDA. Desired end markets: industrial, off-highway, transportation, oil & gas, mining, marine, power generation, data centers, electric vehicles, wind turbines. Seeking businesses in North America, Europe, Mexico, Asia, and South Africa
Test & Measurement Solutions – An industry leader in test & measurement solutions is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions of companies with $2M to $15M in EBITDA that specialize in calibration services, electronic testing, and measurement products. Known for its extensive expertise and best-in-class service, the acquirer empowers owner-operated businesses to drive growth and enhance value. Leveraging its vast distribution network, technical knowledge, and commitment to innovation, the company provides unmatched support to expand service capabilities, optimize operations, and enter new markets. With a proven history of partnership-driven acquisitions, the group is dedicated to preserving the culture and legacy of each acquired company while unlocking new potential and transforming partnerships into long-term success.
Overhead Hoist & Crane – A private equity firm who specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs and is focused on building a premier platform in the overhead hoist and crane service industry. This group seeks companies with $2M to $15M in EBITDA that specialize in inspection, testing, maintenance, repairs, modernization, and new installations, with a preference for those offering manufacturing capabilities. Recognized for its collaborative, hands-on approach, the acquirer works closely with management teams to develop customized strategies that drive sustainable growth. By leveraging deep industry expertise and providing flexible capital, the firm empowers companies to enhance service capabilities, expand geographically, and optimize operations. Dedicated to creating long-term value, this group partners with businesses to establish market-leading positions and elevate industry standards.
MANUFACTURING:
Safety Flooring and Surface Technology Solutions – Private equity-backed manufacturer of premium metal slip-resistant safety flooring and surface technologies is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to enhance its position as a leader in the safety and surface solutions market. Targeting companies across North America with $10M to $50M in revenue and $2M to $10M in EBITDA, the acquirer seeks businesses offering complementary products such as anti-slip metal flooring solutions, safety treads, nosings, railings, custom-fabricated safety solutions, ergonomic flooring, and metallizing technologies. With a focus on industries including food processing, heavy industrial, transportation, and municipalities, the acquirer drives operational improvements and market expansion through strategic acquisitions.
High-quality Foodservice Equipment – Premier manufacturer of durable, high-quality foodservice equipment seeks partnerships with stainless steel fabrication companies that combine broad distribution capabilities with a strong local or regional presence to create long-term value and deliver high-quality solutions in the markets they serve. Custom fabrication capabilities of interest: cutting & shaping, forming & bending, welding & jointing, machining, finishing, assembly & fabrication, advance technologies integration, glazing integration, materials handling & storage. Desired end markets: commercial foodservice, food retail, consumer brands, industrial work surfaces. Seeking businesses in the US with minimum $10MM revenue. Required Certifications – UL, NSF, ETL.
Custom Engineered Composite Solutions – Private equity-backed material science company solving complex problems is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to expand its market-leading presence in the custom engineered composite solutions industry. The team’s vision is to leverage cutting-edge technology and meticulous precision, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver exceptional service and reliable products that consistently meet the highest standards. Key offerings of interest include laminates, fiberglass reinforced plastic, cast resin, and other composite solutions. Desired end markets include defense, aerospace, med / high voltage, electrical, infrastructure, nuclear, medical. Seeking businesses in North America with $1MM to $5MM EBITDA and $10MM to $25MM in annual revenues.
Tooling And Injection Molding – Well-established investment group with a strong platform in tooling and injection molding seeks companies that specialize in custom injection molding, over-molding, and design tooling. Desired industries include healthcare, defense, and consumer products. Leveraging its existing market leadership, the group provides strategic guidance and operational resources needed to scale businesses, broaden market reach, and create long-term value while preserving the unique culture and integrity of each partner. Seeking businesses in the Northeast with $2M to $15M in EBITDA.
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.
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. Seeking companies with at least $1MM in EBITDA.
WATER TREATMENT:
Water Treatment & Filtration – A premier private investment firm is actively seeking strategic acquisitions to build a leading platform in the water and wastewater treatment, detection, filtration, and test & measurement solutions sector. Targeting companies in the U.S. and Canada with $25M to $200M in revenue and $5M to $30M in EBITDA, the firm partners with growth-ready entrepreneurs and operators to drive revenue and earnings growth. Leveraging deep industry expertise, capital investment, and innovative strategies, the firm helps businesses optimize operations, expand service capabilities, and enter new markets.
Water Infrastructure & Ecosystem – An investment firm focused on building a leading platform in water infrastructure services seeks companies with $5M to $15M in EBITDA, specifically targeting those involved in water and wastewater management, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental compliance services. Guided by an industry expert who has significantly influenced the sector, the acquirer provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a broad network. The hands-on approach enhances service standards, operational efficiency, and market reach while respecting company culture. Committed to tackling challenges like infrastructure deterioration and water scarcity, our client sets new industry standards through strategic support and flexibility.
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:
Sara Clevenger, Partner, provides strategic direction and oversight for the firm’s Acquisition Support Investment Banking Group. Ms. Clevenger brings over 15 years of experience in Corporate Development, Mergers & Acquisitions, Commercial Real Estate Development, Portfolio and Transaction Management. Sara’s full bio is available here.
M: (412) 916-5026
O: (248) 309-3730 ext. 306
E: sclevenger@goblueriver.com