SERVICES

RUNNING BUY-SIDE MANDATES

Blue River is a national leader assisting private equity firms, public corporations, and acquisitive corporations to identify, analyze, negotiate, and acquire privately held businesses.

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 & Buy-Side Practice Leader.  All discussions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.  Blue River’s fees are paid by its clients.

BUSINESS SERVICES:

  • Pest Management – Top provider of comprehensive pest control and management solutions seeks partnership opportunities with strong, like-minded companies to accelerate growth while upholding each other’s culture and legacy.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: Pest Control, Termite Treatment, Rodent Control / Wildlife Removal, Bed Bug Treatment, Pest Control Insulation, Outdoor Pest Removal.
    • End Markets Served: Commercial, Residential
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $2MM+ Revenue.
  • Trade Shows & Event SpaceNationally recognized leader within the dynamic event and trade show design and management space is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with key companies that share its vision and approach.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Production Companies and Experiential Agencies.
    • End Markets Served: Conferences / Conventions, Trade Shows / Expos, User Conferences, Partner Summits, Product Launches, Annual General Meetings, National Sales Meeting, Roadshows, Sales Kick-Offs.
    • Geography: United States
    • Financial Profile: $5MM-$50MM.
  • Overhead Door & DockProminent investment firm is seeking to partner with select, value-aligned leaders within the overhead door & dock industry to build a leading platform.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Commercial and Industrial Overhead Dock and Doors, Loading Dock Equipment, Access Control Systems, Entry / Perimeter Solutions, Residential Garage Doors.
    • End Markets Served: Logistics / Warehousing, Food, Beverage, and Cold Storage, Manufacturing & Industrial, Consumer / Retail, Parking Structures, Municipal, Education, Healthcare.
    • Geography: United States
    • Financial Profile: $5MM-$50MM.
  • Critical Power Services – A premier provider of power generation equipment and service across North America is actively seeking strategic acquisitions in the critical power and electrical infrastructure services industry.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Critical Power Equipment Maintenance and Repairs, Electrical Infrastructure Maintenance and Repairs, UPS / Battery Energy Storage Systems / Renewable Energy Systems Service and Repairs.
    • End Markets Served: Industrial, Healthcare, Data Centers, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Energy.
    • Geography: North America.
    • Financial Profile: $10MM+ Annual Revenue.
  • Safety and Security Services – A distinguished global markets firm seeks strategic partnerships to build a specialized platform in fire safety and security services.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Fire Safety, Alarm Systems, Detection, Security Solutions, and Maintenance Services.
    • End Markets Served: Schools, Hospitals, Commercial Facilities, Industrial, Government.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $5MM – $15MM 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 Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Cleaning Products (degreasers, acid cleaners, sanitizers, environmentally friendly cleaners), Wastewater Chemicals, Metalworking Fluids, Lubricants, Cooling / Boiler Water Treatment, Fleet Washes
    • End Markets Served: Food and Beverage, Transportation, Wastewater, Aerospace, Military, Construction and Infrastructure, Heavy Industrial
    • Geography: North America.
    • Financial Profile: $1MM – $10MM Annual Revenue, <$2MM EBITDA.
  • Fluid and Waste Services Market-leading company in the fluid and waste space is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to expand its presence and geographic footprint.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Fluid Recovery & Recycle / Waste Reduction; Slurry Dewatering, Closed-loop Systems, & Oil-Water Separation; Engineered Solutions; IoT Data Supported.
    • End Markets Served: Industrial (Ag, chemical, pulp & paper); Up, Mid, and Downstream O&G (Refinery, SWD, etc.); Dredging (all industry); Heavy Construction; Mining
    • Geography: United States, Canada.
    • Financial Profile:
  • Educational Staffing Services – Leading K-12 staffing business is seeking culturally aligned partners led by strong teams to expand as a premier provider within the special education and adjacent spaces. 

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Staffing Agency providing In-District Services and Service Diversification – OT, PT, Speech, ABA Therapy, Nurses, Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals.
    • End Markets Served: Public Pre-K Programs, Public K-12 School Districts, Public Charter Schools, Regional Education Cooperatives / Service Agencies.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: Minimum Revenue of $5MM.
  • Appraisal Management Services – Leading nationwide independent Appraisal Management Company (AMC) is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with top regional providers who share its values and commitment to quality.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Appraisal Coordination.
    • End Markets Served: Residential​, Inspections​, Hybrids​, Commercial​, BPOs​, Appraisal Firm​, AVM / Data​, Equipment / Machinery​, Personal Property.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: Revenue $2MM – $6MM, $500K – $1.5MM EBITDA.
  • Accounting and Tax AdvisoryLeading provider of accounting and advisory services is actively seeking partnerships with companies whose capabilities, culture, and commitment to excellence align with its own, enhancing a solid foundation for collaboration and long-term success.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: CPA, Wealth Management, Office of the CFO, Advisory and Consulting Firms, including Technology
    • End Markets Served: Financial Services, Real Estate, Manufacturing and Distribution, Technology and Life Science, Government, Healthcare, Professional Services, Banking, Oil and Gas, Sports and Entertainment, Nonprofits, Restaurants and Hospitality, High Net Worth individuals and Families
    • Geography: US-based with some consideration for targets that have small international presence
    • Financial Profile: $15-$100MM Revenue
  • Vegetation Management – A leading provider of vegetation management solutions is seeking strategic partnerships with respected regional operators who share its dedication to safety, exceptional service quality, and creating long-term value for clients and communities.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Vegetation Management, Right-of-Way Clearance, Pre-Inspection, Disaster / Storm Relief
    • End Markets Served: Investor-Owned Utilities, Electric Co-ops, Municipalities, Pipelines and Railroads
    • Geography: United States
    • Financial Profile: Revenue ≥ $10MM
  • Exterior Building Services – New York-based private equity firm is investing in branded, mission-driven companies across specialty consumer, industrial manufacturing & technologies, and business services to develop a leading platform in the building façade restoration and envelope services sector.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: Building Facade Restoration, Tuckpointing, Facade Sealing and Cleaning, Parking Structure Repair and Maintenance, Masonry and Stone Repair, Waterproofing, Plaza Deck Repair, Concrete Restoration, Envelope Service.
    • End Markets Served: Commercial, Institutional, and Infrastructure.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $4MM+ EBITDA
  • HOA Services Philadelphia-based investment firm with proven legacy of delivering measurable results for founders seeks a strong potential partner for the tech-enabled solutions platform it is building in the HOA and Community Association industry.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: Reserve Studies, Accounting Services, Vendor Management, Election Management, Document Management, Other Tech-Enabled Solutions.
    • Financial Profile: $5-10MM EBITDA.
    • Geography: United States.
    • End Markets Served: Self-Managed HOAs and HOA Property Management Companies.
  • Endpoint Technology Lifecycle and Cybersecurity – Global managed services provider of end-to-end, device-agnostic endpoint solutions seeks partnerships with culturally aligned technology and cybersecurity suppliers that can expand its reach, deepen its capabilities, and enhance its ability to serve complex, multi-site enterprise customers.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: Forward Logistics & Deployment, Reverse Logistics & Repair, Endpoint Management (UEM/MDM) & Lifecycle Services, Retail Technology, Payments & Automation.
    • End Markets Served: Hospitality/QSR, Retail Payments, Automation/RFID, Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics, Healthcare, Education.
    • Financial Profile: >$2M EBITDA.
    • Geography: NA, EU, LATAM focused, evaluate APAC selectively.
  • Commercial Maintenance and Enhancement Services – Market-leading private equity firm is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to expand its presence and geographic footprint.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Commercial Maintenance and Enhancements. Landscape Maintenance, Seasonal Enhancements, Snow and Ice Removal, Landscape Design and Construction, Tree and Arbor Care, Landscape Lighting.
    • End Markets Served: Commercial facilities (e.g., manufacturing, distribution, corporate campuses) HOAs, retail, education, healthcare facilities.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $5-50MM Revenue.
  • Healthcare-Focused Architecture and Design – Healthcare-focused architecture and design firm is through acquisition that can expand its reach, deepen its capabilities, and enhance the group’s ability to serve complex, multi-site enterprise customers.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: Healthcare-focused Architecture, Healthcare MEP Engineering, Healthcare Interior Design, Healthcare Signage & Wayfinding, Medical Equipment Planning, Healthcare Foodservice Planning, Healthcare Construction/Project Management.
    • End Markets Served: Acute Care & Hospital Systems, Behavioral Health, Ambulatory & Outpatient Care, Community & Rural Health, Healthcare-Adjacent Sectors (Senior Living, Life Sciences, Academic Medical).
    • Geography: Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida.
    • Financial Profile: $1-20MM Revenue, $0.5-5MM EBITDA.
  • Commercial HVAC, Plumbing, and Building Controls – Nationwide network of commercial HVAC, building controls and plumbing providers seeks partnerships with culturally aligned commercial mechanical services businesses committed to safety, service excellence, and long-term growth.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Service Offerings of Interest: HVAC/Mechanical, Plumbing, Building Controls, Preventive Maintenance, Design/Build Projects.
    • End Markets Served: Commercial, Municipal/Government, Healthcare, Education, Industrial/Manufacturing, Senior Living, Research.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $1MM+ EBITDA.

MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION:

  • High-quality Foodservice Equipment – A premier manufacturer of durable, high-quality metal and wood foodservice equipment, which has been in business over 100 years, seeks partnerships with custom stainless steel fabrication companies that combine broad distribution capabilities with a strong local or regional original presence.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Cutting & Shaping, Forming & Bending, Welding & Jointing, Machining, Finishing, Assembly & Fabrication, Advanced Technologies Integration, Glazing Integration, Materials Handling & Storage. 
    • End Markets Served: Commercial Foodservice, Food Retail, Consumer Brands, Industrial Work Surfaces. 
    • Geography: United States
    • Financial Profile: Minimum $10MM in Revenue. 
    • Required Certifications: UL, NSF, ETL. 
  • Fire & Safety ServicesLeading public safety company protecting at-risk workers across North America with technical products and high-acuity services is looking to expand its life-critical safety expertise in industrial and commercial markets.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Industry Focus: Technical Products (gas detection, respiratory protection, fall protection, and other protective equipment) and Services (equipment rental, aftermarket service, uniform production, e-Commerce, warranty repairs, training).
    • End Markets: Industrial, Semiconductor, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Telecom / Utilities, Environmental Safety, Metals and Mining, Chemical Processes.
    • Core Services: Digital Twin​, Planning & Scheduling Software​, Quality Inspection Monitoring​, Scrap & Waste Management​, Track-and-Trace​, Computer-Aided Manufacturing​.
    • Geography: United States, Canada.
    • Financial Profile: >$1MM.
  • Automation and Advanced Technologies – Value-added distributor specializing in mission-critical applications seeks partnerships with other distributors, especially those expanding into automation and advanced technologies.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Factory Automation, Valves & Actuation, Instrumentation, Industrial Fixed Gas Detection, Advanced Sensing Technologies, Automation, Productivity Enhancements, Safety.
    • Geography: United States, Canada.
    • Financial Profile: $1MM – $6MM EBITDA (can go as high as $20MM). 
  • Animal Health Products Distribution – A leading national animal health solutions company is seeking businesses that offer a broad range of complementary products to ensure the well-being of small animals, equines, and livestock.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Animal Health Products (e.g., vaccines, medications, supplements, etc.), Grooming, Pet ID Systems.
    • Geography: United States, Canada.
    • Financial Profile: Annual Revenue of $3MM – $50MM. 
  • Power Transmission Components and Bearings Distribution – A best-in-class bearings and power transmission solutions provider is looking to acquire synergistic add-on companies.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Transmission, Bearing Distribution, Drives, Brakes, Bushings, Clutches, Controls, Couplings, Gears, Linear Motion Devices, Motors, Seals. 
    • End Markets Served: Food / Beverage, Bulk Materials, Chemical, Unit Handling, Steel, Specialty Markets.
    • Geography: United States, Canada, Mexico. 
    • Financial Profile: Revenue between $3MM – $75MM+. 
  • Bonding SolutionsA private equity-backed platform is actively seeking add-on acquisitions of culturally aligned companies that bring complementary capabilities and share a commitment to long-term growth and customer success.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Adhesives, Dispensing Equipment, Sealants, Coatings, Tapes, and Other Adjacent Products.
    • End Markets Served: Packaging, Paper Converting, Product Assembly, Automotive, Aerospace, Medical, Transportation, Electronics, Industrial, Building & Construction.
    • Geography: North America (including Mexico and Canada).
    • Financial Profile: North of $1MM in EBITDA.
  • Plumbing and HVAC DistributionPremier wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling, piping, water systems, and energy products is actively pursuing strategic partnerships with like-minded companies that share its commitment to service and culture.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Plumbing, HVAC, Hydronics, Pipe, Valves & Fittings, Well & Water, Fuel Oil & Propane, Job Site Supplies & Tools, Electrical.
    • End Markets Served: Residential Contractors, Commercial Contractors, Builders & Remodelers, Industrial Contractors, Government & Institutional Organizations, Homeowners (showroom business).
    • Geography: New England, West to Western New York.
    • Financial Profile: Revenue $20MM – $25MM+, EBITDA (min/max) $2MM+.
  • MRO SolutionsTrusted provider of comprehensive MRO solutions seeks strategic partnerships with proven management teams to expand product reach and further develop innovative solutions.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Products of Interest: Fasteners, Safety Products, Cutting Tools, Welding Equipment and Supplies, Automotive, Fluid Power
    • Capabilities of Interest: Vendor Managed Inventory, Technical Sales Resources, Product Specialists, Training
    • End Markets Served: Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Transportation, Forestry
    • Geography: United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Supply Chain and ManufacturingA premier leader in integrated supply chain and manufacturing support services is seeking strategic partnerships with experienced management teams to broaden technical capabilities and better serve complex, high-growth end markets.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Products of Interest: Fasteners, Fabrication, Electricals, Mechanicals, Gasket / Seals / O-Ring, Hose Assemblies
    • Capabilities of Interest: Vendor Managed Inventory, Field Installation, Specification Engineering
    • End Markets Served: Aerospace & Defense, Industrial Power, Renewables, Technology
    • Geography: North America, Europe, Southeast Asia
  • Test and Measurement Solutions – The electronic industry’s leading authorized distributor of test and measurement solutions is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to expand its product offerings.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Calibration Services, Electronic Testing, Measurement Products. 
    • End Markets Served: Technology, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Electronics, Medical / Life Sciences, Educational. 
    • Geography: United States, Western Europe, Canada. 
    • Financial Profile: $2MM to $15MM in EBITDA. 
  • Water Analysis / Laboratory Products and Testing Services – A distributor and private label manufacturer of water treatment and testing products known for its unique distribution model, exceptional customer service, and tailored solutions is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Water Treatment Testing Products, Laboratory Services, Industrial Water Treatment. 
    • End Markets Served: Industrial Water Treatment, Food & Beverage, Environmental.
    • Financial Profile: Minimum $5MM in Annual Revenue.
  • Electrical Engineering – A trusted global partner that delivers complex electrical components and assemblies for the Data Center, Electrical Transmission & Distribution, mobility, and electro-intensive industries seeks strategic partnerships with companies that share its values, bring complementary strengths, and possess meaningful manufacturing capabilities.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Products and Services of Interest: Sourcing and Procurement (Raw materials: Copper Rods, Bars, Strips, and Sheets, All other nonferrous materials), Design & Engineering (Switches, Circuit Breakers, Related Products), Manufacturing & Engineering (DS Busbar Systems, Copper or Aluminum Components, Assemblies).
    • End Markets Served: Electricity Transmission & Distribution, Networks & Data Centers, General Industrial Applications.
    • Geography: United States.
    • Financial Profile: $5MM+ Revenue. 
  • Mobilty SolutionsGlobal leader in accessible transportation products and mobility solutions is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to expand its services and adjacent offerings, with the goal of better serving its customers. 

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Offerings of Interest: Accessible Transportation Products & Related Components, Accessible Pedestrian, Safety (e.g., Signals), Accessible Transportation (Public / Commercial), Lifts (e.g., VPLs, Home Elevators, Stair Lifts, Auto Lifts), Assistive / Adaptive Technology (e.g., Vision, Hearing, Fall Prevention).
    • End Markets Served: Assistive tech, DME, Vision, Home & workplace accessibility.
    • Geography: United States, Canada, Mexico, and Western Europe.
  • Specialty Cleaning Products – Consumer products platform seeks partnerships with aligned home and hygiene and specialty cleaning products that share its category focus, formulation capabilities, and long-term ownership approach.

Key Investment Criteria:

 

    • Product Offerings of Interest: #1 or #2 in specialty consumable categories / segments where large CPG competitors are not players. Functional solutions, with a meaningful point of difference. Class-of-Trade: Food / Drug / Mass priority.
    • Geography: North America.
    • Financial Profile: $3MM+ EBITDA.
    • Building Materials – Detroit-based private equity firm focused on founder and family-owned businesses seeks to partner with market-leading building materials manufacturers and distributors to strengthen operations, accelerate growth, and preserve their established legacy.

    Key Investment Criteria:

     

      • Verticals of Interest: Building Materials Manufacturing and Distribution – Lumber & Engineered Wood, Interior Finishes & Surfaces, Millwork, Doors & Cabinetry, Windows, Glass & Glazing Systems, Electrical & Lighting, Plumbing & Water Systems, Roofing, Siding & Exterior Envelope, Metal Building Products & Structural Steel, Construction Supplies & Specialty Hardware, Insulation & Building Envelope Services.
      • End Markets Served: Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Interior, Exterior.
      • Geography: Headquarters in North America (U.S. or Canada)
      • Financial Profile: ~$50–$500MM revenue; positive EBITDA (deal-specific)
      • Merchandising Fixtures – Leading innovator in gravity-flow shelving and merchandising solutions to retail customers across North America seeks strategic partnerships with culturally aligned experts that share its values and bring complementary strengths.

      Key Investment Criteria:

       

        • Service Offerings of Interest: “Behind the Glass” (refrigerated shelving solutions), Retail Loss Prevention/Asset Protection Solutions, Fresh Section (produce, bakery, hot/cold bar), Center-Store, Freezer/Cold-Vault, “Back-of-House” & Storeroom, Center Aisle/Front-End.
        • End Markets Served: Grocery Stores, Liquor Stores, Convenience Stores, Foodservice, Entertainment, Hospitality, Education, Retail, Pharmacies.
        • Geography: Primarily United States, with selective Canadian and/or Central America exposure.
        • Financial Profile: $5-100MM Revenue, $500K-10MM EBITDA.
      • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Drug Development – U.S.-based CDMO supporting the development and manufacturing of innovative drug products seek to partner with quality-driven, technically strong organizations with a client-first mindset and deep expertise, while continuing to scale and utilize its available capacity for growth.

      Key Investment Criteria:

       

        • Service Offerings of Interest: Device Assembly, Packaging/Labeling Capabilities, Complementary Injectable Drug Manufacturing.
        • Verticals of Interest: Pharmaceutical Therapeutics, Biologics, Peptides, Oligonucleotides, Injectable Drug Products.
        • Geography: United States, Western Europe.
        • Financial Profile: $0-10MM EBITDA.

      INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION & SOFTWARE:

      • Industrial Technology – Reputable investment firm is seeking to build a premier industrial technology platform by partnering with visionary teams to support innovative solutions that drive growth.

      Key Investment Criteria:

       

        • Industry Focus: Industrial technology companies driving efficiency & automation, energy savings, resource utilization. 
        • End Markets: Discrete Industrial Manufacturing.
        • Core Services: Digital Twin​, Planning & Scheduling Software​, Quality Inspection Monitoring​, Scrap & Waste Management​, Track-and-Trace​, Computer-Aided Manufacturing​.
        • Geography: United States.
        • Financial Profile: $2MM+ EBITDA, up to ~$100MM Enterprise Value.
      • Automation and Engineering Services – A premier engineering services provider that services OEMs and system integrators across North America and Europe seeks equity partnerships with select U.S. companies offering industry 4.0 solutions with a strong focus on automation system integration while also prioritizing employee development and operational excellence.

      Key Investment Criteria:

       

        • Offerings of Interest: Automation, System Integration, Engineering Services, Electrical Design, Robotic Automation, PLC Programming, Robot Programming / Integration, Proprietary Software, Line Building, Installation.
        • End Markets Served: Life Sciences / Medical Equipment, Logistics, Aerospace & Defense, General Industry, Automotive. 
        • Geography: United States.
        • Financial Profile: $10MM – $50MM in Revenue, 10%+ EBITDA. 
      • Commercial Restoration ServicesNational property services company seeks partnerships with culturally aligned restoration and remediation providers that share its values, offer complementary capabilities, and prioritize proactive solutions alongside post loss response.

      Key Investment Criteria:

       

        • Service Offerings of Interest: Rebuild, Restoration, Facilities, Post-Loss Reconstruction, Insurance Repairs, Full-Service Restoration, General Construction, Leak Detection.
        • Financial Profile: Flexible
        • Geography: California (high priority), with interest in companies operating nationally.

      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 & Buy-Side Practice Leader, 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

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