Acquisitions in Mississippi in 2020

Specialty Welding and Turnarounds (SWAT), a PE-backed provider of turnaround and specialty welding services, has acquired Hydroprocessing Associates (HPA), a Moss Point, Mississippi-based specialist in catalyst handling and reactor maintenance, including HPA's Breathing Systems Inc. subsidiary. The deal is SWAT's first add-on since its January 2020 investment by ORIX Capital Partners and Hastings Equity Partners and expands SWAT's service offering into catalyst handling and NIOSH-approved life-support system manufacturing and maintenance.

Imperial Dade has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jackson Newell Paper Company, a Meridian, Mississippi-based distributor of janitorial and paper supplies. The acquisition expands Imperial Dade’s Southeast footprint and provides a foothold in the Mississippi market as the company continues its national growth strategy; financial terms were not disclosed.

Integrated Power Services (IPS) has acquired Industrial Electric Motor Works, Inc., a Meridian, Mississippi-based full-service electric motor and generator service company. The acquisition expands IPS’s service footprint and distribution capabilities in the Southeastern United States; Industrial Electric’s founder Tom McDaniel and his sons will join IPS to support integration.

The Dorman Group of Companies, in partnership with Merit Capital Partners and John‑Richard CEO Alan Galbraith, acquired John‑Richard Collection, Inc. from founder Alex Malouf and the Malouf family in a transaction completed in October 2020. John‑Richard, headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, is a designer and manufacturer of high‑end home furnishings (furniture, lighting, mirrors, botanicals and accessories); Merit provided subordinated debt and equity to support the acquisition.

Hub International Limited acquired the insurance brokerage assets of Larry Dean Massey, Jr., expanding Hub’s presence in North Mississippi and adding specialty insurance capabilities serving construction, hospitality and oil & gas clients. Massey’s operations, with legacy ties to Memphis and now based in Oxford, Mississippi, will join Hub Gulf South and report to regional leadership; terms were not disclosed.

Linden Capital Partners, a Chicago-based healthcare private equity firm, announced a majority investment in Vital Care, Inc., the Meridian, Mississippi franchisor of home infusion services. The transaction was completed alongside current shareholders (the Bell family) and management, with Linden positioning to support growth of the franchise system through healthcare-focused operating expertise and capital.

FFL Partners and Chicago-based The Thurston Group have invested to form U.S. Orthopedic Partners (USOP), a full-service orthopedic platform built around Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center (MSMOC). The investment will support USOP’s growth as an MSO and integrated provider network across the Southeastern United States through acquisitions of complementary physician practices; financial terms were not disclosed.

Waterlogic Americas has acquired Elite Water & Coffee, a Jackson, Mississippi-based dealer of bottleless water coolers, ice machines and coffee equipment owned by Greg Pollack since 2008. The deal expands Waterlogic Americas' commercial products dealer footprint into Mississippi and bolsters the company's national presence as part of its ongoing acquisition strategy.

Hilco Vision, a portfolio company of Windjammer Capital Investors, has acquired Suppleyes, an ophthalmic supplies distributor based in Madison, Mississippi. Suppleyes will be integrated into Hilco’s ophthalmic supplies subsidiary Eye Care and Cure to broaden Hilco’s product portfolio and national distribution for eye care professionals; terms were not disclosed.

Jones Capital's portfolio company Jones Logistics has acquired Volume Freight, a family-owned logistics and transport company based in Columbus, Mississippi. The deal is the first add-on for Jones Logistics and brings approximately 80 employees to the platform as Jones looks to expand its service offering and technology capabilities in transportation and freight brokerage.