Acquisitions in Missouri in 2023

Elevator Service LLC (ESI), a Grand Rapids-based elevator service platform backed by Carroll Capital, has acquired Allrise Elevator Company, an independent elevator service provider in the Greater St. Louis market. The transaction is an add-on acquisition that will keep Allrise's branding and team intact while expanding ESI's Midwest footprint and service, modernization, and new construction capabilities in St. Louis and Mid‑Missouri.

Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) has acquired Hawthorn River, a St. Louis-based provider of a single-platform loan origination system (LOS), to add purpose-built lending capabilities to CSI’s end-to-end banking software platform. The deal follows a prior commercial partnership and is intended to strengthen CSI’s loan origination functionality for community and regional banks while enabling distribution to non-CSI banks via channel partnerships and API integrations.

Audax Private Equity has made a growth investment in Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, a St. Louis-based tire retailer and automotive aftermarket service provider with 43 stores and more than 650 employees across Missouri and Illinois. Audax will support Dobbs' organic growth as well as greenfield expansion and M&A as part of a buy-and-build strategy; terms were not disclosed.

Pritzker Private Capital has acquired HeartLand, a Kansas City–headquartered commercial landscaping platform, from Sterling Investment Partners. The investment, made alongside HeartLand founder Ed Schatz and members of management, will support the company's continued geographic and service expansion across the United States.

TruArc Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, has invested in Watchtower Security, a St. Louis‑area provider of managed video surveillance and asset protection solutions for the multi‑family housing industry. Terms were not disclosed; TruArc cited Watchtower's recurring, proprietary platform and service model as strategic fits for its portfolio.

HCAP Partners has made a growth equity investment in Simplified E‑Solutions (SES), a Hazelwood, Missouri–based zero waste to landfill material processing and management company; Champlain Capital led the transaction. The capital will be used to accelerate SES’s growth, expand its zero‑waste services to new geographies and customers, and support job creation and operations expansion; terms were not disclosed.

Onward Capital and Merit Capital Partners acquired PFI InStore, a St. Louis–area designer and manufacturer of retail point-of-purchase displays and store fixtures. The transaction transfers ownership from a group of prior financial sponsors and positions PFI for operational enhancements, continued acquisitions, and expansion into new end markets.

Invaio Sciences has acquired Peptyde Bio, a Danforth Technology Company spinout that discovers and designs antimicrobial peptides for crop protection. The deal brings Peptyde Bio’s peptide discovery platform and IP into Invaio’s AI-enabled discovery engine and biological delivery systems to accelerate nature-positive crop protection solutions.

SEI Group LLC, a Quad-C Management-backed installer of insulation and building products, acquired the assets of G5 Enterprises Inc., a Nixa, Missouri-based installer operating nine branches across Missouri and Arkansas. The add-on expands SEI's geographic footprint into the Midwest and South Central U.S.; financial terms were not disclosed.

Revival Animal Health, a portfolio company of Incline Equity Partners, has acquired Creative Science, a St. Louis–based supplier of pet and veterinary health products. The deal expands Revival’s product and service offerings to veterinary professionals, breeders and shelters and represents an add-on acquisition to Revival’s platform.

Truelink Capital has acquired Ansira, a global marketing technology and services company known for its channel, website and advertising platforms. The acquisition provides Truelink a platform to accelerate Ansira's growth, expand its proprietary tech and services offerings, and pursue future strategic acquisitions.

Ed Morse Automotive Group has acquired Thomas Motors in Moberly, Missouri from owner Don Thomas; the location will be rebranded as Ed Morse Chevrolet Buick GMC. The acquisition adds roughly 20 employees, marks the company's 100th franchise and expands Ed Morse's presence in Missouri to nine dealerships (48 locations overall).

Rainier Partners and its portfolio company SCI Flooring have acquired United Carpet, a full-service floor covering provider headquartered in Hazelwood, Missouri. The transaction is an add-on to SCI's flooring platform to expand geographic coverage and scale operations across the Midwest, particularly in the St. Louis and Chicago markets, and to strengthen the firm's multi-family, commercial, and residential installation capabilities.

Accenture has acquired Ocelot Consulting, a St. Louis-based cloud consultancy that specializes in full-stack development, data engineering, data science and cloud modernization. The roughly 100-person Ocelot team will join Accenture’s Cloud First/AWS Business Group to expand Accenture’s AWS engineering and data capabilities in the U.S. Midwest; financial terms were not disclosed.

Investment funds managed by KKR have acquired Potter Global Technologies, a St. Louis–headquartered designer and manufacturer of fire and life safety and emergency communication equipment, from Gryphon Investors. KKR said it will support Potter’s growth organically and through add-on acquisitions and implement a broad-based employee ownership program; financial terms were not disclosed.

Spectrum Science has acquired healthcare advertising agency CrowdPharm and partner consultancy Hot Iron Health to establish a new advertising and consulting pillar and expand its promotional engagement capabilities. The deal — Spectrum's first since completing a strategic partnership with PE firm Knox Lane — brings CrowdPharm's global talent network and HIH's strategic advisory capabilities into Spectrum's integrated healthcare marketing platform; financial terms were not disclosed.

Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced it will acquire Youngblood RV in Springfield, Missouri, with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. The acquisition adds 16 service bays and manufacturer lines (Grand Design and Forest River) and increases Camping World's Missouri dealership count to six as part of its broader store expansion plan.

Engagedly, an AI-powered talent management software provider, has acquired theEMPLOYEEapp, a mobile-first employee communication platform for deskless workers. Westgard Capital partnered with management (with Kenneth Chan joining the board) to support the combined company's next stage of growth and expansion of deskless workforce capabilities.

Mongo Holdings, through its subsidiary Taylor Mercantile, in partnership with Atlanta-based private equity firm Keel Funds, acquired Kings River Marina in Shell Knob, Missouri. The buyers plan immediate capacity and amenity improvements — including new covered wet dock construction, additional boat lifts, and an expanded rental fleet — as part of Keel Funds' continuing marina roll-up strategy.

DXP Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXPE) has completed the acquisition of Alliance Pump & Mechanical Service, Inc., a municipal and industrial pump sales, service, and repair company based in Independence, Missouri. The transaction, funded with cash on DXP's balance sheet, expands DXP's North Central regional footprint and enhances its pump repair capabilities and end-market mix.

Investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, with co-investors including the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO) and Northwestern Mutual, have acquired MMGY Global from Peninsula Capital Partners LLC and other shareholders. MMGY Global’s management team will remain in place under CEO Katie Briscoe as the company pursues a global growth strategy; the firm has more than 600 employees across 14 offices.

Island Pump and Tank, a portfolio company of Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, has acquired Mid-South Steel Products Inc., expanding Island Pump’s service footprint into the U.S. Mid-West. The deal brings Mid-South’s manufacturing, installation, and distribution capabilities for petroleum equipment into Island Pump’s platform; financing was provided by Capital Southwest Corporation and the company’s owner, Sonny Underwood, will remain involved.

Quext has acquired Homebase, a smart building technology platform for multifamily communities, to combine connectivity, managed WiFi and IoT capabilities into a unified offering for apartment operators. Homebase's CEO Blake Miller joins Quext as Chief Product Officer as the two platforms continue to operate independently while working toward a single user experience.

Providence Equity Partners has made a strategic minority investment in Populous Holdings, a global architectural and design firm specializing in sports and entertainment venues. The capital will support Populous’ continued growth, expansion of service offerings and geographic reach while existing leadership, including Founder and Global Chair Earl Santee, remains in place.

EAG Advertising & Marketing, a Kansas City-based marketing advisory and creative agency, has acquired Useagility, a design research and strategy firm focused on human-centered interfaces and user experience. The acquisition brings Useagility’s customer research and UX capabilities into EAG to expand client offerings and improve customer insights and conversion-focused design services.

Headlands Research has acquired Clinical Research Professionals, a St. Louis–area clinical research site, expanding Headlands' network and geographic reach. The acquisition adds experienced investigators and capabilities across therapeutic areas including gastroenterology, neurology, and vaccines, supporting increased participant recruitment and trial capacity.

Inszone Insurance Services has acquired DeVoy Insurance Group, a community-focused insurance agency based in Brookfield, Missouri. The deal expands Inszone's Missouri footprint and brings DeVoy's local client relationships and capabilities into Inszone's national brokerage platform.

Butler National Corporation acquired KC Machine, a precision machine shop located near Kansas City, to add in‑house fabrication, repair and prototyping capabilities that support its aircraft modification and MRO operations. KC Machine — ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR‑compliant and a supplier to defense and diverse industrial customers — will continue operating under its existing name and culture, with former CEO Keith Diebold supporting the transition.

American Products LLC (Amprod), a Koch Enterprises portfolio company, acquired Watson Metal Masters Inc., a Springfield, Missouri-based manufacturer of stainless-steel tanks and ASME pressure vessels. The acquisition positions Amprod to expand its engineered metal fabrication and tank manufacturing capabilities across end markets including chemical, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical industries; terms were not disclosed.

Neovera, a managed cybersecurity and IT services provider (and portfolio company of 424 Capital), acquired Kansas City-based 10-D Security and its sister firm AppliedCS. The deal bolsters Neovera’s cybersecurity, risk management and compliance capabilities—particularly for financial institutions—and represents an add-on acquisition to expand its service offerings.

Brightstar Capital Partners has acquired Douglas Products and Packaging Company, LLC, a Liberty, Missouri-based specialty manufacturer and marketer of fumigants and pest-control products (brands include ProFume and Vikane). Terms were not disclosed; the seller was Altamont Capital Partners and Brightstar said it will partner with CEO Wes Long and management to pursue organic growth and acquisitions.

O2B Kids, part of O2B Early Education, has acquired Bright Start Academy’s six preschool locations across St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri. The deal expands O2B’s footprint into its fifth state, bringing the operator to a total of 57 preschools; the acquired centers will be rebranded, renovated and transitioned to O2B’s FD Education curriculum.

Denver-based private equity firm Crest Rock Partners has made a control investment in Midwest Alloys & Technology, Inc. and Midalloy Specialty Materials, LLC (together, Midalloy). The investment will provide capital and operating support to help the supplier of specialty alloy welding consumables and bar/wire rod products expand capabilities and execute its strategic growth plan while the founders remain invested.

IP Pathways, a Midwest technology solutions provider headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, has acquired Netsolus, a Kansas City-based data center and managed services provider. The acquisition expands IP Pathways' presence and service capabilities in the Kansas City region while retaining Netsolus CEO Bryan Ballard to assist with integration.

Tuthill Corporation, a privately held industrial manufacturer based in Burr Ridge, Illinois, has entered into an agreement to acquire EaglePicher Technologies, a U.S. maker of mission-critical defense- and aerospace-grade batteries and energetic devices. The transaction — expected to close in 2023 pending regulatory approvals — brings EaglePicher's ~850–900 employees and multiple U.S. manufacturing sites into Tuthill's portfolio to expand its capabilities and presence in defense, space and aviation markets.

Hub International Limited acquired the assets of Dieffenbach Benefits Group LLC, which does business as F.A.R.E. Healthcare, a St. Louis-based provider of group benefit packages, life insurance and employee healthcare. The F.A.R.E. Healthcare principals and team will join Hub Mid‑America and establish Hub’s first official office in St. Louis, expanding Hub’s employee benefits capabilities and geographic footprint. Terms were not disclosed.

Martinus North America, Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Bottom Line Company LLC, a Lee's Summit, Missouri-based railroad contractor. The business will operate as Martinus Bottom Line and immediately service Class 1, shortline and industrial markets as part of Martinus' North American expansion; roughly 200 Bottom Line employees will join the Martinus group.

The Premier Group LLC has acquired Standard Iron and Steel Company of Joplin, Missouri from long-time owner Jay Rosenberg. IAG M&A Advisors represented Rosenberg in a confidential sale process that took roughly 2 years and 4 months to complete as the founder sought a successor and exit.

The Walker Agency has acquired Monarch Title, a multi-location title insurance and settlement services firm based in Columbia, Missouri. The acquisition expands The Walker Agency’s service offering by adding title and closing services to its existing employee benefits, Medicare, long-term care, life insurance and financial services capabilities.

Zurich Holding Company of America, through its Zurich Resilience Solutions division, has acquired cyber counterintelligence firm SpearTip. The acquisition bolsters Zurich's cyber risk mitigation and response capabilities by adding SpearTip's managed detection and response, incident response/digital forensics, and advisory services to Zurich Resilience Solutions' cyber offerings.

TopSide Marinas, a Texas-based marina operator, acquired two Table Rock Lake properties — Cape Fair Marina and Hideaway Marina — from owner Scott Raridon Sr. The two marinas (combined ~450 wet slips and a 20-boat rental fleet) are TopSide's first properties in Missouri and expand its portfolio into the Ozarks vacation market.

Plano-based managed service provider The 20 MSP has acquired Inerva Technology Advisors, a Saint Louis-based IT firm and member of The 20 MSP Group. The acquisition strengthens The 20's national footprint and bolsters its capabilities in the healthcare vertical; Pinecrest Capital Partners served as The 20's financial advisor.

Marathon Health announced the acquisition of Cerner Workforce Health Solutions (WHS), a group of onsite and near‑site employer health clinics; the transaction closed on August 1, 2023. The deal adds roughly 300 ambassadors, 35 health centers, 21 clients and 300,000 members across 15 states, expanding Marathon’s geographic footprint and adding occupational health and onsite pharmacy capabilities.

Mangrove Equity Partners announced a platform investment in Wear-Concepts, Inc., a Liberty, Missouri-based designer and manufacturer of wear, abrasion and corrosion resistant materials and related installation services for heavy industrial customers. The partnership will support Wear-Concepts' plans to expand sales and marketing, bolster field services, grow into adjacent end markets and pursue add-on acquisitions.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquired Pyrotech, a St. Louis-based fire suppression, extinguisher and life-safety equipment provider, expanding Pye-Barker’s footprint into Missouri and Illinois and bringing the platform to 163 branches. The Pyrotech team and technicians will continue servicing customers in the greater St. Louis area as Pye-Barker pursues further geographic expansion through add-on acquisitions.

Incline Equity Partners has acquired GME Supply Co., an omni-channel distributor of fall protection, PPE, rigging and workwear headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. The seller was Platte River Equity; Incline said it will leverage supplier partnerships and strategic M&A to expand product categories, enter adjacent end markets and improve GME's operations and go-to-market capabilities.

Capsa Healthcare, a portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, has acquired MASS Medical Storage, a Kansas City-based designer and manufacturer of medical storage cabinets and endoscope drying/storing carts. The acquisition expands Capsa’s acute care product offering and addressable market by adding complementary endoscope and procedural storage solutions, supporting Capsa’s continued roll-up strategy under LLCP ownership.

GrayMatter, a portfolio company of Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners, has acquired Automation & Control Concepts (ACC), a St. Louis-based systems integrator. The add-on strengthens GrayMatter's industrial intelligence platform by adding ACC's engineering capabilities in industrial controls, MES data collection and HMI/SCADA design and expands its presence in food & beverage and manufacturing end markets.

IT Solutions Consulting, a Philadelphia-area managed service provider, has acquired Umbrella Managed Systems, a Kansas City-based MSP known for IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions and healthcare sector expertise. The deal expands IT Solutions' geographic footprint and enhances its capabilities in healthcare IT and managed security services; financial terms were not disclosed.

Cox Communications agreed to acquire the remaining ownership stake in Unite Private Networks (UPN) from Ridgemont Equity Partners, completing the deal in July 2023. UPN will be combined with Cox-owned Segra to form a new standalone commercial fiber company that expands Cox's fiber footprint and commercial services for enterprise, education and government customers.