Ridgemont Acquires Environmental Services Firm ENTACT

Ridgemont Equity Partners has finalized its acquisition of ENTACT, LLC, a prominent national provider of environmental remediation and geotechnical construction services. The transaction marks a significant move for Ridgemont within the environmental services sector, an industry experiencing sustained demand driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and corporate sustainability initiatives. While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal signifies a new chapter for ENTACT, which was previously owned by J.F. Lehman & Company.

ENTACT specializes in the safe and efficient execution of complex projects involving soil, sediment, and water remediation, serving both public and private sector clients. The company's robust capabilities and experienced workforce are critical assets in addressing environmental challenges across the United States. This acquisition positions Ridgemont to capitalize on the growing need for specialized environmental solutions, a market segment that benefits from ongoing infrastructure investment and a heightened focus on ecological restoration.

Under the stewardship of J.F. Lehman & Company, which acquired ENTACT in 2020, the company underwent a period of strategic expansion. This included enhancing its organic growth trajectory, broadening its service portfolio, and strengthening its market penetration. Key acquisitions during this period, such as USA Environment and White Lake Dock & Dredge, were instrumental in integrating differentiated capabilities like radiological remediation, environmental dredging, and marine construction, further solidifying ENTACT's comprehensive service offering.

Glenn Shor, who served as Chairman of ENTACT and is a Managing Partner at J.F. Lehman & Company, expressed satisfaction with the investment's outcome. He highlighted the company's enhanced capabilities and market standing achieved during their ownership. Similarly, Will Hanenberg, an ENTACT Director and Partner at J.F. Lehman & Company, emphasized ENTACT's role as a "best-in-class operator" dedicated to restoring impacted sites for productive use, underscoring the company's vital environmental mission.

The environmental services market is projected to see continued growth, fueled by factors such as aging infrastructure requiring remediation, stricter environmental regulations, and a global push towards sustainable practices. Companies like ENTACT, with their specialized expertise, are well-positioned to benefit from these trends. The market for environmental consulting and remediation services in the U.S. is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry, with consistent year-over-year expansion anticipated.

Ridgemont Equity Partners, known for its focus on middle market companies, will likely seek to further leverage ENTACT's established market position and operational strengths. The integration of ENTACT into Ridgemont's portfolio is expected to support continued innovation and service expansion within the environmental remediation and geotechnical construction sectors. Financial advisors Brown Gibbons Lang & Company and AEC Advisors, along with legal counsel A&O Shearman and Blank Rome (for ENTACT management), facilitated the transaction. Harris Williams acted as financial advisor to Ridgemont, with Kirkland & Ellis LLP providing legal counsel.