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GRYPHON INVESTORS TO SELL HEPACO TO CLEAN HARBORS FOR $400 MILLION

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Gryphon Investors has agreed to sell HEPACO, LLC to Clean Harbors Inc. for $400 million. HEPACO is a trusted provider of emergency response and scheduled environmental services with clients in various industries. The sale is subject to customary closing conditions and marks the end of Gryphon's successful partnership with HEPACO, during which revenue and EBITDA tripled.
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The acquisition of HEPACO by Clean Harbors represents a significant consolidation within the environmental services sector, a space that is seeing increased demand due to heightened environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainability. From a market perspective, this move is likely to strengthen Clean Harbors' market position in the Eastern United States, potentially leading to increased market share and service diversification.

Given the transaction value of $400 million and the mention of HEPACO tripling its revenue and EBITDA under Gryphon's ownership, it suggests a robust financial health and growth trajectory for HEPACO that Clean Harbors could leverage. For stakeholders, the short-term implications may include integration costs and potential market reaction to the acquisition price. Long-term benefits could be realized through economies of scale, cross-selling opportunities and expanded service offerings.

Analyzing the financial implications, the acquisition's price tag of $400 million needs to be assessed against the backdrop of HEPACO's financial performance. The tripling of revenue and EBITDA is a strong indicator of HEPACO's profitability and operational efficiency, which could be accretive to Clean Harbors' earnings. Investors will scrutinize the deal's impact on Clean Harbors' balance sheet, cash flow and potential for earnings growth. The strategic nature of the acquisition, focusing on geographical and service expansion, suggests a calculated move to enhance shareholder value over time.

It is also important to consider the financing of the acquisition, as it could affect Clean Harbors' leverage and liquidity. The company's approach to integrating HEPACO's operations and realizing synergies will be critical in determining the financial success of this transaction.

The environmental and industrial services industry is increasingly competitive, with a focus on comprehensive service offerings and rapid response capabilities. HEPACO's emergency response services and environmental remediation are essential for industries such as transportation, utilities and energy, which are under constant scrutiny for environmental compliance.

The acquisition by Clean Harbors, a company with a broad range of environmental services, could enhance the combined entity's ability to offer a one-stop solution for clients. This could lead to stronger client relationships and an improved competitive edge. The mention of HEPACO's expansion through seven add-on acquisitions under Gryphon's ownership highlights a successful strategy of growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions, a trend that is common in the industry to quickly gain new capabilities and regional presence.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gryphon Investors ("Gryphon"), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has signed an agreement to sell HEPACO, LLC ("HEPACO" or "the Company") to Clean Harbors Inc. ("Clean Harbors") (NYSE: CLH), a leading provider of environmental and industrial services, in a transaction valued at $400 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Gryphon initially invested in the Company in August 2016 and completed seven add-on acquisitions during its ownership. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, HEPACO is a trusted provider of emergency response and scheduled environmental services. HEPACO's offerings include critical emergency response, field and industrial services, and environmental remediation. The Company's clients stem from a variety of industries, including transportation, utilities, and energy. HEPACO operates out of 40+ service centers throughout the Eastern United States, with approximately 1,000 employees.

Alex Earls, Partner and Head of Gryphon's Business Services Group, said, "We have greatly enjoyed partnering with HEPACO management to build a premier company in the environmental and emergency services industry while more than tripling revenue and EBITDA. We are confident that Clean Harbors will be an excellent home for HEPACO, and we believe that Clean Harbors will accelerate HEPACO's ongoing growth initiatives."

HEPACO CEO Robb Schreck commented, "Gryphon's value-added support throughout our partnership helped us drive above-market growth and significantly expand our service offerings. HEPACO management looks forward to working with Clean Harbors to continue driving growth and executing on our mission-critical environmental service work."

Phil Petrocelli, Gryphon Business Services Operating Partner, added, "Through organic operational initiatives and several highly strategic add-ons, HEPACO has significantly expanded its geographical reach, increased service area density, and diversified its offerings, emerging as a leading environmental service provider in the Eastern United States. We are proud of our accomplishments throughout our partnership with the HEPACO team and wish them much continued success." 

Piper Sandler Companies and Houlihan Lokey, Inc. served as financial advisors to HEPACO, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Moore & Van Allen PLLC acted as legal advisors to the Company.

About HEPACO
HEPACO (www.hepaco.com) is a leading environmental and emergency services company in the Eastern United States with coverage across 40+ regional locations. The Company specializes in emergency response, remediation, and industrial and marine. HEPACO services a multitude of industries including transportation, utilities, energy, environmental consultants, industrial facilities, terminals, environmental service companies, general contractors, property owners, and the public sector.

About Gryphon Investors
Gryphon Investors (www.gryphoninvestors.com) is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on profitably-growing and competitively-advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, and Software sectors. With approximately $9 billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon's highly-differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertises. Gryphon's three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $350 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon's targeted investment sectors.

Contact:
Lambert
Caroline Luz
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cluz@lambert.com
or
Jennifer Hurson
845-507-0571
jhurson@lambert.com

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gryphon-investors-to-sell-hepaco-to-clean-harbors-for-400-million-302055211.html

SOURCE Gryphon Investors

FAQ

Who is acquiring HEPACO, LLC?

Clean Harbors Inc. (NYSE: CLH)

What is the value of the transaction?

$400 million

Where is HEPACO headquartered?

Charlotte, NC

What services does HEPACO provide?

Emergency response, field and industrial services, and environmental remediation

How many employees does HEPACO have?

Approximately 1,000

Who served as financial advisors to HEPACO?

Piper Sandler Companies and Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

Who served as legal advisors to HEPACO?

Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Moore & Van Allen PLLC

Clean Harbors, Inc

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