Watermill Group Completes Sale of Cooper Turner Beck to Waterland Private Equity
On March 3, 2026, the Watermill Group, a private investment firm renowned for its strategic approaches, proudly announced the completion of the sale of Cooper Turner Beck (CTB) to Waterland Private Equity, a leading European private equity firm devoted to enhancing industrial businesses. This strategic transition signals a significant milestone for CTB, which has established itself as a prominent figure in the realm of safety-critical fastening solutions within various demanding sectors, including energy and construction.
Under the stewardship of the Watermill Group, CTB experienced remarkable growth and transformation. The company expanded its operations significantly, moving from three to eight countries and establishing a total of 21 facilities around the globe. Over this period, CTB not only broadened its workforce but also climbed to the top position as a supplier of safety-critical fastening systems in the global energy industry. Such impressive growth and the company’s strong market reputation garnered interest from multiple potential buyers.
Anthony Brown, the CEO of Cooper Turner Beck, expressed pride in the achievements made during Watermill Group's stewardship, stating, “Together with Watermill Group, we have concentrated our strategy on serving the total energy market through our organic developments and acquisitions. This approach resulted in us expanding our customer base, product portfolio, and global footprint.” His remarks emphasize the dedication of the CTB team and their strategic focus, which led to increased profitability and overall growth.
The partnership between Watermill Group and CTB was characterized by a commitment to quality and innovation. Steven Karol, Managing Partner at Watermill Group, highlighted this relationship, noting, “We’re incredibly proud of the growth of Cooper Turner Beck during its tenure as part of the Watermill Group portfolio. This has been a true partnership, and we look forward to witnessing the company’s continued success.”
The sale comes as part of Watermill Group's broader strategy geared towards long-term growth and sustainability. By effectively executing this transaction, Watermill reinforces its longstanding history of transforming and scaling industry-leading firms. It is a reflection of Watermill's ability to recognize potential in businesses and support their path to greater achievements.
Advisory services for this management transaction were provided by Baird, while Jasso Lopez and CMS acted as legal advisors on the sell-side. This successful negotiation marks another chapter in Watermill's journey, reinforcing its reputation as a pivotal player in private investments focused on driving strategic transformations.
As CTB embarks on this new chapter under Waterland Private Equity’s leadership, industry observers and stakeholders look forward to seeing how this evolution will further enhance CTB's capabilities and market reach.
About Watermill Group
The Watermill Group is dedicated to fostering the growth and transformation of businesses through strategic investment and operational management. With a distinguished history spanning over 40 years, Watermill focuses on identifying avenues for improvement and innovation within its portfolio, ensuring companies realize their full potential. For more details on their transformative approach, visit their official website at
www.watermill.com.