Eagle Merchant Partners, a private equity firm located in Atlanta, has recently made headlines with its strategic investment in
ES Integrated (ESI). Founded in 2001, ESI has established itself as a key player in the industrial cleaning and environmental service sectors in the Southeastern United States. The firm specializes in offering comprehensive solutions primarily to industries such as chemicals, manufacturing, energy, pulp and paper, as well as government entities. With its headquarters located in Charleston, South Carolina, ESI has expanded its operations across eight locations, underpinning its growth trajectory over the past two decades.
Jamie Lynch, the CEO of ESI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that the collaboration with Eagle Merchant Partners provides an essential boost to the company’s ongoing development. Lynch stated, “This partnership provides the resources and strategic support to expand our services, invest in our people, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and communities.” The existing leadership team, as per the agreement, will remain intact, ensuring continuity as ESI embarks on this new phase of growth.
The investment aims to not only enhance ESI’s existing service offerings but also to support
geographic expansion and the development of new service lines. Additionally, both parties are looking to identify strategic acquisitions that could strengthen ESI’s hold in the regional marketplace. Brady Sumner, a principal at Eagle Merchant Partners, shared his excitement regarding this collaboration, citing ESI’s strong reputation for operational excellence and its proven track record over the years. He noted the firm’s eagerness to assist ESI in navigating the next chapter of its growth.
This partnership represents Eagle Merchant’s third significant platform investment from its recently raised
Fund II, which totals $415 million. This fund is oriented towards investments in founder-owned, lower middle-market companies located in the Southeastern U.S. ESI is also noted as Eagle’s fifth venture within the commercial services sector, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to supporting promising businesses in this arena.
For context, Founders Advisors acted as financial advisors for ESI, while Butler Snow provided legal counsel. On the other hand, Piper Sandler served as financial advisors to Eagle Merchant Partners, with King Spalding offering legal expertise. The debt financing needed for this strategic transaction was successfully secured through Private Credit at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Eagle Merchant Partners has a clear focus in its investment strategy; it seeks to make control investments in founder-owned companies, particularly within the
franchise, multi-unit, and commercial services sectors—areas it identifies as ripe for scaling and long-term value creation. This investment in ES Integrated is seen as fitting perfectly within the firm’s portfolio strategy, as it aims to empower businesses that align closely with efficient and integrated service models.
The merger of ESI's robust operational standards with Eagle's investment strategies promises to be a game changer not just for the company itself but also bolsters growth prospects in a vital service sector that serves various industries. Industry watchers and stakeholders will be keenly observing how this new partnership unfolds and the innovative approaches it fosters in delivering high-quality, dependable services to its clientele.
For more information about Eagle Merchant Partners, visit their official website at
eaglemerchantpartners.com.