May River Capital Completes the Acquisition of Dickson by Copeland

On September 23, 2026, May River Capital announced the successful acquisition of Dickson by Copeland, a company in the Blackstone portfolio. This strategic move emphasizes Copeland's commitment to expanding its foothold in the global market, as Dickson brings a solid reputation in environmental monitoring technology.

Transformative Journey of Dickson

May River Capital acquired Dickson in April 2018. At that time, Dickson was a family-owned business operating from a single location. Over the past several years, under the guidance and expertise of May River’s management, Dickson has evolved into a global platform dedicated to environmental monitoring. Today, it services clients in over 50 countries from its operational bases in Addison (Illinois), Montpellier (France), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

The leadership team has made significant commercial enhancements, invested in next-generation detection solutions, and leveraged cloud-based monitoring systems to better serve highly regulated sectors such as life sciences and pharmaceuticals. A notable factor in their expansion was the strategic acquisition of Oceasoft, a French company specializing in environmental monitoring, which broadened Dickson's technological offerings and international reach.

Strategic Insights from Leadership

Rick Weiler, the CEO of Dickson, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter under Copeland. He mentioned, “With the support from May River, we have invested in our workforce and expanded our product capabilities and technologies, thereby enhancing our ability to meet critical environmental monitoring needs worldwide.” He believes that joining Copeland opens doors to new growth opportunities and will further advance Dickson's mission within a broader global platform.

Steve Griesemer, a partner at May River Capital, praised the partnership between Dickson's management and May River. He stated, “Rick and the Dickson team have been exceptional partners. The strength of the company today is a testament to their leadership and dedication. We have worked together to position Dickson as a leader in its field, paving the way for sustainable growth.” He believes that Copeland will be an excellent partner for Dickson as it embarks on this significant new phase in its business journey.

Financial and Legal Framework

Houlihan Lokey served as the principal financial advisor throughout this transaction, with William Blair & Company L.L.C. acting as a co-financial advisor to May River and Dickson. The legal advisement was provided by Paul Hastings LLP, ensuring a smooth transition during this acquisition phase.

About May River Capital

Based in Chicago, May River Capital focuses on investing in growing, high-quality industrial companies within the lower middle market. The firm has a keen interest in sectors like advanced manufacturing, technical products, and instrumentation, coupled with specialized industrial services and enhanced value-added distribution. Their strategy aims to identify and strengthen robust companies positioned for long-term success.

For more information about May River Capital, visit their website.

About Dickson

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Addison, Illinois, Dickson specializes in environmental monitoring solutions. They provide software, connected monitoring devices, sensors, and services that cater to regulated applications. With clients in over 50 countries, Dickson focuses on sectors such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and medical devices, all requiring stringent regulatory compliance.

More information about Dickson is available at Dickson Data.