May River Capital Announces Successful Acquisition of Dickson by Copeland

May River Capital Completes Sale of Dickson to Copeland

In a significant development within the investment landscape, May River Capital announced the acquisition of its portfolio company, Dickson, by Copeland, a subsidiary of Blackstone, on September 23, 2026. This acquisition marks a strategic milestone for Dickson, a leader in environmental monitoring solutions, as it transitions to align with Copeland's global capabilities in compression technologies and control solutions.

A Transformative Journey

May River Capital initially acquired Dickson in April 2018, when it was a relatively modest family-owned business operating from a single location. Under the stewardship of May River, Dickson underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a comprehensive environmental monitoring platform that now serves customers across more than 50 countries. With operations based in Addison, Illinois, Montpellier, France, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dickson has successfully expanded its reach and product capabilities.

Over the years, the management team, along with May River Capital, has invested significantly in enhancing Dickson’s commercial capabilities. The focus has been on next-generation sensing technologies and cloud-based monitoring solutions, ensuring the company is well-prepared to address the stringent requirements of life sciences and pharmaceutical clients.

Enhancing Global Presence

The acquisition of Oceasoft, a publicly traded environmental monitoring entity in France, further broadened Dickson’s technology portfolio and international presence. The integration of these capabilities has positioned Dickson as a global leader in environmental monitoring solutions, capable of meeting the complex needs of customers across various regulated markets.

Rick Weiler, President and CEO of Dickson, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, _“With May River's support, we have invested in our people and expanded our product and technology capabilities, enhancing Dickson's ability to support the critical environmental monitoring needs of life sciences customers around the world. Joining Copeland marks an exciting next chapter for Dickson, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead within its broader global platform.”_

Strategic Partnership and Future Growth

Steve Griesemer, Partner at May River Capital, praised the collaboration with Dickson’s team, attributing its strength and stature in the industry to their dedication and leadership. He remarked, _“Through our partnership with management, we have transformed Dickson into a global leader in its industry and positioned it for further growth. We believe Copeland is an ideal partner for Dickson's next chapter and will help the Company extend its capabilities to an even broader customer base.”_

This acquisition not only reflects the resilience and potential of Dickson but also highlights May River Capital’s strategic vision in nurturing and growing its portfolio companies. The transition to Copeland is expected to enhance Dickson's operational capabilities, leveraging Copeland’s extensive resources and global network.

The Role of Financial Advisors

In navigating the acquisition process, May River Capital enlisted the expertise of Houlihan Lokey, which served as the lead financial advisor, with William Blair & Company L.L.C. supporting as co-financial advisor. The legal counsel for both May River and Dickson during the transaction was provided by Paul Hastings LLP, ensuring a smooth transition and compliance with necessary regulations.

About May River Capital

May River Capital, based in Chicago, is a private equity firm dedicated to investing in lower middle-market industrial growth companies. The firm specializes in high-quality industrial businesses spanning advanced manufacturing, engineered products, and specialized industrial services. For more details, you can visit their official site at www.mayrivercapital.com.

About Dickson

Founded in 1923 and located in Addison, Illinois, Dickson is renowned for its comprehensive environmental monitoring solutions, which include software, connected devices, sensors, and services tailored for regulated applications. The company has a committed focus on sectors such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and medical device markets, serving a diverse clientele worldwide. For more information, explore www.dicksondata.com.