Owen Companies Announces John Gerber as New CEO as Founder Earl Rose Retires
Portfolio - People | Jan 29, 2025 | Wynnchurch Capital
Owen Companies, a leading specialty equipment provider in the U.S., announced a major leadership change with the retirement of its founder and CEO, Earl Rose. John Gerber, former CEO of Midland Industries, will assume the role of CEO while Rose transitions to the Board of Directors. Owen Companies, a Wynnchurch Capital portfolio company, has a robust product and service offering with equipment for critical infrastructure and environmental solutions. The company services municipal, utility, and commercial sectors and operates through its brands Owen Equipment, Cal-Line Equipment, Blaze Equipment, and Reliance Truck and Equipment. Wynnchurch Capital, with $9.2 billion in assets under management, focuses on investing in middle-market companies in the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing significant growth and profit improvement.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Infrastructure and Environmental Equipment
Geography
- United States – Owen Companies operates across the United States, serving various customers with its specialty equipment and services.
- Canada – Wynnchurch Capital, the private equity firm involved, has operational activities and investments both in the U.S. and Canada.
Industry
- Private Equity – The article involves Wynnchurch Capital, a private equity firm, and discusses its strategic involvement with Owen Companies.
- Infrastructure and Environmental Equipment – Owen Companies operates within the infrastructure and environmental equipment industry, offering specialized products and services to municipal, utility, and commercial sectors.
Financials
- $9.2 billion – Assets under management by Wynnchurch Capital.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owen Companies | Target Company | Company | A leading provider of critical infrastructure and environmental equipment in the United States, and a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital. |
| Wynnchurch Capital | Private Equity Firm | Company | A middle-market private equity firm managing significant assets and involved in the acquisition of Owen Companies. |
| Earl Rose | Former CEO, Board Member | Person | Founder of Owen Companies who is retiring from the CEO position to join the Board of Directors. |
| John Gerber | Incoming CEO | Person | Appointed as the new CEO of Owen Companies, succeeding Earl Rose. |