Superior Environmental Solutions Expands Midwest Operations with Captain Clean Acquisition
Deal News | May 20, 2025 | Palladium Equity Partners LLC
Superior Environmental Solutions (SES), a portfolio company of Palladium Equity Partners, has acquired Captain Clean, expanding its operations in Iowa and the broader Midwest region. The acquisition marks SES's ninth in nine years and the third under Palladium’s ownership. Captain Clean, founded in 1969, provides industrial services such as water blasting and industrial vacuuming, complementing SES’s offerings. SES operates in 65 locations across 14 states with nearly 1,000 employees, serving various key industries. The strategic purchase is aligned with Palladium's commitment to fostering growth in their portfolio companies, particularly within sectors such as agriculture and food processing. The financial specifics of the acquisition were not disclosed, but SES was legally advised by Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL.
Sectors
- Environmental Services
- Industrial Services
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The article focuses on the expansion of SES throughout the Midwest, Southern, and Western regions of the United States as part of its strategic growth.
- Midwest – The acquisition of Captain Clean specifically enhances SES's market presence in the Midwest, with operations rooted in Iowa and Nebraska.
Industry
- Environmental Services – The article discusses Superior Environmental Solutions, a provider of comprehensive environmental services, acquiring Captain Clean to expand their offerings.
- Industrial Services – Both SES and Captain Clean offer industrial services such as water blasting and vacuuming, targeting industries like agriculture and food processing.
- Private Equity – Palladium Equity Partners, a private equity firm, owns SES and supports its acquisition strategy, highlighting the role of private equity in fostering business growth.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition of Captain Clean by SES were not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Environmental Solutions (SES) | Acquirer | Company | A leading provider of environmental and industrial services with a presence in 14 states, now expanding through strategic acquisitions. |
| Captain Clean | Target | Company | An industrial service provider founded in 1969, known for water blasting, industrial vacuuming, and other cleaning solutions. |
| Palladium Equity Partners, LLC | Private Equity Firm | Company | A private equity firm that manages SES and supports its growth through strategic acquisitions and investments. |
| Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services for SES in the acquisition of Captain Clean. |
| John Stevens | Chief Executive Officer of SES | Person | CEO of SES, overseeing strategic direction including acquisitions such as Captain Clean. |
| Scott Kirschner | Principal at Palladium Equity Partners | Person | Principal at Palladium who commented on the strategic alignment with SES's acquisition activities. |
| Daniel Ilundain | President at Palladium Equity Partners | Person | President at Palladium, emphasizing firm’s commitment to growth and value creation. |
| Robert, Carol, and Larry Lehman | Management of Captain Clean | People | Representatives from Captain Clean who emphasized the strategic benefits of joining SES. |