[REPLAY] Ironclad Environmental Services – Chris and Rob Michalik (Kinderhook Industries), (PE Deals, S3E8)
Nov 11, 2024
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In this insightful discussion, Chris Michalik, co-founder of Kinderhook Industries, and his twin brother Rob delve into their investment in Ironclad Environmental Services, a leader in industrial waste management. They explore intricate strategies of due diligence and negotiations in the environmental services sector, highlighting key acquisition tactics. The brothers also discuss the critical role middle-market businesses play in private equity and share their vision for Ironclad's future growth as a dedicated environmental solutions provider amidst evolving industrial demand.
Kinderhook Industries focuses on long-term partnerships with management teams in middle-market businesses to drive strategic growth and value creation.
The acquisition of Ironclad Environmental Services showcases Kinderhook's strategy to enhance operational practices and capitalize on stable demand for waste management solutions.
Deep dives
The Role and Impact of Middle Market Businesses
Middle market businesses are crucial to the U.S. economy, representing a significant segment of employment and private equity deal value. Approximately 200,000 businesses generate annual revenues between $25 million and $1 billion and collectively employ around 50 million people, accounting for nearly a third of the workforce. These middle market firms play a vital role in private equity, even as larger deals dominate the headlines. Their operations, often characterized by potential for growth and transition, provide fertile ground for private equity investments aimed at catalyzing expansion.
Kinderhook Industries adopts a focused approach in private equity, concentrating on healthcare services, environmental services, and industrial sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term partnerships with management teams, seeking businesses with growth potential that are often off the beaten path, such as family-owned operations or those in transition. By acquiring controlling stakes, Kinderhook enables these businesses to leverage their expertise and capital for strategic growth. This investment philosophy prioritizes aligning interests for sustained value creation rather than merely chasing the highest purchase price.
Ironclad Environmental Services: A Strategic Acquisition
Ironclad Environmental Services specializes in managing industrial waste, a necessary service for various sectors including petrochemical and construction. Through a collaborative effort, Kinderhook identified and negotiated the acquisition of this business, which was deemed to have an attractive position in the market despite its past underperformance. The firm recognized opportunities to enhance pricing strategies and asset utilization, driving the company's growth through improved operational practices. This strategy capitalizes on the stable demand for waste services, allowing the company to thrive in both recessionary and inflationary environments.
Future Growth and Strategic Outlook
Looking ahead, Kinderhook plans to continue driving growth for Ironclad by capitalizing on the increasing demand for environmental services, underpinned by government initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act. The firm has already achieved significant early success, including doubling down on acquisitions that enhance market presence and operational efficiencies. Kinderhook aims to leverage its strong client relationships and expand the combined business's market share further. With a growth-oriented mindset and robust financial backing, the firm is positioned to maximize value creation over a shorter investment horizon compared to traditional private equity timelines.
On episode eight of season three of Private Equity Deals, Chris and Rob Michalik discuss Kinderhook Industries’ investment in Ironclad Environmental Services.
Chris and Rob are twin brothers and co-founders of Kinderhook, a twenty-year-old private equity firm that manages $5 billion specializing in middle-market businesses across healthcare services, environmental services, and automotive/light manufacturing.
Ironclad Environmental Services is a leading provider of logistics-based solutions focused on the containment of industrial waste. It has 50 branches and a fleet of 29,000 specialized rental assets that store, separate, and transport liquid and solid industrial waste.
Our conversation covers Kinderhook’s identification, due diligence, and negotiation of the deal. We discuss a significant early add-on acquisition, progress-to-date, and the future of Ironclad.