Harris Williams & Co., a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide, announces the sale of Huskie Tools Holdings, Inc. (Huskie Tools), a portfolio company of Harren Equity Partners (Harren), to Platte River Equity (Platte River). Huskie Tools is a leading provider of professional-grade, battery-operated, hydraulic power tools, hoists and related accessories for the electric utility transmission and distribution market. The transaction was led by Bill Roman, Jay Hernandez and Andy Leed of Harris Williams & Co.’s Boston office and Drew Spitzer of the firm’s Energy, Power & Infrastructure Group.
“The management team at Huskie Tools has done a terrific job building the leading brand renowned for delivering highly engineered solutions that play a critical role in maintaining and expanding the electrical power grid worldwide,” said Jay Hernandez, a director in Harris Williams & Co.’s Industrials Group. “We greatly enjoyed working with the team and are excited to witness the company’s continued growth through its partnership with Platte River.”
Established in 1976, Huskie Tools is a leading independent provider of professional-grade, battery-powered hydraulic cutting and compression tools, hoists and related accessories that are used by electric utilities and industrial companies. In 1989, Huskie Tools pioneered the industry when it introduced the first battery-operated, hydraulic compression tool in North America. Huskie Tools has become the brand-of-choice for tens of thousands of electric utility linemen and industrial tradesmen.
Harren is a Charlottesville, Virginia based private equity firm dedicated to the growth and development of industry-leading companies through the creation of strong partnerships. Harren’s strategy is to create long-term value by improving operational performance, providing in-depth strategic analysis and executing a plan in partnership with portfolio company executives. Harren is currently investing its third fund and seeks investment opportunities in the lower middle market, defined as companies with $20 million to $200 million of annual revenue, in a broad range of industries.
Based in Denver, Colorado, Platte River is a private equity firm that invests in growth-oriented middle market companies operating in targeted sectors where the firm’s principals bring years of experience as CEOs, presidents and board members of companies in the same end markets. Platte River has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $700 million and is currently investing out of its third fund.
Harris Williams & Co., a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., is a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide. The firm has deep industry knowledge, global transaction expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Harris Williams & Co. provides sell-side and acquisition advisory, restructuring advisory, board advisory, private placements and capital markets advisory services.
Investment banking services are provided by Harris Williams LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd conduct business.
