Kinderhook Partners with Management to Recapitalize EcoSouth Services, the Southeast Market Leader in Industrial Waste Management

New York, NY – Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”) announced today the recapitalization of EcoSouth Services of Mobile, LLC (“EcoSouth” or the “Company”) in partnership with Jeff Claunch, a waste industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience. EcoSouth represents Kinderhook’s 10th environmental services platform since inception and 47th transaction in the space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Axis, AL, EcoSouth is an integrated waste company operating the Axis Industrial Landfill, the only private EPA, RCRA Subtitle D compliant landfill in Mobile County. In addition to non-hazardous solid and liquid waste disposal capabilities, the Company also provides transportation and in-plant services for businesses that generate non-hazardous solid and liquid waste throughout the Gulf Coast. Since its founding in 2012, the Company has successfully modified its permits to allow for additional waste streams as well as expanded its service area from two to nineteen counties.

“EcoSouth’s adjacency to key industrial waste generators and its ability to accept a wide variety of waste streams truly differentiates it from local competitors,” said Rob Michalik, Managing Director at Kinderhook. “We are excited to partner with Jeff and continue the Company’s legacy of strong customer service. Alongside Jeff, we will continue to grow through further investment in both on-site capabilities and add-on acquisitions.”

“With ample airspace, EcoSouth is positioned to operate as a scaled platform well into the future. We are excited to support the EcoSouth team as they continue to execute on their growth strategy throughout the Gulf Coast,” said Cor Carruthers, Managing Director at Kinderhook.

“As an experienced investor in the environmental sector, Kinderhook is an ideal partner for the Company,” said Jeff Claunch, CEO of EcoSouth. “With Kinderhook’s continued investment in our team and infrastructure, we will enhance our capabilities to better serve the needs of our broad base of customers.”

As part of the transaction, Kinderhook will be adding Mack Mandell and Jeffrey Keenan, both Kinderhook Operating Partners, to the Board of Directors. Each of these Board members has over 30 years of industry experience.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Kinderhook. Jones Walker LLP served as legal counsel to the Seller.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact: 
Robert Michalik
Managing Director
(212) 201-6789
[email protected]
 
Corwynne Carruthers
Managing Director
(212) 201-6799
[email protected]

About Kinderhook Industries

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $3.1 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 225 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services, and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders.

For more information, please visit https://www.kinderhook.com

About EcoSouth Services of Mobile, LLC

Headquartered in Axis, AL, EcoSouth is an integrated waste company operating the Axis Industrial Landfill, the only private EPA, RCRA Subtitle D compliant landfill in Mobile County. In addition to non-hazardous solid and liquid waste disposal capabilities, the Company also provides transportation and in-plant services for businesses that generate non-hazardous solid and liquid waste throughout the Gulf Coast. Since its founding in 2012, the Company has successfully modified its permits to allow for additional waste streams as well as expanded its service area from two to nineteen counties.

For more information, please visit http://www.ecosouth.services/