Nautic Partners, LLC, a private equity firm with more than $2.5 billion of capital under management, today announced that it has partnered with management to acquire Applied Consultants, Inc. (“Applied”). Applied is a leading provider of inspection services to the oil and gas pipeline infrastructure industry. Applied was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Longview, Texas.
Applied offers a comprehensive array of inspection services on pipelines, compressor stations and processing facilities used in midstream oil and gas energy transport. Major oil and gas midstream companies utilize Applied’s inspection services to ensure that pipeline infrastructure is constructed in accordance with high-quality standards and procedures. Third party inspection services are critical in the construction of pipeline infrastructure not only because they are often required by regulation, but also because they play a significant role in avoiding problems that can be very expensive for energy companies to remedy once pipelines are in service.
Applied has become a leader in the inspection services industry through its consistent focus on providing accurate inspections and high-quality customer service. Applied’s recognized brand has allowed the company to achieve significant growth. Today, the company has over 450 inspectors working with clients in states across the country including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota.
“Applied has been able to grow its business every year since it was founded 22 years ago,” said Doug Hill, Managing Director of Nautic. “That’s a testament to the strength of the Applied management team and their focus on always putting the customer first. We think Applied will continue to thrive, as the surge in US energy development continues to demand the build-out of new pipeline infrastructure to support increased production. We also believe that increases in regulation of energy development will support customers demanding more inspection services from high-quality, trusted partners like Applied.”
“We are very pleased to partner with Nautic and look forward to their strategic and financial support,” said Applied CEO Matthew Cheney. “I am confident we are entering an exciting new chapter for Applied, which should see significant growth and further success in the years to come.”
Fifth Third Bank and Triangle Capital Corporation provided financing for the transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Applied is Nautic Partners’ thirteenth investment from its most recent fund, Nautic Partners VI, L.P.
About Applied Consultants, Inc.
Applied is a leading provider of inspection services to the oil and gas pipeline infrastructure industry. Headquartered in Longview Texas, Applied also maintains offices in Richardson, Texas and Yale, Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www.appliedconsultants.com.
