FMI Advises RK Hydro-Vac in Sale to Sound Growth Partners
FMI Capital Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of RK Hydro-Vac (RK) to Sound Growth Partners (SGP), a Seattle-based private equity firm. FMI Capital Advisors served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor for the transaction.
Headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, RK is the leading provider of roof preparation services for the repair and replacement of low-slope ballasted roofs in the United States. Founded in 1981, the company has become an integral part of the commercial re-roofing industry, providing essential services, including dry and wet vacuuming, ballast removal, pneumatic ballasting and disposal. RK supports its operations with a specialized fleet of vac trucks, enabling reliable, large-scale service delivery nationwide. Prior to the transaction, the company was 100% owned by its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
“This transaction is a tremendous milestone for RK and our employee-owners,” said Gary Wheeler, chief executive officer of RK. “Sound Growth Partners shares our commitment to operational excellence and long-term growth, and we believe this partnership will unlock meaningful new opportunities for our team and our customers. FMI was an exceptional advisor throughout this process -- their deep industry knowledge, disciplined process management and tireless advocacy ensured we achieved a successful outcome. We could not have asked for a better partner to guide us through this transaction.”
“For over four decades, the team at RK Hydro-Vac has built an irreplaceable niche in the commercial re-roofing ecosystem,” said Lauren Bieber, a director at FMI who served as lead advisor on the transaction. “The company's specialized capabilities, reputation for responsive and reliable service and deeply loyal customer base make it a truly differentiated platform with a commanding position in its market. RK is exactly the type of niche business that Sound Growth is well-suited to steward through its next phase, and we look forward to seeing what the team accomplishes together. It was a privilege to advise the ESOP and the entire RK team on this transaction.”
About RK Hydro-Vac:
RK Hydro-Vac is the premier provider of roof preparation services for the repair and replacement of low-slope ballasted roofs in the U.S. Headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, the company has served the commercial re-roofing industry since 1981, offering dry and wet-vacuum services, ballast removal, pneumatic ballasting, and disposal services, supported by a specialized fleet of vacuum trucks. For more information, visit www.rkhydrovac.com.
About Sound Growth Partners:
Founded in 2023, SGP is a Seattle-based private equity firm investing in clear market leaders in niches within the consumer products, business services, distribution, and light manufacturing industries. This transaction marks SGP’s seventh platform investment. For more information, visit www.soundgrowthpartners.com.
About FMI Capital Advisors:
FMI Capital Advisors has fully dedicated and deeply experienced investment banking teams advising clients on merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions across the built environment. We maximize value for our clients through our deep market knowledge, strong technical expertise and an unparalleled network of industry relationships. For more information, visit www.fmicapitaladvisors.com.
FMI Capital Advisors Contacts:
Lauren Bieber
Director
[email protected]
Alex Miller
Managing Director
[email protected]