Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to PROtect, a portfolio company of Spire Capital, in its acquisition by Sterling Investment Partners. The transaction, which closed on November 5, 2024, underscores Houlihan Lokey’s expertise in the testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) sector.
PROtect, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, is a leading tech-enabled provider of reliability, risk management, and compliance solutions. With over 500 employees operating across 40 states, the company serves diverse industries including renewable energy, manufacturing, petrochemicals, refining, and infrastructure. PROtect’s solutions are integral to safeguarding clients from operational disruptions, regulatory issues, and safety incidents.
Spire Capital, a New York-based private equity firm, has been a key growth partner for PROtect. With its deep expertise in middle-market investments within technology-enabled services, Spire Capital has enabled PROtect’s expansion and success.
Sterling Investment Partners, a seasoned private equity firm with over 30 years of experience, specializes in control investments in value-added distribution and business services. The firm has completed more than 230 transactions, representing $30 billion in aggregate value, and was recently ranked among the top-performing middle-market private equity firms globally.
The acquisition reinforces Houlihan Lokey’s standing as a trusted advisor in the TICC sector, supporting high-growth companies in achieving strategic outcomes.
Reference: https://hl.com/about-us/transactions/protect-spire-capital-sterling-investment-partners/
