Invests $5.0M In Mezzanine Debt & Equity
The Central Valley Fund (“Central Valley Fund” or “CVF”) has partnered with the current management of Waterman Industries (“Waterman”) to acquire the company. Waterman, based in California’s San Joaquin Valley, is a leading manufacturer of control gates, valves, and vents primarily used in wastewater treatment facilities and irrigation districts throughout the United States and abroad. The Central Valley Fund’s investment includes $5.0M of equity and mezzanine debt.
Waterman Industries, founded in 1912, is headquartered in Exeter, Calif., and has operations in Lubbock, Texas, and Nampa, Idaho. Waterman is one of the most recognized national brands in the water management equipment industry. It manufactures more than 100 variations of highly engineered irrigation gates and slides for municipal water authorities and industrial users and has pioneered the manufacturing of gates, valves, and vents for modern age irrigation canals and water systems during its more than 100-year history.
Waterman’s management team will continue to be led by CEO Ken Mikesell and CFO Mike Rogers, who has been leading the company’s daily operations since 2010.
“With the support of CVF, Waterman Industries will accelerate its strategy of expanding its geographic footprint and inventory of mission-critical products and services through both organic growth and new products,” said Ken Mikesell. “Waterman has a demonstrated record of growth and we will continue to improve its position as a valued partner to our customers and vendors. We are very excited about our partnership with CVF and fulfilling our shared vision for the next phase of growth for Waterman Industries.”
Brad Triebsch, Partner at CVF, said, “As a leading independent provider of industrial gates, valves, and fittings for water systems, Waterman has a strong reputation for technical expertise, customer service, and the broad product offerings required to serve a diverse set of end markets. The Company’s impressive record of growth and its strong management presented an attractive opportunity for investment. We look forward to working with Ken and Mike, their senior management team, and the entire Waterman organization to support the future growth of the company as a leading employer in Tulare County.”
ABOUT WATERMAN INDUSTRIES
Waterman Industries started from humble beginnings in 1912 when W.A. Waterman moved his sheet metal shop to Exeter, California. to better service new irrigation in the area. In 1953, Waterman Industries built its first cast-iron canal gates and shortly thereafter was fabricating larger and more complex radial and slide gates for use in the expanding federal water projects in the West.
In 2012, Waterman Industries celebrated one hundred years of quality service in water management. In that century, the world has changed, but Waterman Industries’ goals haven’t changed since W.A. Waterman first came to Exeter. Customers come first, and the company still prides itself on putting out a quality product to both domestic and international customers in both agricultural and wastewater applications. For more information, visit www.watermanusa.com
ABOUT CENTRAL VALLEY FUND
The Central Valley Fund was established in 2005 to finance later stage growth and buyouts through mezzanine and preferred equity investments. CVF has managed more than $175 million in capital commitments since its inception. The fund has offices in Davis and Fresno, California.
CVF is focused on making investments in California’s Central Valley and throughout the Western United States. For more information, visit www.centralvalleyfund.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ken Mikesell
President & CEO
Waterman Industries
Exeter, CA
Tel: 559-562-4000
Email: ken.mikesell@watermanusa.com
Brad Triebsch
Partner
The Central Valley Fund
Davis, CA
Tel: 530-757-7004 ext. 224
Email: btriebsch@centralvalleyfund.com
Spanish-Language Interviews:
José Blanco
Partner
The Central Valley Fund
Davis, CA
Tel: 530-757-7004 ext. 227
Email: jblanco@centralvalleyfund.com