Strengthens National Position in Physical Hydraulic Modeling and Specialty Engineering Testing Services

DUBLIN, Ohio—Verdantas, a private-equity-backed solution provider of sustainable infrastructure engineering, planning, and environmental science services supports clients’ sustainability, resiliency, and strategic infrastructure objectives, announced today that it had acquired South Carolina-based Clemson Engineering Hydraulics.  

The acquisition will expand Verdantas’ market and geographic footprint and will also add to the company's depth and capabilities in the water resources and hydraulic engineering space. Clemson Engineering Hydraulics is a well-respected firm with a long history of providing high-quality services to its clients. The company's expertise in physical hydraulic modeling and water resources engineering will be valuable to Verdantas’ team. The acquisition is a strategic move for Verdantas, as the company is confident that it will help grow its business and further capitalize on the opportunities in this market as a specialty provider.

"We are excited to announce the acquisition of Clemson Engineering Hydraulics, which will further strengthen our position in physical hydraulic modeling and water resources engineering and will be a valuable addition to our team,” said Gerry Salontai, CEO of Verdantas, “we are confident that this acquisition will help us to serve our clients better and grow our business.”

This exciting transition marks not just the next chapter in our company's story but an extraordinary opportunity to serve our clients on a larger scale, with increased resources and the ability to innovate more rapidly,” said, Dave Werth, President, Clemson Engineering Hydraulics, “We’ve had numerous conversations over the years about how Clemson and Alden Research Labs might come together in some way for the benefit of our clients and our employees—now that it is the reality, I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming opportunities it will create for both our employees and our clients .” 

Stuart Cain, former CEO of Alden Research Laboratory, now Associate Vice President, Client Development at Verdantas, commented, “The acquisition of CEH will allow us to expand our market and geographic footprint. We are also excited to tap into CEH’s strong client relationships with pump manufacturers, municipalities, and the government. This will help us to diversify our business further.”    

Chris Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at RTC Partners, said, “We are pleased to support the acquisition of Clemson Engineering Hydraulics (CEH), which we believe is a strategic fit for Verdantas. CEH’s strong track record in the water and environmental space will help Verdantas to grow its business and capitalize on the growing demand for these services. We are confident that this acquisition will succeed for both companies and represents a win for clients, employees, and increased shareholder value.”  

About Clemson

Clemson Engineering Hydraulics was founded in 2005 by Dr. David Werth, P.E., and is based at their modeling facility in Anderson, SC.  The company provides physical hydraulic modeling services to pump manufacturers and A/E firms working on national and international projects in water and wastewater, power generation, flood control, and industrial/manufacturing cooling applications.  Primary modeling expertise includes pump intakes and water/wastewater plant hydraulic components.  Their main market sectors are power, water, wastewater, process, and flood control.   

About Verdantas 

Verdantas currently employs over 880 people in 40 offices across the US and is home to many of the industry's top scientists, engineers, and technical experts. Verdantas operates a people-focused culture, concentrating on the well-being of its employees, clients, and the communities where they live and work. The company is actively hiring across all disciplines and seeking additional companies with a strategic and cultural fit.   

About RTC Partners 

RTC Partners is a private equity firm that invests in and builds strong businesses with committed management teams in the professional, business, and healthcare services industries. The firm’s dedicated emphasis on human capital, combined with its thoughtful approach to organic and inorganic opportunities, allows organizations to unlock the next stage of growth while enabling sustainable and long-term value creation for all stakeholders. RTC is actively seeking additional platforms and add-on acquisitions in its markets. For more information, visit rtcpartners.com. Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Stradling, Yocca, Carlson, and Rauth, P.C. acted as legal counsel, and BDO USA, LLP and CohnReznick, LLP acted as financial and tax advisors on behalf of RTC and its affiliates.