HC Private Investments Acquires QEI, Inc.: Driving Growth in Industrial Automation and Systems

The world of industrial automation and systems is about to witness a significant transformation as HC Private Investments ("HCPI"), a prominent family office private equity firm based in Chicago, announces its successful acquisition of QEI, Inc. ("QEI"). In an exciting partnership with QEI's former owner and CEO, Normand Lavoie, HCPI aims to take QEI to new heights of success. This collaboration also welcomes seasoned executives Erik VanLaningham and CJ Kearney of Eagle Marsh Holdings, who will join QEI's Board of Directors. VanLaningham, the former Vice President of Emerson's Automation Solutions Business Unit, will take on the role of Executive Chairman at QEI, while Lavoie will continue to serve as CEO and board member with a significant investment in the company. QEI, headquartered in Springfield, NJ, is a leading provider of automation products, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software solutions, distribution management systems, and related services. Their offerings cater to customers in the mass transit, utility, and water/wastewater industries. QEI specializes in designing, implementing, and servicing turnkey automation systems, which play a crucial role in their customers' ability to operate, monitor, and react. Lavoie expresses his excitement about this reacquisition, stating, "I am thrilled to partner with HCPI and Erik VanLaningham in leading QEI's journey of growth. HCPI's partnership approach and Erik's expertise will be invaluable in implementing strategic plans and enhancing our service offerings." He also emphasizes their commitment to navigating rapid growth and providing innovative solutions to customers. VanLaningham recognizes the importance of QEI's role in managing complex business systems and interpreting and integrating vast amounts of data. He believes that under Lavoie's leadership, along with strategic investments, QEI is well-positioned to support customer investments in aging transit infrastructure and smart grid modernization. HCPI's Managing Partners, John Kelly and Matt Moran, express their enthusiasm for partnering with VanLaningham and Lavoie to support QEI's growth in its existing capabilities and further diversify its end-market. The successful acquisition was facilitated by Winston & Strawn LLP, serving as legal counsel to HCPI. Additionally, Signature Bank of Chicago provided the necessary debt financing for the transaction, while England & Co. acted as financial advisors to QEI. About QEI QEI is dedicated to offering automation products, SCADA software solutions, distribution management systems, and related services to its customers. With a focus on electrical management systems, QEI plays a critical role in improving productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring safe and efficient operations for its customers. By monitoring and controlling power across various components of their systems, QEI enables efficient management and troubleshooting from a centralized point. For more information, visit https://www.qeiinc.com/. About HC Private Investments HC Private Investments is a private equity investment firm that concentrates on investing in manufacturing businesses within the consumer and industrial markets. The firm also invites select family offices and individuals to participate in its transactions, providing HCPI with a flexible and patient capital base. As the first institutional investor in a business, HCPI aims to partner with business owners, executives, and management teams to identify opportunities for growth and maximize companies' full value potential. For more information, visit www.hcprivateinvest.com. In conclusion, the acquisition of QEI, Inc. by HC Private Investments marks an exciting chapter for the industrial automation and systems industry. With HCPI's expertise, VanLaningham's leadership, and Lavoie's experience, QEI is poised to achieve new levels of growth, expand its service offerings, and provide innovative solutions to its customers. This partnership showcases HCPI's commitment to investing in businesses to unlock their full potential and underscores QEI's position as a leader in the automation and systems space.