As Grid Spending Accelerates, Platte River Acquires Tallman Equipment

Platte River Equity has acquired Tallman Equipment Company, a supplier of tools, equipment, and services to the electric utility and linework industries.

Tallman distributes and rents lineman tools and equipment, and performs repair, refurbishment, testing, and fabrication work for utility field crews. Tallman serves as a one-stop distributor, manufacturer, rental center, and repair facility for the linework market. Customers of Tallman include electric utility companies, transmission and distribution contractors, municipalities, and linework professionals across the United States.

Tallman was founded in 1952 and operates from three locations: Columbus, Indiana (headquarters), Addison, Illinois, and Lake City, Florida. Charlie Vicari serves as chief executive officer and Rick Laramie as president.

“This is a growth partnership built around continuity,” said Mr. Vicari. “Tallman’s customers can expect the same team, commitment to quality and practical, field-focused service they know today. With Platte River’s support, we’ll be better positioned to invest in inventory, service capabilities, operational strength and the customer experience.”

“This partnership gives us more room to grow without losing what makes Tallman different,” said Mr. Laramie. “Our focus remains where it’s always been—making sure customers get the right tools, equipment and support so crews can work safely and efficiently.”

Demand for linework tools and equipment is closely tied to investment in the U.S. electric grid. U.S. peak electricity demand is projected to grow approximately 26% by 2035, driven by data center load growth, industrial electrification, and the need to replace aging infrastructure, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Power and Utilities Industry Outlook. That expansion will require sustained investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, supporting ongoing demand for the specialized field equipment and services Tallman provides.

“Tallman has earned a trusted position in a highly demanding market. The company’s customer relationships, field expertise and service-oriented culture make it a strong platform for continued growth,” said Mike Reilly, a principal at Platte River.

Denver-headquartered Platte River makes equity investments ranging from $25 million to $100 million in lower middle-market companies with annual revenues of $20 million to $250 million and EBITDA between $7 million and $30 million. The firm’s sectors of interest include aerospace and transportation, energy products and services, industrial products and services, and agriculture and chemicals. Platte River has raised five funds with committed capital in excess of $1.7 billion.

“We’re excited to partner with the Tallman team, invest in the business and support the company’s next chapter,” said Peter Calamari, a managing director at Platte River.

The acquisition of Tallman is Platte River’s 100th acquisition since its founding in 2006 and extends its track record in industrial distribution and electric utility services. The firm’s current distributor portfolio includes Building Controls & Solutions, Tipco Technologies, Evolution Motion Solutions, Belt Power, and MES Life Safety.

In April, Platte River exited its investment in Spartaco Tool Group, a manufacturer of professional-grade tools used in utility, telecommunications, arborist, military and government, and industrial applications, through a sale to CenterGate Capital.