Aclara Technologies, a portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, has acquired the smart grid business of Tollgrade Communications.
The transaction includes Tollgrade’s LightHouse Sensor Management System (SMS) monitoring platform which is used to detect, in real-time, electrical faults across medium voltage distribution networks. In addition, the LightHouse SMS also provides predictive analytics such as fault event classification, load logging, reporting and graphing of data, and alarms. Once LightHouse Sensors are placed on overhead lines, they immediately begin to monitor load capacity and report data to determine how networks and assets (e.g. transformers, overhead cables and switch gear) are operating. By knowing how the network is performing on a real time basis, customers can push their network to run more efficiently and free up capacity rather than build out new infrastructure.
Aclara Technologies is a provider of advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) products and services that are used by electric, gas and water utilities to remotely access real-time consumption data. The product and service fit between LightHouse SMS and Aclara could not be better.
“This is an important step forward for Aclara as a leader in smart infrastructure, and the addition of the LightHouse platform allows Aclara to grow its industry leadership and expand its solutions to better serve utility customers around the globe,” said Daniel Florian, a Principal at Sun Capital. “This acquisition demonstrates our continued execution of the company’s growth strategy following Aclara’s purchase of GE’s electricity meters business in December 2015.”
Aclara services more than 600 utility customers with over 21 million endpoints deployed. According to Sun Capital, the company is the leading power line carrier vendor in the electric AMI market; ranks first in cumulative AMI units sold to fixed network gas utilities, including PG&E and SoCalGas; and manages some of the largest water AMI installations in North America, including New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco, Boston, and Toronto. The company is headquartered in St. Louis (www.aclara.com).
Sun Capital invests in leveraged buyouts, equity, and debt in companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital has invested in and managed more than 330 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $45 billion since the firm’s inception in 1995. The firm has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles and New York, and affiliates in London, Frankfurt, Stockholm and Shenzhen (www.SunCapPart.com).
Tollgrade Communications is headquartered in Reston, VA (www.tollgrade.com).
© 2016 Private Equity Professional • 8-18-16