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Generational Equity Advises U.S. Uniform & Supply in its Sale to Municipal Emergency Services

By Generational Equity

US Uniform & Supply Sold to MES

We are pleased to share the sale of our client, U.S. Uniform & Supply, Inc. to Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. (a portfolio company of Platte River Equity). The transaction closed June 16, 2023.

U.S. Uniform & Supply is a respected provider of uniforms, equipment, and supplies for emergency service personnel. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company has been serving customers in the region for over two decades, offering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Established in 2001, Municipal Emergency Services (MES and MESFire), headquartered in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, has quickly grown to become a leading supplier of many of the best brands in the fire service industry, including: 3M Scott, Honeywell, Fire-Dex, Seek Thermal, Hurst Jaws of Life, Matex Hose, Elbeco, 5.11 Tactical, and many more. With the largest network of sales representatives, mobile service technicians, and in-house service centers in the United States, MES assures that its customers are purchasing quality name brand equipment.

Platte River Equity, located in Denver, Colorado, is a private equity firm that brings differentiated industry experience and insights to businesses in the lower middle market. Platte River’s principals have served as senior executives, board members and investors in a wide breadth of successful companies. The Firm leverages these experiences and builds lasting partnerships with management teams to help drive transformational growth.

The acquisition of U.S. Uniform & Supply reinforces MES’s commitment to providing top-quality products and services to emergency response professionals. By acquiring U.S. Uniform & Supply, MES aims to leverage its extensive industry experience and capitalize on the synergies between the two companies.

As part of the acquisition, MES will integrate key personnel from U.S. Uniform & Supply into its team, ensuring a smooth transition for customers and maintaining the exceptional service they have come to rely on. Existing U.S. Uniform & Supply customers can expect uninterrupted access to their preferred products and services, with the added benefit of MES's expanded offerings.

“Having been in business for over 32 years, there is no greater reward as an owner than knowing the vision that carried my dream will live on beyond my days,” said Bill Kessler, owner of U.S. Uniform & Supply. 

Kessler added, “I could not be any happier to have found Tom Hubregsen and the team at MES as the successor to my life's work in serving those who serve us. As owner of U.S. Uniform & Supply, to all of my public safety customers, I thank you for the honor and privilege to have served you. You are in good hands.” 

"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of U.S. Uniform & Supply," said Tom Hubregsen, CEO of MES. "This strategic move aligns with our vision of growth and enables us to strengthen our foothold in the Indianapolis area. We look forward to providing the exceptional service and high-quality products that both MES and U.S. Uniform & Supply customers have come to expect."

Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, Mark Long, a Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, and Vice President, Madison Buckley, successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director, David Robinson, established the initial relationship with U.S. Uniform & Supply.

If you would like to explore other transactions our associates have supported in this industry, visit our dedicated Industrials M&A Deals page.

Carl Doerksen is the Director of Corporate Development at Generational Equity.

© 2023 Generational Equity, LLC All Rights Reserved

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Through the sale process, Generational brought in several interested buyers and we closed in about 6 months. I am so glad I accepted that invitation to the conference and could not be happier with the whole process. The team at Generational coupled with their knowledge and guidance was so valuable that in the end, I know I could never have done this on my own!
JoAnn Ellis, Owner of Fondren 5 Star Kennels
We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.
Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
After attending a conference with GE, I decided that the value they bring would be worth the expense and as soon as I started working with them, I realized that was the right decision. When we started to get LOIs, Fred Zweifel took the lead on the communication and supported negotiations throughout the process, which got tricky as we moved forward. I learned that it can be common for companies to make a great offer then work to erode that price with their discoveries, but Fred and the GE team kept that from happening.
Caroline Connelly, CEO, OptoTest
Your wisdom and experience were invaluable to me during this once-in-a-lifetime transaction.
Ralph Noblin, President of Noblin & Associates
I wanted to write you a quick letter to express our appreciation and our delight on the outcome of helping us through the process of our recent sale. We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.
Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
We had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ahmad Behjati Managing Director, M&A, for Generational Equity during our acquisition of Papa's Dodge in late 2021. Generational Equity and Mr. Behjati represented and marketed Papa’s Dodge. As our primary contact, Mr. Behjati was professional in every facet of this acquisition process, conveying valuable advice most times and assisting us in every step of the process.
Rick Greene of Dobbs Equity Partners LLC
I decided to attend the conference and hopefully receive some guidance on how to structure an exit plan of my business. Upon arriving at the conference, I was so impressed with the presentation given by Generational Equity that I set a future appointment that week to discuss the possibility of selling my business with their Senior Managing Director David Robinson.
JoAnn Ellis, Owner of Fondren 5 Star Kennels
I quickly recognized that Don was working for Sharpe Mixers above all else, and held our interests above others.
Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
We were represented by Michael Goss with Generational. The due diligence was grueling and exhausting, but Michael propped us up and kept us motivated throughout the process. Debi and I continued to ask each other how we could possibly make it through this process without the assistance of Michael. Michael's professionalism and knowledge is absolutely amazing, and we are so blessed to have had him by our side as we made our future dreams come true.
Bob and Debi Lee, Owners of BL Technology, Inc and BL Tl Services, LLC
The process was much more involved than I expected and your help, experience and advice was a big factor in making the negotiations go as smoothly as possible.
Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done for us. Not only did you take care of all the aspects of the sale but took extra care to make sure we knew what it looked like every step of the way. I will definitely recommend your company to anyone that is in a position to or looking to exit their business.
Shane and Johanna Kline, Owners of Vision Upfitters
I am pleased that I was able to work with Andrew Byrd throughout this experience. From the first meeting we had in Minneapolis I felt that I was in good hands. His knowledge and expertise is second to none. He guided the process consistently throughout. I feel lucky that I was pared with Andrew and could not be happier that I chose Generational Equity to handle this major life event. Thank you Andrew and GenEq for everything!
Eric Erlandson, Owner, Action Fastenings, Inc.
Greetings Mike. Thank you for the captivating and compelling presentation you made at the Phoenix presentation last week. Over many years in business yours was the most informative and well-presented presentation, on any subject, that I have ever attended! Your energy and enthusiasm combined with your concise and captivating support of your positions with easily understood examples and data was compelling.
Pete L.
I would like to thank you and your firm, Generational Equity, for being our valued advisors in our journey.
Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
We thank you Eric and Generational Equity making our dream come true.
Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
Thank you again for all your guidance and support. Any company will achieve what they intend, if they have you on their team!
Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
T.D., thank you so much! You are a great leader! I love how you are using your gifts and talents to better others. You are clearly a GREAT COACH! This 3 day session undoubtedly changed the future of our business, and very well may have been the sole catalyst to save my company, my health and my marriage! A genuine “thank you” from the bottom of my heart.
Bryan D. Horn, Owner, Over Under Clothing
I need to say an immense thank you to Don Ho for his stellar work ethic, attention to detail, and tireless effort. Also thank you to the whole crew at GE! Without you, Don could not do such a phenomenal job. We were shooting for closing and funding before the end of 2020, due to the uncertainty of the political landscape and taxes. I am happy to report we closed last week and will be funding tomorrow.
Dr. Caty J. Catron PhD, RN, VA-BC – Owner, Vic The Picc, LLC
Generational Equity’s assistance was invaluable in compiling and marketing our business.
Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
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Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
The professionals at Generational Equity then helped develop a roadmap for enhancing the value of the firm and an evaluation report. This was completed by June 14, 2021. We then developed the Confidential Information Memorandum and put Taylor Studios, Inc. on the market by July.
Generational Equity’s professional staff helped me every step of the way. Their network and professionals are the only reason I sold my company this quickly. For me this is a once in a lifetime sale and I was unfamiliar with the process. I was able to lean on them with questions and concerns.
Betty L. Brennan, President, Taylor Studios
Thanks to you, the entire GE team and especially Michael Goss for driving a great valuation, coaching me and driving the process across the finish line. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support GE going forward.
Tom Currier, Former President & CEO, Rackmount Solutions
We knew it would be a difficult task to have someone really understand our business and our market, prior to researching a possible buyer, so it was imperative that we found someone of your caliber, with definite proven experience in this area.
Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
I must say that I have never worked with a more driven, competent and focused individual as Don Ho.
Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
The most important contribution I think Ahmad made was with his personality and work ethic. He is sincere, efficient, and very hard working. He was available to me at all times, whether it was for specific detail of the negotiation or just to talk through the bigger picture. He listened, advised, and recommended, but never forced his idea or opinions. In the time we worked together, he became a valued colleague and also a friend.
Salvo Stoch, Founder and CEO of Sleeping Partners
We were happy to see the interest in our company and what we cherished has not just a valuable company but an important company to the communities we served in.
Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
The help you provided us during each step of this process made us feel very comfortable and confident we were selecting the right approach to transition our Company.
Andy Graham, Vice President, Modern Heating & Plumbing
Michael worked tirelessly, He followed every lead meticulously and urgently to make sure nothing was missed.
Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
Generational Equity educated and informed us – so that we could be on the upside of a good decision (to sell).
Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse