The McLean Group Advises CHEMetrics on Acquistion by AquaPhoenix a Incline Equity Portfolio Company
McLean, Va. – November 11, 2022 – AquaPhoenix Scientific LLC, a manufacturing company focused on water testing kits and a portfolio company of Incline Equity Partners, has purchased Chemetrics Inc., a manufacturer of water analysis test kits and instrumentation using self-filling reagent ampoules for efficiency and safety.
Chemetrics has served the industrial water, petroleum refining, chemical process, food and beverage, power generation and other water treatment industries since 1969. The acquisition of Chemetrics marks a step in AquaPhoenix’s growth strategy of acquiring businesses aligned with its core competencies to help the company best service its customers.
“We have been a distributor of the CHEMetrics line of test kits for nearly two decades,” says Frank Lecrone, CEO of AquaPhoenix. “Adding their team’s knowledge and industry-leading products to the AquaPhoenix family will give our customers even more options for effective water management.”
The McLean Group served as financial advisors. Twin Brook served as administrative agent on debt financing for this transaction.
About CHEMetrics
CHEMetrics manufactures water analysis test kits and instruments for over 50 essential analytes. Our products utilize self-filling reagent ampoules that simplify and speed water quality testing. We serve the petroleum refining, chemical process, power generation, water treatment, and food & beverage industries, to name a few. CHEMetrics also produces two lines of COD reagent vials, EPA approved and mercury-free. Both lines are compatible with most existing COD equipment. We’re proud to offer personalized customer support that’s a phone call or an email away. Our friendly, professional team members are ready to address your testing needs and answer any questions you may have. Visit: chemetrics.com
About AquaPhoenix Scientific
AquaPhoenix is a custom manufacturer offering innovative products and services for industrial water quality testing and chemical feed and control. The depth of our product line allows us to be a true one source for all your testing and equipment needs. With AquaPhoenix, you get one reliable contact to help you effectively service all aspects of your treatment programs. Our locations across the United States, including Pennsylvania, Texas, and California, give us the ability to reduce lead times and shipping costs. We bring value to you through our superior service. This includes live customer support, no-hassle returns and prompt shipping. Visit: aquaphoenixsci.com
About Incline Equity Partners
Incline Equity Partners, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a private equity firm investing in manufacturing, distribution and business services companies. Incline is generally seeking growing companies with enterprise values of $25 – $750 million. Incline’s typical investment types are ownership transitions for privately held businesses, buyouts and corporate divestitures within the U.S. and Canada. Visit: inclineequity.com
About The McLean Group
For over 30 years, The McLean Group has been providing investment banking and financial services offerings focused on the Defense, Government & Intelligence (DGI), Security, Critical Infrastructure, Maritime, Facility Services, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety markets. Our 60+ professionals bring deep industry experience and relentless execution to every client engagement. We provide solutions that blend financial creativity with operational expertise. Whether we are providing transaction advisory, valuation opinions, or growth capital, our services are unmatched in these core markets. Learn more at www.McLeanLLC.com.
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