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Mergermarket: Platte River eyes utility services tailwinds with Tallman acquisition. Platte River Equity had been calling on Tallman Equipment for more than five years before acquiring the business last month, according to Peter Calamari, a Managing Director, and Mike Reilly, a Principal, at the Denver-based private equity firm. Tallman was on Platte River's radar because of the historic stability of the utility market and the favorable long-term tailwinds, Reilly said. Platte River, which takes a thematic, business model-focused approach to investing, has significant experience with power, utility and distribution businesses. Calamari characterized Platte River as having "a core focus in industrials, with expertise in value-added distribution and critical services," noting that utility services have been a focus since the firm's inception in 2006. More recently, the sector has benefited from tailwinds including the need to upgrade the electrical power grid, the data center buildup and the re-shoring trend, Reilly noted. In a press release announcing the deal, Reilly cited Tallman's customer relationships, field expertise and service-oriented culture as key attractions. Founded in 1952, Tallman was an ESOP company prior to Platte River's acquisition and generates over USD 100m of revenue. Tallman is the sixth investment from Platte River's Fund V, which closed in 2024, with no size disclosed. The acquisition also represents Platte River's 100th transaction overall. Calamari said the sponsor's prior three funds made eight investments each. The firm's typical end markets include automation, infrastructure, safety and power. Almost all investments are in family- or founder-owned businesses with a typical platform size of USD 5m to USD 30m of EBITDA. The sweet spot is USD 10m to USD 15m, Calamari said. Platte River uses modest debt with a goal of doubling or tripling the scale of a business over a typical five-year holding period, he said. Its value creation playbook leans on acquisitions, as well as investments in salesforce expansion, inventory and other organic growth initiatives. Platte River almost always takes control stakes. In Tallman's case, the firm negotiated the transaction directly with the company. There was no auction process or sell-side advisor, Reilly said. Stephens served as financial advisor to Platte River, with Bartlit Beck providing legal counsel. Acquisitions on tap Tallman supplies tools, equipment and related services to utility line workers. Its customers include contractors, investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives. It operates from a headquarters in Indiana and has additional locations in Illinois and Florida. Tallman has not been especially acquisitive historically, having completed a small acquisition roughly a decade ago, Reilly said. Going forward, however, Tallman "would love to make strategic acquisitions of the right companies in the power utility space," particularly distribution businesses, he added. Calamari said targets could be located anywhere in the US. Size is flexible, but they would generally be smaller than Tallman. Tallman competes with large national distributors such a Wesco and Grainger, as well as smaller regional players, Reilly said. Tallman "sees itself as a high-touch expert that understands what crews in the field need," he added. By Marlene Givant Star

Grainger and the American Red Cross celebrate 25 years of partnership strengthening communities. June 26, 2026 Grainger, a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, today announced it is celebrating 25 years of partnership with the American Red Cross. Together, the organizations are advancing disaster preparedness and response across the United States, where the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters each year. "For 25 years, Grainger has been proud to partner with the American Red Cross because keeping our communities safe and resilient is deeply connected to our purpose of keeping the world working," said Melanie Tinto, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Grainger. "Over the years, we've seen the impact this partnership has on individuals, families and communities when they need support most. We're grateful for all we've accomplished together and look forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference in the years ahead." As a member of the Disaster Responder Program, Grainger contributes financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters to help ensure the Red Cross has the infrastructure, volunteers, technology and resources needed to provide relief in times of crisis. Since 2001, the company has committed more than $21.6 million in cash and product donations, including more than 170,000 smoke alarms for the national Home Fire Campaign, along with significant employee volunteer support. "Twenty-five years of partnership with Grainger is a testament to its steadfast commitment to the people and communities we serve," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "As disasters intensify and increase in frequency, Grainger's partnership is essential. Year after year, through disasters large and small, Grainger has provided critical resources and unwavering support when families need us most. We're incredibly grateful for its dedication and look forward to many more years of working together." Through its work with the Red Cross, Grainger has supported more than 40 national volunteer deployments through the Ready When the Time Comes(R)(RWTC) program, including efforts assisting communities impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Maria. Grainger team members have also mapped more than 90,000 buildings through the Missing Maps program, supporting humanitarian organizations serving vulnerable populations. Additional volunteer efforts include blood drives, comfort kit assembly and hands-only CPR training. About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad-line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, American Red Cross Keep the World Working(R) by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow American Red Cross on social media.

Grainger, a leading MRO products distributor, is marking 25 years of partnership with the American Red Cross, supporting disaster preparedness and response across the United States. Since 2001, the company has contributed over $21.6 million in cash and product donations, including more than 170,000 smoke alarms for the national Home Fire Campaign. As a member of the Disaster Responder Programme, Grainger provides financial and in-kind donations to help the Red Cross maintain infrastructure, volunteers and resources for crisis relief. The partnership has supported over 40 national volunteer deployments, including responses to hurricanes Katrina and Maria. Grainger employees have also contributed through the Missing Maps programme, blood drives and CPR training. The company, which reported $17.9 billion revenue in 2025, serves over 4.6 million customers worldwide.