New Platform Investment in Tekleen Launches KCM’s Strategy Within the Commercial Water Filtration Industry
Chicago-based private investment firm KCM Capital Partners LLC, an investor in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution and specialty industrial companies, announced that on December 24, 2021, it acquired the assets of Automatic Filters, Inc. headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The transaction was completed in partnership with Boston-based investment firm Gemini Investors and other strategic investment partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Concurrent with the acquisition, KCM has appointed Syed Shah as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Shah is a seasoned water industry executive with more than 30 years of experience in senior roles encompassing strategy, operations and business development with Paragon Water Systems, Culligan International and most recently, Aclara Technologies. With Mr. Shah’s leadership, Tekleen is poised to expand operations, accelerate growth and continue building upon its well-recognized position within the water filtration industry.
Founded in 1994, Tekleen provides automatic, self-cleaning water filtration equipment to a widevariety of industrial, commercial and municipal customers. The Company has sold more than 25,000 filters worldwide and counts many Fortune 500 businesses as key clients. Tekleen’s innovative filtration solutions, which are designed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII standards, can handle flow rates ranging from 20 to 20,000 gallons per minute and are used across myriad commercial applications, including irrigation, process cooling, bottling operations, wastewater treatment, descaling, municipal reuse and recycling and sugar filtration, among others.
Regarding the transaction, Mr. Shah commented, “I am thrilled to once again partner with the principals of KCM. They will bring the necessary core values and vision for accelerating the growth of the Company, and together we will enhance the strong relationships Tekleen enjoys with its employees, customers, and strategic supply partners. Collectively with Gemini and our other investment partners, I’m confident we will have superior financial and strategic resources available to accomplish our future growth objectives.”
Emmett Mosley, Partner at KCM said, “It is a pleasure to once again partner with Syed Shah. He has tremendous leadership ability, coupled with operational savvy and financial acumen, which will provide a great foundation for the Company. With his experienced guidance, we are confident we can build Tekleen into a leading presence within the commercial water filtration industry and execute a disciplined strategy centered around organic growth and complementary acquisitions.”
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal counsel to KCM.
About Tekleen:
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Tekleen provides automatic, self-cleaning water filtration equipment to a wide variety of industrial, commercial and municipal customers. The Company has sold more than 25,000 filters worldwide and counts many Fortune 500 businesses as key clients. Tekleen’s innovative filtration solutions, which are designed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII standards, can handle flow rates ranging from 20 to 20,000 gallons per minute and are used across myriad commercial applications, including irrigation, process cooling, bottling operations, wastewater treatment, descaling, municipal reuse and recycling and sugar filtration, among others. For more information, please visit www.tekleen.com.
About KCM Capital Partners:
KCM Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private investment firm focused on investing in lower middle-market business services, value-added distribution and specialty industrial businesses throughout the U.S. Founded in 2017, KCM follows a simple philosophy – Keeping Continuity Matters – which is emblematic of our belief in the importance of a healthy culture and collaborative, trustworthy partnerships. With this strategy in mind, we look to support founders and management teams of niche market leaders with creative solutions and strategic guidance to effect transformational growth. For more information, please visit www.kcmcap.com.
