BACKGROUND 

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Founded in 2017 by brothers John and Georges Yates, Yates Line Construction (“Yates), is a provider of upgrade and maintenance services for overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems to investor-owned utilities, regional co-ops and local municipalities, throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

 

After years of success, the owners reached a crossroad in which one owner desired liquidity, while the other aimed to propel the business further towards its growth potential. Both owners agreed to hire an investment bank to facilitate a recapitalization of the business, selecting Romanchuk & Co. due to its extensive experience spanning decades in the energy and power infrastructure industry. 

 

STRATEGIC AND SEAMLESS PROCESS BENEFITS BOTH PARTIES

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The Romanchuk & Co. team strategically positioned Yates in the market and facilitated a seamless process by:

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• Highlighting the company's strengths, track record and potential for growth

• Approaching a targeted list of financial and strategic acquirers with deep industry expertise

• Selection of GridTek Utility Services, backed by private equity firm First Reserve, as the value in Yates' operations aligned with their growth objectives

• Running an efficient process, closing the transaction in less than 60 days from receipt of indication of interest

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In October 2023, GridTek acquired a majority stake in Yates Line Co. As a result of the transaction, John Yates continues to lead his company’s growth going forward, along-side his current management team.

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​“We chose to work with the team at Romanchuk & Co. because of their reputation and track record in the utility services sector. They supported our team throughout the entire process. We are excited for the next phase at Yates, continuing our growth as part of the GridTek Utility Services team.”

          - John Yates, President of Yates Line Co. 

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EXPERIENCE MATTERS​

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As one of the most experienced investment banking firms servicing the utility services market, Romanchuk & Co. provides strategic advisory services to our clients across the middle-market, including sourcing, initiating, structuring and negotiating mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, as well as providing valuation and restructuring services. With over two decades of experience working in and around the utility infrastructure sector, we specialize in advising owners of privately-held businesses on the preparation and sale of their company, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, guiding companies through capital raises, and assisting in identifying and executing upon strategic opportunities.