Harris Williams & Co. Advises on the Merger of Omega Environmental Technologies with Global Parts Distributors and Santech Industries

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Harris Williams & Co., a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide, announces the merger of Omega Environmental Technologies (Omega) with Global Parts Distributors (GPD) and Santech Industries (Santech), which were both previously owned by Global Temperature Control, LLC (GTC). GTC, a leading national distributor of automotive aftermarket air conditioning components, was a portfolio company of Owner Resource Group (ORG). River Associates Investments, LLC (River Associates) is the majority shareholder of Omega and ORG will be a minority investor in the company. Harris Williams & Co. acted as the exclusive advisor to GTC. The transaction closed on December 3, 2012 and was led by Patrick Hanraty, David Allebach and Alex Chadwick from the firm's Philadelphia office.

Collectively, the three companies offer the most complete line of automotive aftermarket air conditioning parts and radiators in the world. The combined companies have a strong national presence with ten strategically located facilities, and sell products in over 85 countries around the world. The three companies will continue to maintain separate distribution facilities and the executive management teams of each of the three companies will remain in their current positions. The headquarters for the combined companies will be in Irving, TX.

“GTC has established itself as an outstanding platform in the automotive aftermarket air conditioning sector, and its combination with Omega creates the clear leader in the niche, with unmatched product line breadth, sourcing capabilities, customer service and technical expertise. This transaction is a great outcome for all parties, and we look forward to the continued success of the combined businesses,” said Patrick Hanraty, a managing director at Harris Williams & Co.

Omega CEO Grace Davis stated, “I am excited we can now offer the Omega, GPD and Santech product lines to our customers around the world while at the same time striving to provide industry leading customer service. Our line of compressors, components, radiators, small parts and patented rapid seal kits allow us to be a one-stop shop for virtually all of our customers.”

GPD President Davey Montford added, “I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for Omega, and all of us at GPD and Santech are excited to be part of this dynamic group. These companies are an excellent fit from both a product offering and cultural standpoint, and we look forward to working together to provide unprecedented product coverage and customer service.”

With a legacy of more than 35 years, GTC is an established leader in the aftermarket air conditioning distribution segment and enjoys a position of scale, efficiency and brand strength. GTC is headquartered in Macon, GA.

Omega is a leading U.S. and international distributor of aftermarket automotive truck and off-road air conditioning products. The company is headquartered in Irving, TX.

ORG (www.orgroup.com) is an Austin, TX-based private investment firm. ORG makes investments that enable business owners and management teams to pursue their objectives and aligns its interests with management's to support the existing culture and the continued growth of the business. ORG invests in companies with greater than $10 million in revenue, long-term growth prospects and an existing, capable management team that is open to its value-added, collaborative approach.

Founded in 1989, River Associates (www.riverassociatesllc.com) is a Chattanooga, TN-based private equity partner for management teams in change-in-control transactions in lower-middle market companies. Target businesses can be privately held, private equity-backed or divestitures from larger companies. River Associates is opportunistic as to industry and has invested in numerous manufacturers, high margin distributors, industrial service, business service and select non-faddish retail. The firm is currently investing its sixth committed fund and seeks to make investments in companies with $30-$150 million in revenue throughout the United States and Canada. River Associates has completed over 70 transactions and its partners have collectively worked together for over 75 years.

Harris Williams & Co. (www.harriswilliams.com), a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC, is a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide. The firm has deep industry knowledge, global transaction expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Harris Williams & Co. provides sell-side and acquisition advisory, restructuring advisory, board advisory, private placements and capital markets advisory services.

Investment banking services are provided by Harris Williams LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Harris Williams & Co. is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd conduct business.

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