A trio of companies including Eldridge, Brightstar Capital Partners and the Claure Group have inked a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Australian-headquartered engineering firm Ausenco from Resource Capital Fund and other investors.
No financial terms have been disclosed.
Ausenco said its co-founder Zimi Meka will remain CEO, board member and investor in Ausenco.
Mike Burke, former chairman and CEO of AECOM, served as an advisor and partner to Eldridge and the buyer consortium; Burke is expected to join as chairman of Ausenco’s board of directors.
“We’ve always been about challenging what’s possible and delivering services sustainably and with integrity,” said Meka. “From permitting to closure, our people are finding better ways to plan projects, efficiently use resources, protect the environment, and deliver value to clients and communities. In Eldridge, Brightstar, and Claure Group we have partners that understand this ambition and our culture.”
Eldridge co-founders Todd Boehly, Tony Minella and Duncan Bagshaw added: “We invest in what people need and what people want – both qualities expressed in Ausenco’s activity the past three decades. Ausenco has worked around the world to deliver minerals critical to nearly every aspect of our lives and to the ongoing energy transition. We are excited to partner with a world-class management team to further enhance and diversify their service offerings.”
Brightstar founder and CEO Andrew Weinberg noted that Ausenco plays a vital role in facilitating the global transition to electrification and electric vehicles.
“Brightstar is confident that Ausenco is strategically positioned for future growth due to its impressive track record of performance, and the anticipated increased demand for metals and minerals that are essential to sustainable solutions,” he added.
Sources: www.ausenco.com, www.brightstarcp.com