The Watermill Group announced the sale of Cooper Turner Beck (CTB), a global provider of safety-critical fastening solutions, to Waterland Private Equity, a European investment firm focused on scaling industrial businesses.
CTB designs, manufactures, and distributes high-performance fasteners used in demanding environments across sectors including energy, power generation, and construction. The company supplies major global customers that rely on specialized fastening systems engineered for safety-critical applications.
During Watermill Group’s ownership, CTB underwent a significant transformation marked by expansion, acquisitions, and global growth. The company increased its geographic presence from operations in three countries to eight, growing to 21 facilities worldwide. Over the same period, CTB more than doubled its workforce and strengthened its position as a leading supplier of safety-critical fastening systems for the global energy sector.
The company also expanded its product portfolio and customer base while increasing profitability and market share in recent quarters. According to the company, these improvements attracted strong interest from multiple potential buyers before the transaction with Waterland Private Equity was finalized.
Following the acquisition, CTB will enter a new phase of growth under Waterland’s ownership as the private equity firm looks to further expand the company’s global footprint and capabilities in industrial and energy markets.
Baird served as sell-side advisor for the transaction, while Jasso Lopez and CMS provided legal counsel to Watermill Group.
Watermill Group, a strategy-driven private investment firm based in Boston, has spent more than four decades acquiring and transforming companies through operational improvements, strategic repositioning, and international expansion. The firm said the sale reflects its continued focus on scaling market-leading businesses before transitioning them to new ownership for the next phase of growth.
KEY QUOTES
“Together with Watermill Group, we have concentrated our strategy on serving the total energy market through our organic developments and acquisitions. This approach resulted in us expanding our customer base, product portfolio and global footprint. This broader market strategy, driven by the dedication of our people, led to our increased profitability and growth.”
Anthony Brown, CEO Of Cooper Turner Beck
“We’re incredibly proud of the growth of Cooper Turner Beck during its tenure as part of the Watermill Group portfolio. This has been a true partnership with Anthony Brown and the team since day one as we shaped a vision, invested in the team, supported international expansion, and reinforced the company’s longstanding commitment to quality. We look forward to witnessing the company’s continued success with its new partner, Waterland.”
Steven Karol, Managing Partner At Watermill Group
