Tiger Infrastructure Partners has completed a significant growth investment in ELM Utility Services, a United States-based provider of outsourced public utility locating services. The investment is described as transformational for the company and positions ELM to accelerate its already significant growth nationwide.
ELM Utility Services plays a key role in ensuring the safety and reliability of underground utility infrastructure. United States utilities are legally required to locate and mark underground assets before any excavation. Many utilities outsource this responsibility, and ELM has become one of the leading service providers in the sector with a strong reputation for accuracy, on-time performance, and safety.
The company has expanded substantially over the past 25 years. It now operates a fleet of more than 1,400 vehicles serving over sixty utilities across thirteen states in the western and central regions of the country. With Tiger Infrastructure’s backing, ELM plans to scale its operations nationally and strengthen its platform to meet rising industry demand.
Tiger Infrastructure manages investments in middle-market infrastructure businesses and focuses on sectors experiencing strong long-term demand drivers, including digital infrastructure, energy transition, and transportation. The firm expects its involvement to support ELM’s continued expansion, operational investment, and long-term strategic growth.
Following the transaction, founder Lee Graves retains a significant equity interest in the company. ELM will continue to be led by CEO Jim Bourazak and President Harley Hartman, who will maintain the company’s longstanding focus on service quality, operational discipline, and employee culture.
KEY QUOTES:
“ELM is a market leader with a reputation for operational excellence and a critical role in safeguarding our nation’s infrastructure. Underground utility infrastructure is growing every year, and utilities are increasingly focused on better service and better outcomes from their locating providers. We believe our transformational investment and business-building expertise will help accelerate ELM’s rapid growth.”
Emil Henry, Founder, CEO and CIO, Tiger Infrastructure Partners
“Tiger Infrastructure’s investment marks a significant milestone for ELM. Tiger Infrastructure’s expertise, resources and experience building middle market infrastructure businesses will help ELM expand its diverse asset base, enhance its human capital and optimize its capital structure to sustain long-term growth. ELM has a reputation for the highest level of service in the industry and Tiger Infrastructure enhances our position to expand our reach and continue to grow.”
Lee Graves, Founder and Long Time Owner, ELM Utility Services
