Littlejohn & Co., a private investment firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, has announced a strategic partnership with GDS Associates, a consulting and advisory firm serving the U.S. electric utility industry. The collaboration is designed to support the next stage of growth for GDS and expand its capabilities as utilities confront major changes across the power grid.
The partnership will focus on expanding GDS’s technical expertise and pursuing complementary acquisitions to create a broader platform supporting utilities throughout the lifecycle of consulting, planning, engineering, and field services.
Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, GDS Associates has spent four decades providing consulting and engineering services to electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and investor owned utilities. The company employs approximately 200 professionals across several U.S. offices and is known for expertise in power supply planning, transmission and interconnection studies, load forecasting, and regulatory strategy.
GDS will continue to operate under the leadership of President David Brian and the current management team. The firm said the partnership will allow it to invest further in personnel, operational infrastructure, and expanded service offerings while maintaining the culture and client relationships that have defined the company over the years.
Industry demand for power infrastructure advisory services has increased as utilities address electrification, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and growing electricity needs from data centers. The partnership aims to position GDS to support utilities navigating these evolving challenges.
Financial advisory services for Littlejohn were provided by AEC Advisors through its registered broker dealer affiliate AEC Transaction Services and Environmental Financial Consulting Group. Legal counsel for Littlejohn was provided by Greenberg Traurig, with Kirkland & Ellis serving as debt financing counsel. Morrissey Goodale initiated the transaction and served as exclusive financial advisor to GDS, while Lawson & Weitzen provided legal assistance and Frazier & Deeter delivered accounting support to the company.
Founded in 1986, GDS Associates provides advisory and technical services across planning and analysis, rates and regulatory strategy, energy efficiency, and transmission and distribution engineering. Littlejohn & Co., which has more than 25 years of operational and sector experience, manages approximately $9.0 billion in regulatory assets under management and focuses on investing in middle market industrial and services companies.
KEY QUOTES
“The U.S. power grid is rapidly evolving due to demands from electrification, grid modernization, renewable integration, and surging data center growth. GDS has built a strong reputation supporting utilities through complex planning and decision-making processes. We are excited to partner with David and the talented team at GDS and support the business as they expand their capabilities and provide solutions to utilities nationwide.”
Michael Kaplan, Managing Director At Littlejohn & Co.
“Littlejohn shares our long-term perspective and commitment to serving utilities with independence, expertise, and integrity. This partnership provides additional resources to invest in our people, strengthen our operational infrastructure, and broaden the services we provide, while preserving the culture and relationships that have defined GDS.”
David Brian, President Of GDS Associates
“The strength of GDS lies in its people and the culture they have built over four decades. We are committed to supporting GDS in attracting and retaining outstanding professionals, delivering high-quality technical advice, and partnering with like-minded businesses that enhance and expand its service offerings.”
Charles Leung, Principal At Littlejohn & Co.
