MML backed Eastland Engineering Supplies acquired by Vallen Distribution

July, 2024

MML backed Eastland Engineering Supplies acquired by Vallen Distribution

MML Ireland has announced a successful exit from its investment in Eastland Engineering Supplies (EES), a leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) integrated supply chain service provider with a blue-chip client base to Vallen Distribution, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners. Specific terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

Headquartered in Dublin, EES was founded more than 30 years ago by Tommy and Catherine Hynes in a small shed. It has grown from sourcing and providing engineering spare parts and consumables to becoming the largest Irish-owned service provider for MRO programme supply chain and operations needs. It provides its services across c. 90 customer sites with operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Robert Keatinge, CEO of EES, said:

“We are really pleased to have announced this transaction. It is a strong validation of both our operating ethos and our international growth prospects. We wish to thank MML for its strong support for over the past nearly five years. Its investment really helped us put in place the foundations needed for that growth and we are seeing that pay off now. We are very excited to be joining with Vallen and believe our combined business will enable us to deliver an even stronger service offering to our customers.”

Neil McGowan, Partner and Co-Head of Investments with MML, added:

“EES exemplifies MML’s blueprint for strategic partnership investments, which emphasises a collaborative approach and shared values. It has been a pleasure to work with Robert, Fiachra and the whole management team and we thank Tommy and Catherine for trusting us as partners in the business. The Vallen deal comes at a great time for the business and we wish the whole team the best as they continue on their growth journey.”

Chuck Delph, CEO of Vallen, commented:

“EES is an outstanding supply chain service provider, and we are excited at the opportunity ahead for our combined company. This transaction further expands our operations in Europe and enables us to continue delivering premier solutions and innovations for our customers’ indirect spend and opens new opportunities for growth across several industries.”

Vallen Distribution is a provider of indirect industrial supply chain solutions, vendor managed inventory and technical services with offerings that include safety equipment inspection, maintenance, certification, and solution design. Since its founding in 1865, Vallen has focused on providing a value proposition rooted in technical product knowledge, deep experience with supply chain solutions, and excellent customer service.

EES shareholders were advised by Clearwater and Eversheds Sutherland LLP.