Sentinel Capital Partners Unloads ECM Industries for $1.1B

Middle market private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners has agreed to sell its portfolio company ECM Industries to nVent Electric in a $1.1 billion deal.

Headquartered in New Berlin, WI, ECM is a global manufacturer and supplier of electrical connectors, tools, and test instruments for construction, maintenance, lighting, irrigation, landscape supply and gas utility applications.

“It has been a privilege to work with Mike and the rest of the ECM management team for the second time after our successful previous investment in Power Products,” said John Van Sickle, a Sentinel Partner.

Sentinel’s previous investments in niche manufacturing and distribution businesses have included Chase Doors, Chromalox, Colson, Empire Auto Parts and Power Products.

Sentinel raised more than $5 billion across its latest flagship fundraise and its sophomore junior capital raise last December. The $4.3 billion Sentinel Capital Partners VII is double the size of the $2.15 billion sixth fund it raised in 2018.

Sentinel Junior Capital II, which closed on $835 million, also marked a significant jump compared with its predecessor, which raised $460 million at final close in 2019.