Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, a global investment management firm, in partnership with Broadwing Capital Management, a private equity firm focused on family- and founder-owned companies in the manufacturing and services sectors, announced a strategic growth investment in Upchurch Companies (“Upchurch”). Upchurch is a leading family-owned regional mechanical, electrical and plumbing (“MEP”) service provider.

This strategic investment will provide resources to help Upchurch drive innovative operational improvements, capture future growth opportunities and expand its footprint organically and via acquisitions. It will also further strengthen Upchurch’s position for future strategic partnership opportunities, both in existing and prospective markets. The Upchurch family will remain committed, involved and invested in the company’s day-to-day operations.

“After careful consideration and a review of our business, our family determined that partnering with Davidson Kempner and Broadwing – at this point in time – is the right decision for our company as we embark on the next phase of our growth,” said Robert Upchurch, president of Upchurch.

Broadwing co-founders Eliot Kerlin and Andrew Boisseau commented, “We identified Upchurch as part of our commercial facility services theme and immediately recognized that it is a special company. We’re thrilled to make Upchurch the second investment in Broadwing Capital Fund I LP, and we’re grateful that the Upchurch family trusts Broadwing and Davidson Kempner to build on the company’s strong legacy.”

Upchurch Vice President Mike Upchurch added, “As a multi-generational family-owned business, we remain committed to staying true to our heritage and maintaining the Upchurch way of doing business. We believe that Davidson Kempner and Broadwing share our vision and are the right partners to help us achieve our growth goals while sustaining our core values and company culture. We’re excited to have found financial partners that will help us to grow our business while respecting our heritage and local roots.”

Originally founded as Upchurch Plumbing, (UPI) in 1970 by Vennis Upchurch, UPI’s story began in the Delta region of Mississippi, where its early projects involved small commercial buildings, design build jobs, schools, hospitals and factories. In the decades since, Upchurch Companies has evolved into a comprehensive services business with different divisions providing mechanical, electrical and plumbing services across the southern region.

Horne Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Upchurch.