Baker Manufacturing Expands its Water Systems Division Through the Acquisition of the Pump Division of A.Y. McDonald

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Baker Manufacturing Company, LLC (“Baker”), an Evansville, WI-based portfolio company of Blue Sage Capital (“Blue Sage”), is pleased to announce its acquisition of the Pump Division of A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co (“A.Y. McDonald”). The acquisition will include A.Y. McDonald’s full pump product line, which includes its comprehensive portfolio of submersible pumps, booster pumps, jets, sump pumps, and pressure tanks for the residential and agricultural markets.

The transaction marks the first acquisition Baker has completed since partnering with Blue Sage in July 2022 and will serve to expand Baker’s Water Systems product offerings and market coverage.

"We are thrilled to bring A.Y. McDonald’s Pump Division into the Baker family,” said Don Wesdell, CEO and President of Baker. “A.Y. McDonald’s rich history and strong reputation in the industry will be a cornerstone of this transition, and we are committed to maximizing the legacy of their pump products while continuing to meet the needs of our valued customers.”

“This acquisition is a tremendous opportunity for Baker Manufacturing while allowing us to further enhance our focus on the water works, natural gas, and plumbing industries,” said Rob McDonald, CEO of A.Y. McDonald. “Baker Manufacturing is a trusted source with deep expertise in this market, and we are confident that they will continue to grow and enhance this pump division with the same dedication and quality our customers have come to expect.”

Jonathan Pearce, Partner at Blue Sage, noted, “The Pump Division of A.Y. McDonald will be an excellent strategic addition to the Baker platform and allows Baker to strengthen its extensive product portfolio and market share. With this acquisition, Baker continues to execute our strategic plan and demonstrates our ability to enhance market share within core competencies. We look forward to continuing to support the team in these initiatives.”

Blue Sage was represented in the transaction by Queen Saenz + Schutz PLLC (Legal), SCA Transaction Services (Financial), Cherry Bekaert (Tax), and USI (Insurance). TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners served as the financing partner on the transaction.

A.Y. McDonald was represented in the transaction by Stout Capital, LLC.

About Baker Manufacturing Company, LLC

Baker Manufacturing Company is a vertically integrated manufacturer of water well equipment and accessories for residential, industrial, municipal, and environmental applications that has been in operation for over 150 years. The Company also produces specialized rotary gear pumps, which are used in food equipment and other industrial applications, as well as ductile and gray iron castings.

About Blue Sage

Blue Sage Capital is an Austin, Texas-based private equity firm that has been investing in profitable and growing lower middle-market companies since 2002. Blue Sage seeks to partner with founders, families, and management teams as the first round of institutional capital for businesses that enjoy leadership positions in niche manufacturing, environmental solutions, or specialty services industries. Blue Sage typically invests $25 million to $60 million in control buyout investments and recapitalizations of companies with $25 million to $150 million of revenue.

About A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.

A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co., founded in 1856, is a manufacturer of water works, natural gas, and plumbing products with their headquarters, brass foundry, and manufacturing plant located in Dubuque, IA. Additional plant locations are in Albia, IA, and Elizabethton, TN.