26North Partners LP (“26North”) today announced that its affiliates have signed a definitive agreement to acquire MEI Industrial Solutions (“MEI”), a scaled national provider of equipment execution services, from Olympus Partners.
MEI oversees the physical journey of heavy high-value equipment, from the manufacturer’s dock to its final placement on site. With 30 operating locations, 90 storage facilities, 10 million square feet of industrial storage and nearly 2,500 employees across the United States, the company serves customers running and developing some of the nation’s most technologically sophisticated operations.
“Whether it’s a transformer for an AI campus or a production line for Navy submarines, the equipment has to be stored, moved and installed safely and precisely,” said 26North Senior Partner and Head of Private Equity Mark Weinberg. “MEI has spent more than three decades delivering services where there is no margin for error. This investment reflects our approach of backing companies that form the backbone of fast-growing industries, and we believe our platform can help MEI extend its leadership.”
MEI’s crews set the power and cooling equipment inside hyperscale data centers, position precision tools in chip plants, install production lines in battery and pharmaceutical facilities, and move the heavy machinery behind aerospace, defense and space programs. Demand for that work is rising with the AI build-out, the push to reshore more manufacturing into the United States and the growing size and complexity of the equipment those projects require.
“MEI’s ability to deliver a truly differentiated, mission-critical service is rooted in its people: highly skilled riggers and technicians with the expertise to transport, install and operationalize some of the most complex systems across the country,” said 26North Private Equity Partner Derek Whang. “We’re thrilled to invest alongside management to deepen that talent base, expand MEI’s geographic reach and bring its specialized capabilities to an even broader set of customers.”
MEI’s long-tenured executive team is led by Chief Executive Officer Doug Dayton, who joined in 2023 after 16 years in president and CEO roles at PSI and Eurofins USA. During Dayton’s tenure, MEI has significantly grown its footprint, employee base and service offerings while maintaining an industry-leading safety record.
“Our customers are building bigger and faster, often in several states at once, and they want one company accountable for their equipment from the factory floor to the final set,” said Dayton. “That’s what our people deliver every day, with a safety record we’re proud of. 26North understands the industries we serve and the people who do this work, and that made it the right choice for our next chapter. We’re grateful to Olympus for its partnership.”
To support MEI’s next phase of growth, 26North’s Alpha Creation Team will collaborate with MEI’s leadership on investments in people, equipment and training, drawing on the firm’s broader network.
“Once MEI installs a piece of equipment, the relationship is just getting started,” said 26North Managing Director Neha Jatar. “As capacity needs climb and technology evolves, that equipment gets upgraded, retrofitted and relocated for years afterward, and customers call back the team that knows it best. That lasting relationship is a big part of why we were drawn to MEI.”
MEI will join 26North’s private equity portfolio, which includes ArchKey Solutions, AVI-SPL, Bruin Capital, Composition Brands, Intermedia Intelligent Communications, NEP Group and Onelife Fitness.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Advisors
Jefferies LLC is serving as financial advisor to 26North. Lazard is serving as financial advisor to MEI.
About 26North Partners LP
26North Partners LP is an integrated, multi-asset-class investment platform founded by Josh Harris in 2022. The firm manages approximately $38 billion across private equity, private credit, insurance and reinsurance strategies, bringing flexible capital solutions and distinct capabilities to the middle market.
26North Private Equity deploys capital across buyouts, carve-outs and structured equity. 26North Private Credit primarily invests in direct lending, private asset-backed finance and commercial real estate lending.
The firm’s insurance business serves clients with disciplined asset-liability management and access to proprietary, privately originated assets.
The 26North team brings decades of experience managing third-party capital to help clients achieve their financial goals while making a lasting impact on the communities in which they operate.
For more information, visit www.26n.com.
About MEI Industrial Solutions
MEI Industrial Solutions moves, stores and installs critical equipment for customers in the data center, semiconductor, EV and battery, aerospace and defense, life sciences and pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing markets. Its services include rigging, machinery moving and setting, storage and staging, crating and export packaging, and specialized logistics. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, MEI operates 30 locations across the United States. For more information, visit www.meiindustrialsolutions.com.
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